Last year, ten black bears were killed by Conservation Services in Lake Cowichan alone. Dwelling at the heart of such a naturally abundant location, it is deeply saddening to witness the avoidable loss of these magnificent creatures. 

This petition calls for the Town of Lake Cowichan to provide bearproof and/or bear-resistant public trash cans throughout our town core and within all local parks. We strongly believe this to be a humane, sensible, and forward-thinking response to the escalating bear activity in our community. Statistics indicate that improper waste management often lures wildlife into residential areas, increasing human-wildlife conflicts (British Columbia Conservation Foundation). We predict that adopting such measures could significantly reduce these interactions and in turn protect our local bear population.

It is high time the Lake Cowichan Town Council and the Town Administrator address this urgent issue. Please sign this petition to help us pressure the town for the necessary changes in our community.