At the Apr. 25 regular council meeting, Fernie City Council voted in favour of a bylaw amendment in regards to waste management. The amendment will require all garbage to be placed in garbage cans with lids for curbside pickup.
At the Apr. 11 Committee of the Whole meeting, council debated the issue of attractant management in relation to garbage enticing bears into the city. It was decided at that meeting that altering the bylaw to prohibit plastic bags would be a good first step and directed staff to make the appropriate amendments.
The bylaw amendment was moved by Councillor Dan McSkimming and seconded by Councillor Phil Iddon. It passed unopposed.
Under the new bylaw, residents will be required to place garage for curbside pickup in a non-corrosive or plastic container no larger than 75 liters. The garbage can cannot weigh more than 50 pounds when full and must be strong enough to withstand normal handling. The can must also have a watertight cover to contain the garbage. Garbage cannot be put on to the curb before 5 a.m. on collection days.
City Council is allowing for a grace period to educate residents on the bylaw changes and will start enforcement on May 31. Offenders may be subject to fines.