Spring Has Arrived. So Have These Canmore Rules

April marks a transition period in Canmore that goes beyond the change in weather. Several provisions in the Town’s Community Standards Bylaw either come into effect or become more actively enforced as wildlife returns and outdoor activity increases.

The changes are not new, but they are seasonal, and missing them can be costly.

Bird feeders prohibited as of April 1

Under Canmore’s Community Standards Bylaw, bird feeders are prohibited from April 1 to November 30. The restriction is tied to the return of bears and other wildlife to the valley.

The bylaw defines a wildlife attractant as “any substance that could reasonably be expected to attract wildlife,” including food, garbage, compost, and fruit.

In practice, bird seed falls squarely within that definition.

Enforcement follows a tiered structure:

• $250 for a first offence

• $500 for a second

• $1,000 for subsequent offences

Penalties increase significantly if wildlife is drawn to the attractant. If a bear accesses food left on a property, fines can rise to $1,000 for a first offence, $5,000 for a second and $10,000 for repeat violations.

Town officials have previously said the goal is to prevent wildlife from becoming food-conditioned, which increases the likelihood of aggressive encounters and often leads to animals being relocated or destroyed.

Wildlife attractant rules extend beyond bird feeders

The attractant provisions apply broadly and are not limited to intentional feeding.

Common violations include:

• Garbage or compost stored in a way that wildlife can access

• Pet food left outdoors

• Residue on barbecues

• Fruit left on trees or on the ground

The bylaw prohibits storing or handling attractants “in such a way that [they] are accessible to or may attract wildlife.”

That standard does not require an animal to be present. The potential to attract wildlife is sufficient for enforcement.

The Town has also restricted new planting of fruit-bearing trees and shrubs, including species such as crabapple and chokecherry, due to their role in attracting wildlife into residential areas.

Snow-clearing requirements remain in effect

Despite warming temperatures, winter maintenance rules continue to apply.

Property owners and occupants are required to clear snow and ice from adjacent sidewalks within 48 hours of accumulation.

If the work is not completed within that timeframe, the Town can arrange for removal and charge the cost to the property owner, along with a 10% administrative fee. Unpaid amounts can be added to the property tax roll.

Freeze-thaw conditions typical of early spring can create ice buildup, making this one of the more common enforcement issues during April.

Open door rule remains in effect for businesses

For commercial properties, a winter energy rule remains in place through most of April.

Businesses are not allowed to prop open exterior doors during colder months, a measure aimed at reducing energy loss. The restriction runs from the Tuesday after Thanksgiving until the last Friday in April, unless temperatures rise above 10°C based on the Environment Canada forecast for Canmore.

The rule does not prevent normal use of doors for customers entering and exiting, deliveries, or accessibility needs. It applies specifically to doors being held open for extended periods.

A seasonal shift in enforcement

While the Community Standards bylaw itself remains unchanged, April represents a shift in how several of its provisions are applied in practice.

For residents, the overlap can be easy to overlook. The consequences, however, are clearly defined.