Black bears not only have a personal significance for me, they are crucial for the recovery and vitality of Rose Valley Regional Park. They play an important role in maintaining the health of our forest ecosystems by dispersing seeds, creating shelters for other wildlife and keeping deer and elk populations in balance.

Black bears in so called british columbia are facing numerous threats. These threats are a direct result of the actions of Rose Valley residents and the City of West Kelowna's negligence in enforcing their own Waste Management Bylaw.

Residents of Rose Valley are attracting Black bear populations by the mismanagement of garbage waste and this negligence is leading to the increased wildlife exposure. 

In 2022, West Kelowna was named one of the Top Eight Deadliest Communities for Black Bears according to the wildlife advocacy group, The Association for the Protection of Fur-Bearing Animals.

Under Section 2.2.3 of the City of West Kelowna’s Solid Waste Management Bylaw 0065, residents must only put out garbage, yard waste and recyclables between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on the day of collection.

These bylaw violations are an offence under the BC Wildlife Act section 33.1 to attract dangerous animals (bears, wolves, cougars and coyotes).  

The City of West Kelowna needs to do more to enforce their bylaws.

This is not the only threat the Black bears are facing. There is a larger crisis at hand, the destruction of their habitat in Rose Valley Regional Park after last years devastating McDougall Creek Fire. It is estimated that 13,500 hectares (33,000 acres) of wildlife habitat were destroyed by the fire. 

The City of West Kelowna and the Government of Canada have taken little to no action in response to the habitat loss. Rose Valley Park remains behind a fence with signage warning trespassers they will be fined for entering. 

Habitat destruction has resulted in an alarming decline in Black bear population. It is estimated that there are currently only 14,000 to 25,000 Black bears in the province, a significant drop compared to the last few decades (British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, 2020).

This situation is not only devastating to our beloved bears, but also to the biodiversity of our province. These Black bears are essential in the recovery and rehabilitation of the forest. If we continue on this path, it won't be long before we start noticing the negative implications in our environment due to their absence. 

Therefore, we urge the government to implement immediate conservation measures to ensure the survival of these magnificent creatures.

Preservation of their habitats, implementation of strict Waste Management regulations, enforcement bylaws and educating the public about co-existing with bears.

We are calling on the Mayor of West Kelowna and City Council to assist their communities in implementing the Bear Smart Community Program. Under the program residents can reduce the risk of encounters through the use of certified bear-resistant bins. (wildsafebc.com)

Stand with us today for the protection and survival of our Black bears. Your signature can change their fate. Let's protect Rose Valley Regional Park and other habitats from the threat of losing their guardian creatures. Sign this petition now!