LETTER: Ball field garbage problem could be solved by bear-proof bins

SooToday received the following letter addressed to City Council regarding garbage being strewn across the lawn at Sinclair Yards and a possible solution.

Good evening Mr. Shoemaker, and councillors;

I am a Ward 1 resident whom travels Black Road to the hospital daily for work. I am beginning to notice a very preventable trend. Garbage scattered across the lawn in multiple locations nearly every morning at Sinclair Yard (735 Black Rd).

My question is, why is this happening? Why haven’t these cans been replaced by bear proof garbage bins? Why am I seeing this nearly every morning on my way to work?

I think the cost of replacing the existing cans with bear proof garbage cans will save the city the cost of sending someone out daily to clean the scattered garbage, and maybe prevent the bears from showing up during sports activities looking for an easy snack. (I have viewed a video on Facebook showing a bear in Strathclair Park at the beginning of the soccer season, with many children members present, the bear being chased down by a truck through the field)

This seems like an easy solution, and one that I think will be well received from the community.

My understanding is that this is a city owned property, leased to the Soo Minor Baseball Association, and believe the city should acquire this cost to change.

Please consider this recommendation for change as a positive, and feel free to contact me to discuss further.

Best regards,

Brittney Lapish
Sault Ste Marie