It’s time for mistletoe and holly — just not in Port Moody’s parks or along its trails.
Once again the city is trying to discourage guerrilla decorating of random trees and bushes in natural environs like Bert Flint Park by offering a designated space in Pioneer Memorial Park (275 Knowle St.) for festive inclinations.
Port Moody Mayor Meghan Lahti said hanging random decorations, like tinsel or glass balls, in the wild can cause harm to animals and the environment.
But providing potted trees at a designated space still allows residents to express themselves and share the spirit of community and the season.
“We welcome you to have fun decorating with eco-friendly materials,” said Lahti in a news release, adding the decorations will be left in place until Feb. 14, 2025.
In July, 2023, the city adopted a policy prohibiting decorations in natural locations after such ad hoc efforts in Bert Flinn Park were creating an environmental threat to the habitat and its resident animals.
A report to council said the trend of decorating in the wild started in 2016 but became much more widespread during the COVID-19 pandemic.
But, said the report, some of the materials being used could persist in the environment or could become an attractant to animals. As well, people trampling off-trail to hang the decorations were possibly causing ecological damage.
The city is urging residents use natural or biodegradable materials like wood, twine, cork, fabric, stones, seashells or paper when crating their decorations to be hung in the designated space. Wooden beads, plush toys, salt dough sculptures and dried or fresh flowers also okay.
But manufactured items like styrofoam, glitter, netting, tinsel, plastic or balloons should be avoided, along with edible items like seeds, dog treats or candy.
“Despite even the best cleanup efforts, some of these materials can get left behind and persist for many years,” said the release.
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