Dear Editor:
Re: Fate of Backyard Chickens Rests with Public, April 16 news story.
I am concerned about council’s decision about a coming public hearing. For five years or so many voices, letters, applications and ideas were brought to the council’s attention and sessions.
The final vote expected April 10 did not happen as a “confusion” occurred, as you wrote. The North Shore Black Bear Society’s education co-ordinator Christine Miller told District of North Vancouver council some essentials for the society’s support. These “essentials” were not in the bylaw given first reading. This seemed to be the motor for the decision of council to hold a public hearing.
Raising chickens does not attract black bears. What attracts them is chicken food – like bird food, fruits, garbage, etc.
Our bears are focusing on a quick meal. There is no absolute bear-safe chicken coop. Mandatory inspections would not create them. Fees will not create them.
Fines will not create them. What creates them is the knowledge and responsibility of our community. Control the chicken food like garbage, keep it safe, lock it and yes, build solid coops.
There is an estimated 120,000 to 160,000 black bear population in B.C. About 1,000 killed every year by authorized persons. It seems to me that our community should be very proud of reducing bear fatalities – given these numbers are available to all of us.
My concerns go further. A public hearing might have been a momentary, if not diplomatic, solution. It is not for the people involved. New aspects are not expected.
The pro 226 majority against the contra 63 minority will not change substantially. Pro and contra might end up in very uncomfortable areas. Who needs that?
Another concern (arises from wording in the Local Government Act). It says: when the public hearing is over, councillors must vote.
So there is only another delay of the whole matter as it seems. It is my opinion, given all facts carefully considered, this is not the way this council is supposed to work. It is not the way democracy is supported to work.
Wolf Leopold
North Vancouver
What are your thoughts? Send us a letter via email by clicking here or post a comment below.
