Efforts are underway to enhance wildlife protection, thanks to the recommendations of the Human-Wildlife Coexistence Report. Council received an update on the status of the initiative, which was launched in 2017, after a technical working group produced a 2018 report on ways to reduce human-wildlife conflict in the Bow Valley.
The initiative was created after leaders in Parks Canada, Banff, Canmore, ID9 and the Province of Alberta committed to avoiding another tragic end to wildlife as experienced by Grizzly Bear 148.
Some 2019 highlights include:
- Second off-leash dog park analysis and pending construction (Habitat Security)
- Ongoing dialogue with Parks Canada regarding perimeter fencing at the Banff Recreation Grounds during redevelopment (Wildlife in Developed Areas)
- Over 200 children and adults participated in Town of Banff run sessions throughout 2019 that addressed issues related to human wildlife co-existence and prevention (e.g. “Learn to Camp”, “Bear Aware & Wildlife Safety”, Try It Mountain Biking & Cross Country Skiing, and the Newcomer Orientation Welcome). Bear spray education, safe food handling procedures and other prevention practices were all taught in these session (People Compliance)
- Launch of a communications and public education program for residents, through print, in-person and online media campaigns (People Compliance)
- Focussed off-leash dog monitoring / enforcement (People Compliance)Human Wildlife Coexistence in the Bow Valley
Reports: