The local non-profit organization Sun Peaks Bear Aware (SPBA) recently partnered with property management company Bear Country to launch an education program on how to coexist peacefully and safely with the bears that roam the Sun Peaks area.
Part owner of Bear Country, Sabrina Koch has been happy with SPBA’s help educating her staff and guests, acknowledging their higher level of knowledge on the topic and ability to answer questions she potentially may not be able to.
A company that rents 170 privately-owned rooms at Nancy Greene’s Cahilty Lodge, as well as condos, vacation homes and townhouses throughout the village, having Bear Country on board has been beneficial to SPBA.
Working with a property management company gives them access to all their guests, one of the founding directors on the board for SPBA Irene Kastner said, which was a large part of their first initiative with this project, wanting to spread their bear aware message as broadly as possible
The next step was ensuring responsible garbage management, which Bear Country was fortunately already implementing.
On Aug.7, the final stage of SPBA’s education program took place with an informational presentation for Bear Country staff.
Though knowledge gained from the session will be particularly valuable for staff out and about around the village condos, doing hot tub maintenance and cleaning, front desk staff will also be informed in order to answer questions from guests.
In the future Kastner hopes more businesses will get involved and run a similar program with anyone who’s interested, saying they welcome any businesses to contact them.
Sun Peaks Bear Aware education initiatives
Last summer, the project began with putting together Sun Peaks Bear Aware information to be highlighted on the Bear Country website and app, for renters of hotel rooms as well as condos.
They also incorporated informative messages on the TV screens in guest rooms. Geared towards tourists and updated with each season, this currently includes advice on what to do when you spot a bear on a hike.
This information is provided in more detail online, along with contact details.
Steps two and three followed this, regarding proper garbage management and educating Bear Country staff.
“Most important for the condos, of course, is the garbage issue,” Kastner said, explaining guests tend to stay longer at these locations and therefore produce more garbage.
Bear Country already had a policy in place that garbage is kept inside and collected by staff on two designated days in the winter, and following a schedule during the summer. They also tell guests not to leave any bear attractant outside, such as pet food or barbecues that haven’t been cleaned.
During the staff information session, garbage management was one of the topics covered, along with what to do when you encounter a bear, what to do to avoid a close encounter and the damage bears can do to property.
“Lots of our team, they don’t come from countries that have bears, so for them, it’s a whole new wildlife situation,” Koch said.
Though there have been encounters with bears during hot tub maintenance around the condos, Koch said her staff learning tips for self protection also made them feel more comfortable outside of work hours, going on hikes and experiencing the mountain life in Sun Peaks.
A big lesson is to always be aware of your surroundings and prepared for an encounter, to ensure you don’t surprise the bear, Kastner explained.
About 80 per cent of Bear Country staff were able to attend this session, Koch said, mainly composed of condo staff, who spend the most time outside.
Bear Country, like many Sun Peaks businesses, has a lot of seasonal staff, meaning constant turnover.
“That education never stops,” Koch said, open to continuing having Bear Aware help educate. “It has to keep going.”
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