Outdoor Safety

Have fun enjoying outdoor leisure opportunities in Kitimat by reviewing safety guidelines for the area.

Bear aware

Be safe by being bear aware when you participate in the outdoor leisure activities in the District of Kitimat.

Tips on being bear aware
  • Usually the bear will be long gone before you decide what to do.
  • If the bear is with a cub, it doesn't want you around. Clear out!
  • Beware of ripening berry patches and streams which contain spawning salmon.
  • Stand by a tree ready to climb. Remember that black bears, the most common, are capable of climbing. If no tree is near, slowly crouch or disappear quietly, slowly backing away.
  • If the bear runs towards you, it is probably just trying to see what you are. Stand up so that it can get a good look at you and it will likely stop a few yards away to identify you and then retreat. If it doesn't stop, drop down and play dead.
  • Don't encourage bears.
  • Think twice about taking your dog into a bear area.
  • Never feed a bear. Ever! Remove all traces of food and garbage.
  • Always place garbage in dumpsters provided.
  • Use noisemakers such as bells and whistles, or sing out loud.

Report a bear

Report encounters with bears to conservation officers by calling 1-877-952-7277 or #7277 on the Telus mobility network.

Boating safety

The District of Kitimat and Leisure Services Department is proud to promote boating and water safety in our community. Know the rules of boating and stay safe in the water. Visit Transport Canada for more information.

Boating License

All operators of recreational powerboats in Canada now require a Pleasure Craft Operator Card, commonly known as a Canadian Boating License. Boaters caught without an Operator Card risk a minimum $250.00 fine.

BOATsmart!® educates and certifies boaters for their Pleasure Craft Operator Card. Our mission is to promote a safe, enjoyable and environmentally friendly use of Canada's waterways. Take the official exam online and obtain your Pleasure Craft Operator Card, commonly referred to as a Canadian Boating License. Once obtained, the official BOATsmart!® Operator Card is good for life.

Boating Restrictions for Youth

Boat operators under the age of 16 must also comply with other requirements. Restrictions are imposed on the horsepower (hp) (or kilowatt (kW)) capacity of the motor of the boat they wish to operate.

Wear a Lifejacket or Personal Flotation Device (PFDs)

You are required by law to have a lifejacket or PFD (Personal Flotation Device) on board for each person on a watercraft. This includes human-powered craft.

For more detailed information visit Transport Canada.

Fireworks

When can I buy fireworks in Kitimat?

  • December 24 - December 31
  • June 22 - July 1
  • October 24 - October 31

When can I set off fireworks in Kitimat?

  • December 31 - 2:00am January 1
  • July 1
  • October 31

For more information review the District of Kitimat fireworks pamphlet.

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