Powell River residents will be able to weigh in soon on a future bylaw controlling things attracting wildlife in the city.
Council approved at the committee level yesterday (June 2) to get public feedback on the draft wildlife attractant bylaw.
The current laws only allow bylaw enforcement officers to act on pigeons, poultry, rabbits and how people put out their garbage.
The new law states people must not feed or attract all wildlife except for properly installed bird feeders on their property.
The bylaw also deals with maintenance of fruit frees, composting, greasy barbecue equipment and tools, outdoor fridges and freezers, other live domestic animals, bees and beehives and food delivery services who leave food at the door.
Councillor Rob Southcott says this bylaw would have saved a lot of time in the past.
“Perhaps if we would’ve had this wording back then it would have made the work of bylaw enforcement easier and also the staff time and council time taken by trying to sort out disputes between neighbours as to the results of not having clearer direction,” Southcott said.
Councillor Trina Isakson was also looking forward to the public engagement, hoping people who think about composting and feeding birds to give their opinion.
A couple of councillors also brought up concerns Tuesday about wildlife attractants when it comes to marine life, noting otters could be attracted by people improperly storing their garbage and other items, especially around Grief Point.
The city plans to take an education-first approach once the bylaw is passed.
