Lynda Affleck rarely ventures far from her Charlottetown home due to her husband’s dementia, for whom she is a caregiver. Over the past three decades, the couple has found solace in feeding visiting birds on their property. However, this practice has now become a source of concern for Affleck.
She expressed her dismay with a new Charlottetown bylaw that regulates the feeding of wild birds, citing that she has been warned of potential fines for non-compliance. The recently approved bylaw, effective since July 14, mandates that city residents can only utilize elevated feeders for songbirds and hummingbirds. Large-scale seed spreading and feeding birds like crows, pigeons, and seagulls are prohibited.
Affleck’s encounter with city officials began two years ago when she was notified that her bird-feeding habits were causing disturbances among her neighbors. She indicated that officials have visited her residence multiple times, including a visit preceding the enactment of the new bylaw.
In response to ongoing concerns regarding excessive bird feeding leading to issues such as noise and property impacts, the City of Charlottetown clarified that the bylaw was implemented to address these issues without prohibiting the use of traditional bird feeders. Though no fines have been imposed thus far, penalties for bylaw violations are under review, with proposed fines ranging between $200 and $1,000.
Despite her efforts to comply with the revised regulations by installing permitted feeders, Affleck faces challenges due to her husband’s health condition, which affects his ability to recall instructions. She emphasized the personal connection she feels with the birds and the importance of this activity in her life, despite the regulatory constraints.