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Homes in Draper, Gregoire Lake Estates, Anzac and certain streets in Fort McMurray will receive bins this year.
Over 1,400 bear-resistant garbage bins are being provided to all homes in Draper, Gregoire Lake Estates and Anzac that receive Municipal curbside collection services. Certain streets in Fort McMurray that experience the highest number of bear encounters will also be receiving bins this year.
Bear-resistant garbage bins will roll-out in phases beginning this month. Find information about the bins, including an instructional how-to video at rmwb.ca/bearbins.
If anyone has an issue using their bear-resistant bin or if it’s not working properly, please do not try to fix the problem. Contact Pulse at 780-743-7000 or 1-800-973-9663 and staff will assist.
Phase 1 – Draper, Gregoire Lake Estates, Anzac
Starting Sept. 13, one bear-resistant garbage bin will be provided to homes in Anzac, Gregoire Lake Estates and Draper. Bins will be delivered the day after each area’s regular collection day. For example, homes with a Friday collection day, will receive their new bear-resistant bin on Saturday. A notice will be provided to homes a week in advance of their scheduled delivery with more details and instructions on how to use the bear-resistant bin.
Residents receiving bear-resistant bins must ensure both their old summer and winter curbside collection garbage bins are emptied and accessible on the street the same day their new bin is delivered as crews will be removing them. There will no longer be separate summer and winter curbside collection garbage bins for Draper, Gregoire Lake Estates and Anzac.
Phase 2 – Streets in Fort McMurray with the highest number of bear encounters
From Sept. to Dec., bear-resistant garbage bins will be provided to homes on streets in Fort McMurray with the highest number of bear encounters and 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.
Residents receiving bear-resistant bins must ensure their old curbside collection garbage bin is emptied and accessible on the street the same day their new bin is delivered, so that crews can remove them.
A notice will be provided to homes a week in advance of their scheduled delivery with more details and instructions on how to use the bear-resistant bin.
| Delivery begins | All homes on these streets |
|---|---|
| End of Sept. |
|
| Middle of Oct. |
|
| End of Oct. |
|
| Early Nov. |
|
| End of Nov. |
|
Phase 3 – Additional streets in Fort McMurray, pending budget approval
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.
Successful results from Saprae Creek Estates bear bin pilot project
In August 2023, around 300 bear-resistant bins were distributed to homes in Saprae Creek Estates. In response to a survey, 82% of respondents agreed that they were more comfortable leaving bins outside between collection days.
Be BearSmart
Bear encounters and sightings can happen in all communities within the region and bear-resistant curbside collection bins are just one way to reduce wildlife interactions. Be BearSmart at home by removing food sources such as collecting fruit from gardens quickly, cleaning the barbeque after use and not putting out birdfeeders in the summer.
To report a non-emergency bear sighting, call Alberta Fish and Wildlife at 780-743-7200 from Monday-Friday, between 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. If the non-emergency sighting is after business hours, please call the Report A Poacher hotline at 1-800-642-3800.
Find additional BearSmart information and resources at rmwb.ca/bearsmart
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