COQUITLAM, B.C., Aug. 15, 2023 – Due to increased bear activity, effective immediately, food and garbage is temporarily not allowed in Hockaday Park, Galette Park and Karley Crescent at the Coquitlam River.
Bears are commonly seen throughout Coquitlam’s parks and trails, however there has been an increase in bear activity, and reports of bears accessing garbage, coolers and picnics in three Coquitlam Parks. While the City has been collecting garbage more frequently, it has not been a deterrent for these determined bears.
Bylaw officers have increased patrols to help enforce the new rules, and signage has been posted to advise the public of this change. The City is asking all park users and visitors to the areas along the Coquitlam River to not bring food into the area, and to pack out any garbage that they pack in.
To report wildlife attractants, improper storage of attractants or wildlife accessing attractants, call the City of Coquitlam at 604-927-3660 or email UrbanWildlife@coquitlam.ca. To report a conflict with wildlife that threatens public safety or causes property damage, call the Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-952-7277.
Media contact:
Caresse Selk
Manager Environment
604-927-3500
UrbanWildlife@coquitlam.ca
We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-kwuh-tlum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the sq̓əc̓iy̓aɁɬ təməxʷ (Katzie), and other Coast Salish Peoples.