Editor's note: The following letter is in response to the article, “Waste bylaw in effect March 31.”
The suggestion in the article and the list are enough to make a bear throw up.
A few observations:
-Keep your garbage in the house or a shed at 40 C? Where is the health department?
-Take the children to a land fill? Where is child and social services?
-Freeze smelly foods? Let's cut to the chase — How about just getting our garbage picked up and taken away in a reasonably unrestricted scheduled manner. My fridge is not a regional garbage can. I pay taxes to the city to deliver it to an appropriate place in a timely manner.
-As far as the bear intrusions into our communities: We also pay considerable sums of cash to the Ontario Government. Where is our Ministry of Natural Resources assistance in relationship to protection from potentially dangerous wild animals?
-Why should our municipal taxes go to our local cops to chase bears around the neighbourhood while some thief or drug dealer is also threatening general security and public safety?
Take note, even if we could take garbage totally out of the equation, the minute we cook food, we are attracting bears. When you turn on your oven vent fan or open the windows, you have invited the bears.
Your activity in the kitchen ventilates throughout the neighbourhood. You are a potential target. Contrary to some opinions, it is not your fault. Standard doors might deter. Windows are handy. That sliding patio door, a cinch.
They might just pop in to lick your countertop. Your garden is another attractant. Do not be surprised by a visit. It is not unusual.
If you run into problems, just call our Bear “Unwise” folds. This will guarantee that you don't get any help. There is no political will to do otherwise. Reality check: Too many bears, not enough natural food. They are starving and desperate.
Allan Senter
Azilda