Living in the Bow Valley means we need to take extra care to keep wildlife alive and our human communities safe. We are doing our part as a municipality by taking leadership by launching an Implementation and Action Plan to provide a roadmap to improve Human-Wildlife Coexistence in our community.
The Human-Wildlife Coexistence Implementation and Action Plan
In March 2024, Council adopted the Town’s Human-Wildlife Coexistence Implementation and Action Plan which outlines a detailed list of actions that advance human-wildlife coexistence in Canmore that reflect the knowledge, input, and perspectives of the community.
In the development of this plan, we reviewed recent wildlife and human-wildlife conflict data and literature, worked with technical experts, and engaged the public to gather perspectives on actions the Town could take to improve human-wildlife coexistence.
The focus of the report mainly focuses on identifying and addressing gaps in Canmore's existing wildlife conflict management strategies. This approach is designed to create a sustainable balance between the Town's development and the region's rich wildlife to allow both people and wildlife to thrive over the long-term. The report recommends that the Town continue to address seven main areas:
- Remove fruit-bearing trees which act as food attractants for wildlife,
- Decrease the occurrence of off leash dogs that result in conflict with wildlife,
- Install wildlife exclusion fencing around recreational areas commonly used for grazing,
- Advocate for the integration of FireSmart strategies into surrounding forest management practices,
- Update the Town’s Community Standards Bylaw, Engineering Design and Construction Guidelines to be in alignment with fruit-bearing tree bylaws,
- Maintain or increase public education efforts relating to the above-mentioned projects, goals, and bylaws, and
- Maintain or increase meaningful incorporation and collaboration with Indigenous peoples and their systems of knowledge.