"Livestock" includes chickens, goats, pigs, turkeys, ducks, geese and rabbits.

"Refuse" means any discarded or abandoned food, grease, substance, material or other object.

Minimizing Wildlife Interactions

Q: What is "Dangerous Wildlife"?

"Dangerous Wildlife" means a bear, cougar, coyote, wolf or any animal prescribed as such under the Province of British Columbia’s Wildlife Act .

Q: What is a "Wildlife Resistant Container"?

"Wildlife Resistant Container" means a refuse container that is sufficient to accommodate normal uses of the property, is designed to discourage and prevent wildlife access, and has a sturdy cover capable of being completely closed and secured with a latch or locking device.

Q: What is a "Wildlife Resistant Enclosure"?

"Wildlife Resistant Enclosure" means a fully enclosed structure having four sides, a roof, doors, and a locking device, including a garage or shed, designed to discourage and prevent wildlife access.

Living With Wildlife

Living in the District of Tofino means sharing our natural surroundings with diverse wildlife, including bears, cougars, & wolves. While these animals are an integral part of our ecosystem, it is crucial to minimize interactions to ensure both human safety and wildlife conservation.

The District of Tofino's Wildlife Attractant Bylaw aims to prevent garbage and other materials from becoming wildlife attractants.

This page provides residents & businesses with essential information and tips on coexisting peacefully with our wildlife neighbours.

Tips To Reduce Interactions With Wildlife

The following are requirements of residents & businesses based on the Wildlife Attractant Bylaw, which will help to minimize human-wildlife interactions.

Residential Container Use/Storage Commercial Container Use/Storage Managing Attractants

Residential Container Use/Storage

Every resident must adhere to the following requirements regarding the use & storage of Wildlife Resistant Containers, as outlined in the Wildlife Attractant Bylaw.

Set out containers for collection on the designated day between 6 & 8 AM.
Only leave containers unlocked on the designated collection day between 6 AM & 10 PM.
Remove containers from the collection location by 10 PM on the designated collection day.
Keep containers locked and secured at all times (except on designated collection days between 6 AM & 10 PM) to prevent wildlife from dragging or moving the container.
Keep any Wildlife Resistant Enclosures closed & locked when refuse is not being deposited or emptied.
If the cart is damaged, contact the ACRD Sort'nGo program immediately for repairs.
If a Wildlife Resistant Enclosure is damaged, it must be repaired within 5 business days of the damage or within 5 business days of notification.

Learn how to properly secure your carts by watching the video below or reviewing this document.

Commercial Container Use/Storage

Every commercial business or property owner must adhere to the following requirements regarding Commercial Refuse Container use & storage outlined in the Wildlife Attractant Bylaw.

Containers must be a size that is suitable for the amount of refuse generated on the property.
Containers must be closed and locked when refuse is not being deposited or emptied.
Containers must be in good, workable condition and in good repair.
If a container is damaged, the owner or occupier of the property must ensure it is repaired within 5 business days of the damage occurring or within 5 business days of being notified.

Managing Attractants

Every owner or occupier of property must follow the requirements below as listed in the Wildlife Attractant Bylaw.

Store all food, pet food, and livestock feed indoors or in wildlife-resistant containers.
Never feed domestic animals or wildlife in a manner that is likely to attract Dangerous Wildlife or Deer.
Ensure compost bins are adequately maintained and inaccessible to wildlife.
Clean barbecue grills and tools after each use and store them in a secure area.
Pick up fallen fruit from trees regularly.
Suspend bird feeders on cables inaccessible to wildlife, and clean up spilled seeds.
Do not provide food to songbirds between April & November, except food supplied by liquid feeders.
Use electric fencing where necessary to protect gardens, beehives, and livestock.
Any refrigerator, freezer, or storage container located outside must not contain a Wildlife Attractant.
All grease, antifreeze, paint, or petroleum products must be inaccessible to domestic animals and wildlife.
Chickens, Bees and beehives are kept in a manner not to attract Dangerous Wildlife, are reasonably inaccessible to Dangerous Wildlife, and must be enclosed by an electric fence.
All home food delivery items left outdoors must be stored so as not to attract Dangerous Wildlife.

Video: How To Secure & Store Your Wildlife Resistant Container

Play Video

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a "Wildlife Attractant"?

"Wildlife Attractant" means any substance or material, with or without an odour, which attracts or is likely to attract Dangerous Wildlife or Deer; which includes:

(a) food or other ingestible products, whether intended for humans, animals, or birds;

(b) grease, oil, antifreeze, paint, unclean barbecues, pet food, livestock and livestock feed;

(d) fruit - in containers or fallen from trees.

What is "Dangerous Wildlife"?

What is "Livestock"?

What is "Refuse"?

What is a "Wildlife Resistant Container"?

What is a "Wildlife Resistant Enclosure"?

Contact

Report wildlife sightings and/or interactions to the BC Conservation Officer Service.

1-877-952-7277 (RAPP)

District of Tofino Bylaw Department

250-266-1674 (On Duty)
Email

Minimizing Wildlife Interactions

Public Services

Living With Wildlife

Tips To Reduce Interactions With Wildlife

Video: How To Secure & Store Your Wildlife Resistant Container

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact

Quick links