HUDSON'S HOPE -- The District of Hudson’s Hope is proposing garbage collection bylaw changes that would see residents face fines for non-compliance.

In a staff report dated March 4th 2024, council carried a motion to amend the garbage collection bylaw first introduced in 2014.

The changes would see residents only allowed to put out garbage bins between 5:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. on collection day, and need to have them removed by 7:00 p.m. that same evening in a secured place inaccessible to wildlife.

A fine of $100 will be ticketed to the property owner for non-compliance.

Under amendments listed in the report, bylaw officers would also have the authority to enter onto private property to ensure compliance with the new rules.

In a phone call to CJDC TV, a Hudson’s Hope resident voiced his concern about the changes, saying that allowing authorities to come onto private property without permission infringes on his property rights and is an overstep.

Under the changes to the bylaw, obstructing the enforcement officer while conducting the non-compliance check will lead to a fine of $240.

The District says it is making the changes because wildlife, notably bears, are posing a threat to public safety in the area.

In August of 2023, Erich Schmidt of the Hudson's Hope RCMP said residents were not complying with requests to remove fruit trees that led to an increase in bear activity.

This led to  consultations with Brad Lacey of B.C. Conservation Services, who says he has worked with other municipalities on similar issues.

Lacey said that by enhancing bylaws-- it will compel residents to better maintain their properties, according to the report presented to council. 

Cpl. Schmidt says, in his experience, there has been difficulties getting residents to pay bylaw tickets in the past, and asked that a plan be put in place to enforce payment of tickets.

The District of Tumbler Ridge is the only other municipality in the region that imposes fines to deter wildlife through the proper storage and collection of garbage.

A full review of proposed bylaw changes is available on the District of Hudson’s Hope website.