Over 1,400 bear-resistant curbside collection garbage bins are being provided to all homes in Draper, Gregoire Lake Estates and Anzac. Certain streets in Fort McMurray that experience the highest number of bear sightings are also receiving bins this year.
Bear-resistant garbage bins will be provided to these homes in phases throughout fall 2024. Please check the schedule below for more information.
How do the bear-resistant bins work?
You can download the step-by-step process or watch a how to video
Download the guide Watch the video
What to do if you have a problem with your bin?
If you have a problem with your bin, please do not try to resolve it yourself - call PULSE at 780-743-7000 for assistance.
Certain streets in Fort McMurray
Bear-resistant garbage bins are being provided to homes on streets in Fort McMurray with the highest number of bear sightings, based on data from Alberta Fish and Wildlife. The bear-resistant bins will replace the current black curbside collection garbage bins on the streets listed below. The light blue and dark blue recycling bins will remain.
If you're receiving a bear-resistant bin, please ensure your old curbside collection garbage bin is emptied and accessible on the street the same day your new bin is delivered so crews can remove them.
There are minor delays in the scheduled deliveries of bear-resistant bins in Fort McMurray due to supplier capacity. Streets originally scheduled to receive their bins in September will now get their bins at the beginning of October and minor adjustments may be needed for other streets. Notices will be provided to homes ahead of delivery, with the date their new bin will be dropped off and more information.
| Delivery Begins | All homes on these streets |
|---|---|
| Beginning of Oct. *updated |
|
| Middle of Oct. |
|
| End of Oct. |
|
| Early Nov. |
|
| End of Nov. |
|
A request for additional bear-resistant bins will be brought forward to Council for approval during the 2025 budget process. If approved, bear-resistant bins will be provided to additional streets in Fort McMurray and distributed based on bear sighting data from Alberta Fish and Wildlife.
Draper, Gregoire Lake Estates and Anzac
Bear-resistant garbage bins have been delivered to all homes in Draper, Gregoire Lake Estates and Anzac that receive Municipal curbside collection services. If you live in these communities and your home was missed, please contact Pulse.
Results of Saprae Creek Pilot Project
A specific kind of bear-proof bin was provided to all homes in Saprae Creek in August 2023 as a pilot project. Residents were asked to take a short survey to share feedback on the pilot project. Here are the results of the survey:
- The majority of participants feel the new bear bin is easy to maneuver, find the latch easy to use and are satisfied with the bin’s durability.
- 82% of survey participants are more comfortable to leave their bin outside between collection days.
- Would you prefer to the previous system of having two collection bins for the summer and winter seasons?
- Yes - 12%
- No - 53%
- I don’t know - 33%
With the positive results of the pilot project, bear-proof bins will be provided to additional communities beginning Fall 2024.
BearSmart
Please remember that garbage bin management is only part of having good BearSmart habits. It is equally important to remove or manage other food sources on your property that are tempting to bears, such as fruit trees, bird feeders and pet food. Find BearSmart tips and more information at rmwb.ca/bearsmart.
If you have any questions, please contact PULSE at 780-743-7000