Skip to content

Banff considers stricter rules for construction bins

BANFF – The national park townsite is considering legislation requiring construction waste bins be wildlife-proof at all times.
25banff-702×483
According to Banff’s recently released 2018 community social assessment, lower wages and higher housing costs are the reasons this is considered the tourist town’s most significant social challenge.

BANFF – The national park townsite is considering legislation requiring construction waste bins be wildlife-proof at all times.

Proposed amendments to Banff’s waste bylaws are being drafted that could see construction bins have moveable covers permanently attached to prevent food being tossed in and attracting wildlife.

“Throwing in organic waste can be a problem,” said Tony Clark, the Town of Banff’s bylaw services supervisor.

“Ultimately, the cover would prevent having organic waste thrown into the bins, and if that happened, keeping animals out and making it less of an attractant.”

The Bow Valley human-wildlife coexistence committee, which released 28 recommendations aimed at reducing wildlife encounters, found a key challenge in preventing food conditioning of wildlife is consistency in securing wildlife attractants.

As a short-term measure, the taskforce recommended all construction waste bins be fitted with clear signage, including standardized symbols that would indicate no food waste is allowed.

The Town of Banff, however, is taking it a step further, looking at long-term workable solutions, including a requirement that construction bins be completely animal-proof at all times and the possibly of requiring high fencing around bins.

Councillor Corrie DiManno said she believes moving in this direction is a no-brainer.

“Honestly, I’m surprised that we haven’t had this discussion sooner,” she said.

Coun. Chip Olver said she wants to see the Town of Banff talk with developers and builders as part of preparation for the proposed bylaw amendments.

“I think if we can have them recognize the concern of contaminants and organics that maybe they will be our allies rather than enforcing something on them,” she said.

The Town of Banff has been in discussions with a small number construction waste bin suppliers.

“We are in active conversation with suppliers in this industry to understand what’s available and what could actually work,” said Town Manager Robert Earl.

“When we come back with bylaw amendments for council’s consideration, we will include their input.”

The Bow Valley human-wildlife coexistence round table was created in late 2017 in response to concerns about the number of encounters between humans and wildlife, and how those encounters were being managed by local, regional and national agencies.

It was the management of a particular female grizzly bear known as No. 148 and her movements over that summer that highlighted the challenges that wildlife face in a populated valley managed by different federal and provincial agencies.

push icon
Be the first to read breaking stories. Enable push notifications on your device. Disable anytime.
No thanks