Get a $100 fine for feeding pigeons

by Deborah Pfeiffer - Penticton - CASTANET Nov 6, 2013 / 1:11 pm

$500 USF

Only $100 CDN. 

People seen feeding pigeons can now potentially face a $100 fine in the city of Penticton. The council officially adopted an amendment to its Good Neighbour Bylaw this week that feeding the nuisance birds could result in the fine. "It is getting messier and messier downtown, and I think the pigeons can become a health issue in our city," said Councillor Helena Konanz. "They are like flying rats, and if it was rats we would capture and dispose of them." Staff suggested the amendment after receiving an increasing number of complaints regarding the feeding and roosting of the birds in the city. According to Councillor Wes Hopkin, one of the major locations was on Front Street at the back of a building facing the creek, but the problem basically occurs all over the city. What happens is the feeding of the birds on one property can adversely affect the enjoyment of neighbouring public places or properties. There is also no specific reference in city bylaws that makes reference to feeding or roosting of the birds on private property, according to staff. Hopkin said the city's bylaw officers are trained to not do enforcement with a heavy hand, with the fines being more in place for repeat offenders who keep feeding the birds.