Canmore Expands Incentive Program for Fruit Tree Removal

Residents of Canmore, Canada, will soon have the opportunity to receive funding for the removal of fruit-bearing trees from their properties. The Town of Canmore, in collaboration with the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley and financial backing from the G7, has announced an expansion of its Fruit Tree Removal Incentive program. This initiative aims to mitigate human-wildlife conflict, particularly reducing bear encounters in the region.

Mayor Sean Krausert emphasized the importance of this program in a recent news release, stating, “Removing fruit trees from private and public lands is one of the key recommendations identified in the Human Wildlife Coexistence Implementation and Action Plan.” The mayor reiterated the town’s commitment to enhancing safety for both residents and wildlife.

The Fruit Tree Removal Incentive program, originally launched in 2019, was designed to address the increasing number of bears entering residential areas in search of food during late summer and fall. Once bears become accustomed to human food sources, they often return with greater boldness, leading to potential relocation or euthanization.

Under the expanded program, homeowners and property owners in Canmore can apply for full reimbursement of the pre-tax costs associated with removing fruit-bearing trees. The reimbursement is capped at $500 for residential properties and $1,000 for condominiums and commercial sites that remove five or more trees. Additionally, similar funding is available for planting non-fruit-bearing replacements.

Funding for the program is limited, and residents are encouraged to act swiftly, as the financial support is guaranteed only for the 2025 season. “With the added support from the G7 and strong local partnerships, the 2025 program will not only reduce conflict with wildlife but also build lasting community awareness and a stronger culture of coexistence in the Bow Valley,” noted Gareth Thompson, executive director of the Biosphere Institute of the Bow Valley.

For those interested in participating in the program, further details and application instructions can be found on the Town of Canmore’s official website at canmore.ca/incentives. This initiative represents a significant local effort to foster safer interactions between residents and wildlife in the beautiful surroundings of the Bow Valley.