Invermere’s new garbage bins are not bear resistant; WildsafeBC

The District of Invermere (DOI) recently introduced an automated garbage collection system; new garbage containers were distributed with the new system.

The new bins are much more sturdy and an improvement compared to the variety of containers used previously. It is important to note that these containers are not bear-proof or bear-resistant. For a bin to be deemed bear-resistant, it undergoes a test in which a grizzly or black bear cannot access the bin for at minimum an hour. Since bears are incredibly smart, adaptive, and powerful animals, it is rare to find any fully bear-proof container.

For the community’s safety and the prevention of unnecessary wildlife fatalities, it is the residences’ responsibility that garbage is to be stored indoors until the morning of pick-up.

This aligns with the bylaw number 1426, which prohibits the feeding of deer and controlling of wildlife attractants.

Please see the following link to read more about living with wildlife: https://wildsafebc.com/learn/live/

Bring excess waste to the Invermere transfer station on Industrial road 1 in Athalmer or Columbia Valley Landfill located at 1884 Windermere Loop Road, open seven days a week.

Corinna Strauss, WildSafeBC Columbia Valley Community Coordinator.