City reminds Kamloops residents of changes to ‘Bear Smart’ bylaw

KAMLOOPS — The City of Kamloops is reminding residents of changes to its “Bear Smart” bylaw as temperatures drop.

In a news release issued Tuesday (Nov. 1) morning, the city states its Solid Waste and Recyclables Bylaw was amended after council approved the city-wide organic waste collection program in August.

To reduce the opportunity for human-bear conflict, the city now asks residents to ensure that solid waste carts are stored securely and made inaccessible to wildlife. This is in addition to carts not being placed at the curb earlier than 4:00 a.m. on collection day between April 1 and Nov. 30, and not collecting or storing wildlife attractants unless they’re stored in an enclosed structure or closed container.

The city says an infraction to the bylaw may result in a $100 fine.