Nelson city council clarified on Monday that one of the three cans currently being considered for replacement isn’t in their jurisdiction.
The problematic Stanley Street can, which is unsecured, warped and chained to a gate at the top of the hill, technically is the responsibility of the regional district.
“We’ve asked them to remove that one,” said city manager Kevin Cormack.
At last month’s meeting, council heard a presentation from WildSafe BC’s provincial coordinator Frank Ritcey.
He urged the city to replace, at the very least, the four cans they had identified. He said this would set a good example for other communities and for residents.
Some council members balked at the cost of the containers, which cost a thousand dollars a pop.
Cormack noted that Nelson already has bear proof containers in Davie Street Park and Gyro Park.
“We do have a number of bear proof containers in our parks where its more likely to be close to bears,” he said.
The three remaining cans reside in Lakeside Park, which hasn’t traditionally been a bear hot spot.
Council has directed staff to provide a report to council regarding the funding of bear proof commercial garbage containers.