City consults residents on proposed wildlife feeding bylaw
Close to 100 people attended a public meeting to hear a proposal from staff for a bylaw to ban feeding wildlife as a way to control the coyote population. Residents shared stories of sightings and encounters with coyotes and asked for the city to take action. Ministry of Natural Resources rules prevent culling or relocating coyotes more than 1km, so the feeding ban is proposed as an alternative, along with signage in areas where coyotes have been sighted advising what to do if you encounter one.
Residents expressed a range of views about a wildlife feeding ban, its effectiveness and enforceability, and some suggested other options, such as a bylaw around proper food storage. Food put out too early for garbage pickup can attract rodents which in turn attracts coyotes.
I will keep residents informed as this consultation continues. Staff will make a recommendation to council later in the year based on feedback. To see a powerpoint presentation from the public meeting visit:
