Sparwood Councillor Steve Kallies is calling for a closer look at the district’s garbage collection system amid concerns about bears getting into household waste.
Kallies brought the issue to council as a last-minute addition to the agenda, describing the way it arrived at council as “rather unorthodox.”
He said he wanted to get the conversation going and had been “losing sleep” thinking about the issue.
Speaking during Wednesday’s council meeting, Kallies said bear activity has generated significant concern in Sparwood Proper and the Heights.
Sparwood introduced curbside recycling in April, with garbage and recycling now collected on alternating weeks.
Kallies said the longer period between garbage pickups can result in more waste being stored at a residence, creating additional odour and opportunities for wildlife if garbage is not properly secured.
“I do not think we can tell residents that collection frequency can have no effect at all,” Kallies said. “It does affect how long garbage sits at a property.”
However, he cautioned against assuming the change is solely responsible for increased bear activity.
Kallies said council should consider asking staff to determine the additional annual cost of restoring weekly garbage collection while maintaining curbside recycling.
He also raised other options for future discussion, including reviewing the age and condition of the district’s garbage carts, determining whether more robust bear-resistant carts are available and considering strategically located bear-resistant communal bins for residents without a garage, shed or other secure place to store garbage.
Kallies said the district’s existing carts are bear-resistant, not bear-proof, and education about garbage storage should continue.
He also supported continuing the district’s graduated enforcement approach for residents who repeatedly or blatantly leave wildlife attractants accessible, while emphasizing education and practical assistance before enforcement.
Kallies said council does not control bear populations or direct the Conservation Officer Service, but the district can address its waste system, bylaws, municipal property, public education, attractant management and advocacy with provincial agencies.
He said he is not opposed to restoring weekly garbage collection but wants council to have better information about the cost and available alternatives before deciding.
“If we have proper information and we follow the correct approach, I will go out of my way to fight the fight,” Kallies said.
Kallies also called for a more respectful community discussion, saying residents should be able to disagree over garbage collection, recycling and wildlife management without attacking each other online.
“Sparwood is better served by evidence, practical solutions and respectful disagreement than by whoever can generate the loudest online pile-on,” Kallies said.
“We’ve all seen it on social media,” acting mayor Amy Cardozo said. “It’s definitely getting out of hand. It’s been said that the district is turning a blind eye and we’re doing nothing but that is not the case.”
Cardozo said she had asked for a report to be presented at the next council meeting in September and looked forward to seeing it.
Councillor Steve Atwal said he would also like more information about the district’s FoodCycler trial before council considers its next steps.
