Canmore now paying residents to replace fruit trees, not just remove them

The Town of Canmore is once again offering to reimburse residents who remove fruit trees from their property, but says it will now also cover the cost of a replacement tree.

Canmore launched its Fruit Tree Removal Incentive Program in 2019 in an effort to reduce bear encounters.

“Accessing fruit trees is the number one reason why bears in the Bow Valley are relocated or killed,” warned the city, said a Thursday news release.

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“Because bears are especially food-focused in the late summer and fall, they are more likely to take risks, like coming into towns and backyards in search of something to eat. When bears learn where to find food, they are likely to return with bolder, more aggressive behaviour. As a result, bears may be killed or relocated to protect people and their pets.”

On Thursday, the town announced a new incentive for program participants – thanks to the support of the G7.

“Ahead of the June summit, the G7 expressed interest in supporting sustainable options to reduce wildlife conflicts within Canmore, and worked with the Biosphere Institute to identify where the most significant gains could be made.”

Ambassadors from the Biosphere Institute found that residents were more likely to remove a fruit tree if they were also compensated for replacing it. 

As such, the Fruit Tree Removal Incentive program has been expanded to include financial support to cover the cost of replacement trees.

Property owners approved to participate in the program will be reimbursed for 100 per cent of the pre-tax cost of removing fruit trees or bushes up to $500 for a residential property – or $1,000 per condo association or commercial property (for removal of five or more trees).

They also be reimbursed for 100 per cent of the pre-tax cost to replace the removed trees with a non-fruit-bearing alternative up to $500 for a residential property – or $1,000 per condo association (for the replacement of five or more trees).

For more information or to apply for the initiative, you can visit the Town of Canmore’s website.