Municipal Response to Cougar Petition

Open Letter: Municipal Response to Cougar Petition
From Andrew Leonard, Mayor of Bowen Island

Bowen Island Municipality has received and reviewed the recent petition regarding the cougar that has been present on our island. I want to begin by affirming what I know is a shared concern: the safety and well-being of Bowen residents and visitors is of paramount importance.

At the same time, it is important for the community to understand the scope of municipal responsibility. Wildlife management, including decisions about relocation, tranquilization, or euthanasia, falls entirely under provincial jurisdiction. These matters are the responsibility of the BC Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) and the Ministry of Environment and Parks, not of municipal governments. Bowen Island Municipality does not have the legal authority, expertise, or resources to carry out these activities.

That said, our Council and staff have taken proactive steps within our jurisdiction. Over the past year, we have:

  • Maintained ongoing communication with the Conservation Officer Service, providing updates and receiving guidance.
  • Hosted the Conservation Officer at a Council meeting to ensure transparent dialogue with the community.
  • Supported resident awareness through signage, communications, and education efforts.
  • Formally passed a resolution to request a provincial response, based on community concerns previously raised.

We will continue to support our residents by keeping lines of communication open with the BCCOS, inviting them to speak directly with Council and community, and ensuring that information is shared promptly and clearly.

Residents who wish to see changes in provincial wildlife management policies or practices are encouraged to contact their elected provincial representatives, who hold the mandate to make such decisions:

I understand the concern and urgency behind the petition. However, it would be misleading to suggest that Bowen Island Municipality has more authority to act directly on this matter than it already has. We remain committed to doing all we can within our legislated powers to support resident safety, to advocate for clear provincial action where appropriate, and to ensure our community continues to be informed and engaged.

Sincerely,

Andrew Leonard (he/him)
Mayor, Bowen Island Municipality