OMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE - Oakville - environment... · Toronto Wildlife Centre and Michael...

REPORT COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE

MEETING DATE: NOVEMBER 13, 2012

FROM: Environmental Policy Department DATE: October 26, 2012 SUBJECT: Oakville Wildlife Strategy - Implementation Status Report LOCATION: Town Wide WARD: Town wide RECOMMENDATION:

1. That the Oakville Wildlife Strategy - Implementation Status Report from the Environmental Policy department, dated October 26, 2012, be received; and

2. That the continued implementation of the recommendations in the Oakville

Wildlife Strategy be supported. KEY FACTS: The following are key points for consideration with respect to this report:

• The draft Oakville Wildlife Strategy (OWLS) was endorsed by Council on June 20, 2011. OWLS provides a comprehensive overview of wildlife matters in the town with sections on roles and responsibilities, natural areas, dealing with conflict, biodiversity and recommendations;

• This is the first progress report. Since the previous Council report, the OWLS and Wildlife Conflict Protocols have been updated and a new policy section has been added;

• The OWLS and Wildlife Conflict Protocols now comprise the new Wildlife Procedure GEN-EN-001-005 (Appendix A) under the General Environmental Policy GEN-EN-001;

• Staff has implemented the actions outlined in the previous report to Community Services Committee dated May 26, 2011, and has successfully carried out a number of additional recommendations set out in the OWLS;

• Key areas to be addressed by staff in 2013 are a comprehensive species at risk strategy, a road ecology program and an invasive species strategy.

BACKGROUND: On December 5, 2005, Council endorsed the Town’s Environmental Strategic Plan (ESP). One of the key targets set out in the ESP was “to develop a Wildlife

COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE From: Environmental Policy Department Date: October 26, 2012 Subject: Oakville Wildlife Strategy - Implementation Status Report

Management Plan in order to maintain biodiversity” (Target 1.1.3). Council endorsed the draft OWLS and Wildlife Conflict Protocols on June 20, 2011. The Oakville Wildlife Strategy (OWLS) and Wildlife Conflict Protocols are intended to: • reduce conflict situations with wildlife; • provide a clear process for dealing with specific situations involving wildlife; • provide clarity of roles and responsibilities for both staff and the public; • conserve biodiversity; • educate staff and the public on living with wildlife; • propose recommendations for moving forward. These documents provide a baseline of information on wildlife in Oakville, including direction and procedures for staff to follow when dealing with wildlife situations in the town. The OWLS section “Recommendations for Future Consideration” provides direction for moving forward on initiatives to support further improvement to the town’s wildlife practices and biodiversity. COMMENT/OPTIONS: Since the OWLS was approved in 2011, staff has undertaken a number of actions to implement both the commitments outlined in the Community Services Committee report of May 26, 2011 and the recommendations under the strategy. The draft OWLS has been updated to reflect continued input and suggestions, current legislation and changes to species at risk regulations. In particular, a policy section has been added to the OWLS and the use of terms such as “nuisance” or “pest” has been removed to better reflect the intent of the strategy which promotes a “living with” wildlife approach. This is consistent with the Ministry of Natural Resources which has also recently adopted this language in its documents and messaging. The final OWLS and Wildlife Conflict Protocols are available online at www.oakville.ca/environment/wildlife-strategy.html and copies are available upon request from the Environmental Policy department. The OWLS has provided an opportunity for developing and enhancing partnerships within our community, including OakvilleGreen, the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Oakville and Milton Humane Society, the Oakville Horticultural Society and Conservation Halton. Details of these partnerships will be discussed later in this report. The strategy has also served to raise awareness of the town’s commitment to enhancing our natural environment. In June 2012, Conservation Halton presented the town with an Award of Excellence for leadership in biodiversity and environmental initiatives, highlighting the OWLS and conflict protocols. In 2012, staff was also asked to present on the town’s wildlife strategy at the “Living With Wildlife”

http://www.oakville.ca/environment/wildlife-strategy.html


conference in Toronto that drew over 120 attendees from government, academic, industry and community associations involved with wildlife issues. “Next Steps” Completed In the Community Services Committee report of May 26, 2011 staff presented the draft OWLS and a series of next steps to be completed. The following outlines the progress made on those steps. Development of a wildlife procedure under the General Environmental Policy The OWLS and Wildlife Conflict Protocols now form part of the “Wildlife Procedure EN-GEN-001-005” which is a procedure under the town’s General Environmental Policy EN-GEN-001. A copy of the new wildlife procedure is provided in Appendix A. Development of a wildlife speaker series To date, four wildlife speaker events have been hosted by the Environmental Policy Department. A coyote information session featuring Nathalie Karvonen of the Toronto Wildlife Centre and Michael Howie was held September 15, 2011. A second coyote information session featuring John Pisapio with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Michael Howie was held on January 31, 2012. A third coyote information event was held on June 20, 2012 featuring staff and Liz Benneian of OakvilleGreen; The fourth event “Managing Your Wild Neighbours” was held on October 16, 2012 and provided information on wildlife proofing your home and an update on the town’s annual Canada goose management program. With the exception of the third coyote evening, attendance was approximately 100 people plus per event. Feedback from residents has been very positive and more events are planned for 2013. Development of fact sheets A series of fact sheets has been developed on key issues and species of interest such as coyotes and how to select an ethical wildlife removal company. To date, staff has published three, and ten more will be available by year end. Copies of the fact sheets are available at town facilities and on the town’s website. Development of a wildlife section on the town’s website As part of the town’s website re-development, staff added a new section with a focus on wildlife and biodiversity. This section is one of the most visited areas of the environmental webpage and content is regularly updated with resources for the public. Distribution of key resources Copies of the OWLS, Wildlife Conflict Protocols and the Toronto Wildlife Centre’s “Answering the Call of the Wild” manuals have also been distributed to all branches


of the Oakville Public Library as a resource for residents. This package has also been provided to all town departments that may deal with wildlife. Fact sheets and other information resources have also distributed to the public through outreach events, school boards, displays at town facilities and upon request. Staff training Parks and Open Space and Roads and Works Operations field staff has been trained on coyote safety. In addition, a coyote safety module has been added to the Parks and Open Space summer student training program. Key staff has also participated in Species at risk training with the Ministry of Natural Resources. Incorporation of enhanced biodiversity and wildlife actions into ESP update The Environmental Strategic Plan (ESP) was updated and approved by Council on June 18, 2011. As part of the update, the actions set out in the recommendations of the OWLS were incorporated. This further strengthens the policy context for the town’s commitment to addressing wildlife and biodiversity matters. It also provides a context for wildlife within the town’s overall environmental strategy. This policy context and development of formal procedures supports corporate risk management by establishing processes to ensure compliance with applicable provincial and federal regulation regarding wildlife Coyote Management In addition to the next step commitments, staff also continues to address emerging issues. In 2011 and continuing into 2012, staff responded to growing community concerns over coyotes in the urban area. A memo was provided to Council on April 17, 2012 outlining the initiatives that the town and its partners were undertaking to address the situation. A copy of the memo is provided as Appendix B and updates are provided as follows:

• The coyote reporting system is being used by residents to report on coyote sightings and feeding issues. Parks and Open Space along with Environmental Policy and By-law Enforcement officers have responded to a number of incidents to address garbage and wildlife feeding issues. These have all been resolved amicably with successful results;

• Through the town’s partnership with OakvilleGreen, over 10,000 public, Catholic and private school students have been able to take part in an interactive presentation which provides science based information on coyotes and how to respond safely in an encounter;

• A total of 21 signs have been erected to warn residents when coyote activity has been observed in the area. These have been located based on reported areas of high coyote activity;


• Staff has received positive feedback on the coyote outreach and education strategies and has noted a significant decline in the number of calls and emails received from residents;

• There has been interest by other municipalities in using the Oakville-developed approach to address similar situations.

Progress on the OWLS Recommendations The OWLS provides a total of 10 recommendations with actions intended to provide direction on areas for further investigation and/or implementation. These efforts will strengthen the town’s commitment to supporting biodiversity, wildlife and natural areas management. A summary of progress for each recommendation is provided below: Recommendation 1: Wildlife education and outreach program Education has been shown to be the most important factor in preventing wildlife-human conflict situations. Public consultation during the development of the OWLS also indicated that this was respondents’ number one priority for the strategy. A comprehensive outreach and education program has been implemented to address this need and over the past year has included:

• Development of wildlife fact sheets made available at town facilities, online and through outreach events;

• Educational materials provided to libraries as reference materials, including the development of online reference resources;

• Development of a wildlife and biodiversity section on the town’s website; • Participation in the Halton EcoFest that featured a biodiversity theme. Staff

provided education materials on wildlife and biodiversity specific topics; • Participation in the Conservation Halton’s Forest Festival in October; • Development of a wildlife speaker series; • Promotion of Oakville’s biodiversity and natural areas through “Justin’s

Staycation”, a blog report on eco-tourism and an initiative of the GTA Clean Air Partnership http://cleanairpartnership.wordpress.com/2012/05/30/my-sustainable-day-cation-in-oakville-part-3-biodiversity-and-natural-areas/

Recommendation 2: Wildlife by-laws While education and outreach are generally the most effective ways to encourage desired behaviours, by-laws may sometimes be needed and/or helpful in putting a stronger emphasis on the importance of compliance.

• In March, 2012, the town amended its Parks By-law (1999-159) to prohibit the feeding of wildlife in public spaces. Feeding is a significant contributor to wildlife-human conflicts and can be harmful to wildlife in general;

• As part of an update to the town’s Animal By-law, fines were introduced for cats roaming off private property or not restrained. Cats are considered a

http://cleanairpartnership.wordpress.com/2012/05/30/my-sustainable-day-cation-in-oakville-part-3-biodiversity-and-natural-areas/

http://cleanairpartnership.wordpress.com/2012/05/30/my-sustainable-day-cation-in-oakville-part-3-biodiversity-and-natural-areas/


significant threat to wildlife, with research showing many cats kill 70 to 100 animals annually;

• Where significant feeding issues are attracting coyotes on private property, staff is using the Property Standards By-law to address concerns.

Recommendation 3: Beaver management While the town’s beaver policies ensure threats to human safety and property damage due to flooding and hazard trees are addressed, there are numerous options available to mitigate and prevent damage rather than using lethal measures as a first resort. Town staff has responded through efforts such as the wrapping of significant trees in Bronte Creek to prevent further damage (see figure 1). Parks and Open Space staff is incorporating alternative planting options for stormwater management ponds and a full review of further options for preventing beaver-human conflicts will be part of a future Beaver Management Strategy, similar to the one being prepared for Canada Geese.

Figure 1: Tree wrapping at lower Bronte Creek Recommendation 4: Canada goose habitat management guidelines The town currently has initiatives in place to deal with Canada goose populations, including egg oiling and the “goose round-up”. To deal with this in a more efficient and comprehensive manner, the town is developing a Canada Goose management plan. The intent is to further reduce human-wildlife conflict situations involving geese, improve waterfront conditions and use a long term preventive approach, including the use of landscaping modifications to nearshore areas. Parks and Open Space will be bringing a full report to Council in the first quarter of 2013 on the goose management plan. Recommendation 5: Wildlife corridors and habitat A number of actions were contained under the OWLS recommendation for improvements to wildlife corridors and habitats. Since the previous report, the town


has partnered with community organizations to carry out some of these opportunities and some projects include:

• Partnering with the Oakville Horticultural Society on the Anderson Parkette pilot project. The 3,000 square foot Anderson Bridge Parkette was transformed by the Oakville Horticultural Society and a team of volunteers with more than 40 different types of native plant species. The garden officially opened in September 2012 and now supports many pollinators and provides food and shelter for wildlife;

• An application for funding under the Great Lakes Guardian Community fund was submitted in October 2012 to undertake a restoration project on the Bronte Bluffs, in conjunction with community partners Evergreen, Conservation Halton, the Bronte Business Improvement Area and the Bronte Historical Society. The project, if approved would be implemented in 2013;

• In Spring 2012, the town partnered with Appleby College and Evergreen on a stewardship project at South Shell Park & Shell Park to remove invasive species, infill planting (approximately150 trees and shrubs) and mulching. This is a critical area for migratory birds travelling across Lake Ontario;

• Staff worked with the Bronte Harbour Outer Marina to install tires in the harbour to serve as nesting areas for the red necked grebe, a bird considered rare in Ontario according to the Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Ontario. Improvements to the nesting areas are being implemented in 2013 with the addition of nesting platforms to prevent the loss of hatchlings;

• Staff has partnered with Conservation Halton on the development of a constructed wetland in Glenorchy Conservation Area that will provide multiple benefits including increasing wildlife habitat, creating waterfowl nesting sites and breeding habitat for various amphibians and reptiles. Development of the site is occurring in Fall 2012 and is expected to be completed by Spring 2013. This project supports recommendations from the North Oakville West Secondary Plan and MNR's Provincially Significant North Oakville – Milton West Wetland Complex. Upon re-evaluation, the constructed wetland will likely be deemed as provincially significant given the landscape rarity of these features.

In addition, in January 2012 the town was notified that the Lower Bronte Creek Wetland Complex, which includes Bronte Marsh, is now a designated Provincially Significant Wetland (PSW). A map is provided in Appendix C. This designation highlights the importance of this area to wildlife and preserving local biodiversity. Staff is currently exploring opportunities with partner organizations such as Conservation Halton for future restoration opportunities in this area. Recommendation 6: Invasive Species Strategy Invasive species are a growing risk both economically and for biodiversity. Town staff has undertaken initiatives to address a number of species including:


• A comprehensive Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) program as reported to Council in a report to Community Services Committee dated March 20, 2012;

• In 2012, 20.24 ha of lands were scheduled to be treated for giant hogweed, mainly along the Sixteen Mile Creek valley lands and in isolated areas along Bronte Creek

• Facilitating and providing resources for community garlic mustard pulls. Examples include partnerships with Field and Stream Rescue Team and White Oaks Secondary School, a stewardship project with Evergreen and Appleby College in the spring at South Shell Park & Shell Park (160 students and 15 advisors that included parents and senior students from the school); Evergreen and Molson-Coors to do two “Red Leaf” events at Donovan Bailey Park (approximately 25 to 30 volunteers each evening);

• Gypsy moth, an invasive species and significant forest pest, is expected to re-emerge in 2013. Staff is undertaking egg mass counts this fall to determine an appropriate response plan to deal with this in the 2013 workplan.

Staff has also been active as members of the Greater Golden Horseshoe Invasive Species Group, participating in provincial workshops on invasive species, and partnering with the Ontario Invasive Plants Council to produce their “Grow Me Instead” guide which provides information on native alternatives to invasive “traditional” garden plants. To address invasive species in a comprehensive manner, the development of an overarching invasive species strategy is being initiated as part of the Environmental Policy department’s 2013 workplan and will involve a working group comprised of key town departments and external stakeholders. This involves the potential to work with the IBM Smarter Cities initiative. Recommendation 7: Wildlife Friendly Development Procedures As the town expands its infrastructure and public amenities, it is increasingly important to ensure development proceeds in a manner that creates the least impact on wildlife and the natural environment. Of particular note is the provincial Endangered Species Act (2007) regulations that set out the status of species at risk and are continually being updated. As part of planned town infrastructure and facilities, species at risk may be identified during site development, particularly in greenfields such as lands north of Dundas. A protocol for dealing with development sites where species at risk have been identified is provided as part of the Wildlife Conflict Protocols and staff is currently responding to matters as they occur to ensure compliance with regulations. The development of a comprehensive strategy to managing species at risk is planned for 2013 and will involve both prevention and mitigation measures to ensure continued compliance and the least impact to natural systems. A multi-stakeholder


working group consisting of town departments and key agencies such as Conservation Halton will be assembled to raise awareness and provide direction and input. Recommendation 8: Road Ecology Program Staff initiated research into a road ecology program in 2012 and will be assembling a working group of stakeholders in 2013 to address this matter. Recommendation 9: Monitoring and Data Collection The town’s State of the Environment Report (SOER) is published annually and provides a record of environmental indicators reflecting the six goals of the Environmental Strategic Plan (ESP). In 2011, the ESP was updated to include a broader set of actions related to biodiversity and wildlife, including the recommendations outlined in the Oakville Wildlife Strategy. The upcoming 2012 SOER will include indicators that reflect the expanded focus on biodiversity. A report to Council on the SOER will be going to the Community Services Committee in December 2012. Recommendation 10: Expand Resources Staff continues to implement strategic priorities recommended in the Oakville Wildlife Strategy. The request for an Ecologist/Wildlife Specialist FTE is suggested for consideration under future budget discussions beyond 2013. Consideration of entering into a partnership/funding agreement with Conservation Halton to provide expertise on a consulting basis may also be considered. Through the efforts and progress in wildlife management noted in this report, the town continues to demonstrate leadership in supporting “living with wildlife”, biodiversity, emerging community concerns and addressing risk related to invasive species and species at risk regulations. CONSIDERATIONS:

(A) PUBLIC

The OWLS and Wildlife Conflict Guidelines will assist the public and staff in dealing with wildlife matters more effectively. The education and outreach component will support a better understanding of wildlife and appreciation of their role in Oakville’s ecosystems.

(B) FINANCIAL

The OWLS provides a series of ten recommendations to support biodiversity and wildlife in the town. These recommendations generally involve suggestions for researching or investigating particular issues further so financial implications will not be known until the work comes forward.


Some components of the recommendations will come forward in the annual budgeting process. In particular, the creation of a new FTE position for wildlife and biodiversity will be addressed at some point in the future to address increasing demands around biodiversity, natural areas and wildlife matters, however, existing staff is currently implementing the recommendations on a targeted basis.

(C) IMPACT ON OTHER DEPARTMENTS & USERS

The Wildlife Procedure, including the Oakville Wildlife Strategy and Wildlife Conflict Protocols affects the operations of those departments that may deal with wildlife in the course of their work. Roles and responsibilities are clearly outlined in the above-noted documents and include Clerk’s (By-law Enforcement), Development Engineering, Engineering and Construction, Environmental Policy, Facilities and Construction, Parks and Open Space, Planning, Legal, Roads and Works Operations and Service Oakville.

(D) CORPORATE AND/OR DEPARTMENT STRATEGIC GOALS

This report addresses the corporate strategic goal to: • enhance our natural environment • have environmentally sustainable programs/services • continuously improve our programs and services • be accountable • be innovative

(E) COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY The OWLS and Wildlife Conflict Guidelines support the environmental, social and economic pillars of sustainability by helping to reduce human wildlife conflict situations, providing clear guidance to staff and the public on wildlife matters and supporting biodiversity.

APPENDICES: Appendix A: Wildlife Procedure Appendix B: April 17, 2012 Memo to Council – Coyotes Appendix C: Lower Bronte Creek Wetland Complex map

Prepared by: Submitted by: Donna Doyle, Senior Environmental Policy Analyst

Cindy Toth, Director Environmental Policy

Wildlife

Procedure Number

EN-GEN-005

Page: 1 of 2

Parent Policy No.: EN-GEN-001 Author: Environmental Policy

Department Authority: CAO

Section: Environment Sub-Section: General

Effective Date: 2012 Dec

Replaces/Last Modified:

New Review by Date:

5 Years from approval date

Purpose Statement The purpose of the procedure is to provide guidance to staff in matters pertaining to wildlife and preventing and managing conflict situations between wildlife and people. Scope This procedure applies to all town staff and agents acting on behalf of the town when dealing with wildlife matters. Procedure All town departments, staff and agents acting on behalf of the town that deal with wildlife shall follow the principles and procedures outlined in the Oakville Wildlife Strategy (OWLS) and the Wildlife Conflict Protocols (together referred to as the Procedure). The Procedure has been developed to comply with relevant federal and provincial legislation and best management practices to ensure the safe and humane handling of wildlife in the Town in the most effective manner. The Oakville Wildlife Strategy component of the Procedure provides a comprehensive overview of matters pertaining to wildlife in the Town of Oakville, including relevant legislation and background supporting the detailed procedures as well as a list of ten recommendations to be implemented in support of wildlife in Oakville. The Wildlife Conflict Protocols component of the Procedure provides guidance on the course of action(s) to take when dealing with wildlife conflict situations. The most commonly occurring conflict situations have been included however, additional ones may be added as needed.

The Corporation of the Town of Oakville Page 2 of 2

Procedure – EN-GEN-001-005, Wildlife

The Procedure is based on current best management practices (BMP) and may be updated to reflect the most current BMPs or if updated or new legislation is enacted. Town staff (and their agents) shall refer to the Procedure when dealing with wildlife matters. Other agencies and/or stakeholders may be involved in implementing the Procedure as identified in the documentation. References and Related Documents

1. Environmental Sustainability Policy - EN-GEN-001 2. Wildlife Procedure - EN-GEN-001-005 3. Oakville Wildlife Strategy 4. Oakville Wildlife Conflict Protocols

Responsibilities All Staff (and their agents) shall refer to the Procedure, protocols and strategy when dealing with matters involving wildlife. The Environmental Policy department is responsible to promote, track, evaluate and report on the implementation of the Procedure and to maintain the Procedure. Definitions OWLS: Oakville Wildlife Strategy. Wildlife: Refers only to wild vertebrates such as mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. It does not include domesticated animals. Appendices Appendix A: Oakville Wildlife Strategy (OWLS) Appendix B: Wildlife Conflict Protocols

Memo

1

To: Mayor and Members of Council From: Donna Doyle, Environmental Policy Department CC: Ray Green, Dave Bloomer, Cindy Toth, Chris Mark Date: April 17, 2012 Subject: Update on coyote initiatives To address residents' concerns and prevent conflict situations before they become risk issues, in February 2012 the Town of Oakville issued a public commitment to develop a comprehensive plan for dealing with coyotes. A copy of this press release from February 8, 2012 is attached. Following the “living with coyotes” public seminar on January 31, joint meetings were held with stakeholders in February 2012 to identify the issues, roles and responsibilities regarding coyotes related to the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), Oakville and Milton Humane Society (OMHS), Conservation Halton (CH), Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB), Halton District School Board (HDSB) and the town. The MNR has stated they will provide educational support, training where needed and guidance on interpreting and applying legislation with regards to trapping. They have clearly indicated that “nuisance” wildlife is the responsibility of the property owner which, in urban settings, ultimately falls to the municipality. Conservation Halton will engage in education but is not directly involved in managing coyotes. The Oakville and Milton Humane Society has also offered support for education and is available to deal with sick or injured wildlife as per their mandate. At the present time, the Town does not have an agreement in place with OMHS to provide any further services in regards to coyotes. The school boards also agreed to play an active role in providing outreach and education to their communities. Following is a summary of the initiatives the town has implemented to date: Online coyote reporting system This is a relatively unique program that will allow residents to go online and provide details on coyote encounters that involve “unusual” behavior (e.g. coyotes following people, approaching pets, involved in conflicts, etc.). The intentional feeding of coyotes or incidents of loose garbage on private or public property may also be reported to help reduce the intentional or accidental feeding of coyotes. The reporting system is being launched this week and can be accessed online at www.oakville.ca/environment/featured-wildlife.html Data collected will be used in the intervention protocol (see below) and to address feeding issues before they become a problem. Mapping of coyote encounters will be available online once sufficient data is available and will be updated regularly. For those individuals who are unable or unwilling to use the online system, ServiceOakville protocols have been developed and staff trained to allow residents to access this program by phone if needed. Intervention protocol Generally, problem coyote behaviour develops over time and tends to be isolated to a specific animal or small group. The reporting system will provide data to allow the town to better determine when a risk situation may be developing, using established guidelines. The town is

APPENDIX B

Memo

2

currently in the process of retaining a specialist in coyote behaviour to assess any behaviour data on an “as needed” basis to assist in determining when lethal action to remove a problem coyote is the next step to protect Oakville’s residents. A detailed process on how the town will manage coyotes is being outlined in a Coyote Management Plan. This action advances a recommendation within the Oakville Wildlife Strategy that was approved by Council in June, 2011. Trails/parks signage A number of trails and park signs have been installed around the Glen Abbey area to alert residents that there are coyotes in the area. The signs also include basic safety “do’s and don’ts” (copy of sign attached). Further signs have been ordered for posting in other areas of known coyote activity and will be installed as necessary. Several community requests for signage have already been made (e.g. around off-leash park areas). Outreach and education The most significant part of the program is outreach and education. The town hosted two public information sessions with subject experts on coyote behaviour and media literacy. Videos and transcripts from these meetings are available on the town’s website which features a dedicated webpage on coyotes and a number of other resources including a “fact sheet”. The town has worked with local news outlets to ensure consistent messaging and education on coyotes is provided to the public. The town has partnered with OakvilleGreen to provide workshops to schools. These workshops provide basic coyote information and safety measures to students ranging from grades 1 to 12. To date, a number have been provided to schools throughout Oakville, with a focus on the Glen Abbey area. These were very successful and received positive media coverage and accolades from teachers, parents and students. Staff training Training on coyote safety and awareness has been provided to outdoor staff from Roads and Works, Parks and Open Space, Recreation and Culture and other groups that may encounter coyotes. This training has also been incorporated into the summer student training. Update and enforcement of by-laws related to feeding of coyotes On April 16, Council approved an update to the Parks By-law to prohibit the feeding of all wildlife in public spaces. Feeding of wildlife is harmful to both people and animals and may result in attracting unwanted pests, aggression, an unhealthy diet and the spread of disease. On private property, the feeding of coyotes is covered under Section 5.1.1.1 of the Property Standards By-law which prohibits conditions that may lead to the harbouring of “…rodents, vermin or other pests”. Staff has successfully applied this to address significant feeding concerns in Glen Abbey. Installed wildlife-proof lids and signage on garbage cans in high-risk trails and parks Parks and Open Space staff has installed wildlife-proof lids on garbage cans in high-risk trails and parks. Cans are labeled with the town’s phone number and Residents are directed to call if garbage is overflowing.

Memo

3

Partnership with Stanley Park Ecology Society The Stanley Park Ecology Society has developed and manages a highly successful “living with coyotes” program for the Greater Vancouver Regional District that has been internationally recognized. The town has partnered with this organization in the development of the coyote management plan and the initiatives listed here. Further information on this organization can be found at www.stanleyparkecology.ca Staff is currently finalizing a coyote management plan that sets out the details on the above-noted initiatives. This management plan has been developed under the auspices of the Oakville Wildlife Strategy that was approved by Council in 2011. The management plan will be reviewed by stakeholders, including the MNR. Coyotes are becoming an increasing concern, particularly in urban settings. By taking a leadership position on this matter, Oakville is being proactive and demonstrating its commitment to the safety of its residents and the support of our natural environment. The town’s work is being recognized by the MNR and other municipalities in setting the new standard for municipal wildlife management and management of coyotes in the urban environment. Encl: Press release, February 8, 2012 Coyote signage

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Lower Bronte Creek Wetland ComplexProvincially Significant

January 2012

PUBLICATION© Queen's Printer for Ontario Printed in Ontario, Canada January, 2012.

Universal Transverse Mercator(6 degree) projection, Zone 17. North American Datum 1983

Cartography by Aurora DistrictGeomatics.

Scale 1:3,000 (approx.)

µSOURCE OF INFORMATIONInformation provided by the Ministry of Natural Resources district office in Aurora.Ministry of Natural Resources - Aurora District 50 Bloomington Road West, Aurora, ON L4G 3G8Base information derived from the Ontario Base Map, 1983 at a scale of1:10,000 and the Natural Resources Values Information System (NRVIS).NOTEThe information displayed on this map has been compiled from various sources. While every effort hasbeen made to accurately depict the information, this map should be viewed as illustrative only. Do notrely on it as being a precise indicator of routes, locations of features, nor as a guide to navigation.For detailed information on natural features such as their location, size or status, the individual files held by the Aurora district office of the Ministry of Natural Resources should be consulted.

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LegendMNR Evaluated Wetland

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Wetland#2

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