Friday, July 19, 2013
Resolution 1 - Feeding animals and wildlife
Members recently received an Agenda, Minutes and Financial Statements for our upcoming Annual General Meeting. Tucked in the package is the following potential By-law:
By-law number 26 - Feeding Animals and Wildlife
"animal" means any member of the animal kingdom, other than a human.
"feed", in all of its forms, includes the regular or intermittent supply of food, means anything that can be consumed by an animal for sustenance, but does not include:
(a) vegetation or animals that are part of the natural environment such as grasses or insects; or
(b) compost kept in accordance with all applicable by-laws, statutes or regulations of the City of Ottawa and the Co-op's Bylaws;
"Officer" means a person appointed by the Co-op to enforce this By-law;
"premises" means the outdoor portion of the [Co-op] property
PROHIBITION
1. A person commits unlawful feeding of wildlife by intentionally, knowingly or recklessly feeding, attracting or otherwise enticing wildlife into an area of the premises.
2. No person shall feed or permit the feeding of any animal or wildlife.
(2) Despite section 2, a person may feed or permit the feeding of
(i) a bird, if the feed is in a squirrel proofed feeder.
(ii) there is no accumulation of bird feces;
(iii) there is no interference with the normal use or enjoyment of any other portion of the premises;
The Officer is authorized to administer and enforce this By-law.
Enforcement:
1. For the first violation the Co-op will issue a written warning.
2. For the second violation, the member will be issued a $25.00 fine.
3. For the third and subsequent violation, the member will be issued a $50.00 [fine] and a notice to appear before the Board of Directors.
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This potential By-law is accompanied by the following Ministry of Natural Resources ridiculous printout:
http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/FW/2ColumnSubPage/277348.html
We do have the occasional coyote roaming through the co-op, but this By-law is not aimed at foxes, deer or bears - it specifically relates to squirrels and the feeding of stray cats left behind by prominent ex-members of this co-op. And this is not aimed at members in general, it is meant to target one family.
Squirrel damage in our co-op has not been caused by members feeding them. Squirrel damage is caused by the NEGLECT of the co-op to do on-going maintenance - rotted window frames, decks, balconies, siding.
So, under this By-law, we are going to have PROHIBITION and an OFFICER appointed by the Board of Director. It will be no surprise to know who the Officer will be and who has most likely already been chosen to patrol our gated community.
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By-law #26?
ReplyDeleteDon't suppose there's any point in saying the obvious. Seems your co-op is more than a tad over-regulated. I suppose the more by-laws that are passed, the more the BOD and PM feel important and self-righteous.
If the by-law passes at your PM, it is legally binding as the fines w/b --- in theory. I've seen this at other co-ops where fine systems are intro'd as an "incentive" to do or not do certain things. Would it ever stand up in Court if someone was evicted over this? Uh, no. But that's not the point. Intimidation and control are the goals.
And since when are cats, birds or even squirrels considered "wildlife?"
If this by-law passes, members who let their cats roam outdoors should be fined as well, as those cats are prey to coyotes.
ReplyDeleteSquirrels like to eat plant bulbs. Members who plant gardens should also be fined.
I still say your co-op has lost their minds --- but that's not uncommon in the sector esp at ours.
ReplyDelete