Residents and businesses can help prevent bear conflict and avoid a $500 fine by following the City’s garbage regulations:
SECURE garbage and food scraps in either a wildlife-resistant enclosure (e.g. garage or shed) or keep carts upright using the City’s wildlife-resistant cart lock.
SET OUT carts between 5:30-7:30 a.m. on collection day and re-secure carts by 7:00 p.m.
Properties without secure storage space for carts are required to use a City cart lock, or certified alternative, at all times except on collection day. Instructions for proper lock use are available at portcoquitlam.ca/lockitright.
Residents who would like to order a lock or request the additional third arm for added security, please contact Public Works at [email protected] or by phone at 604-927-5496.
Reduce Attractants On Your Property
The best protection against bears is to keep attractants out of reach:
- Store carts in a garage or secured area not accessible to wildlife.
- Freeze meat and strong-smelling food scraps and place them in the green cart on collection day.
- Store pet food indoors and feed pets inside.
- Clean barbecues after use; keep freezers indoors or locked up.
- Do not store strong-smelling garbage (e.g., diapers, grease) or scented containers/products outdoors.
- Harvest fruit, berries, and vegetables before or as they ripen; clean up fallen fruit.
- Remove bird feeders from April to November, or suspend them high and manage seed spill.
- Secure small animals (e.g., chickens, rabbits) and protect berry bushes.
Bears are food-driven, and common attractants include garbage, bird feeders and suet, fruit trees, and backyard animals. When bears access human food even once, they often return and can become habituated over time.
Be Cautious on the Trails
- Travel with someone else or in a group.
- Be alert in areas with limited visibility.
- Make noise (talk, clap, sing, or use a bear bell).
- Keep children close and dogs leashed.
- Watch for fresh bear signs (droppings, tracks, tree scratches, overturned rocks/logs).
- Never approach a bear; maintain at least 100 metres distance.
- Do not run. Stay calm, face the bear, and back away slowly while speaking in a low, calm voice.
Report unsecured wildlife attractants at portcoquitlam.ca/report, through the Sort & Report App or by calling 604-927-3111. If you witness an aggressive or threatening bear, or a conflict that threatens public safety, contact the BC Conservation Officer Service RAPP hotline (24 hours) at 1.877.952.7277 rapp.bc.ca.
For more information and resources, visit portcoquitlam.ca/bears or call 604.927.5496.
