WINDMILL DEVELOPMENT GROUP DOMTAR LANDS …

Niblett Environmental Associates Inc. ii PN 13-066

WINDMILL DEVELOPMENT GROUP

DOMTAR LANDS OTTAWA, ONTARIO

WILDLIFE MITIGATION AND MONITORING PLAN

Prepared for: Windmill Development Group

Submitted by: Niblett Environmental Associates Inc.

File: PN 13-066

Date: August 2016

Niblett Environmental Associates Inc. iii PN 13-066

August 29, 2016 PN 13-066 Windmill Green Fund LPV 130 Wellington St. West Suite 201 Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 3BZ

Subject: Windmill Development Group Domtar Lands Ottawa, Ontario Wildlife Mitigation and Monitoring Plan

Dear Mr. Demark: We are pleased to submit our Wildlife Mitigation and Monitoring Plan in support of the planning amendments for Zibi development project. After a thorough review of our field data and existing literature and policies, we have assessed the impacts of the proposed development on wildlife and mitigation/monitoring measures. Please contact us if you or the agencies require any additional information. Sincerely,

Chris Ellingwood

President and Sr. Terrestrial/Wetland Biologist

Windmill Development Group Wildlife Mitigation and Monitoring Plan

Niblett Environmental Associates Inc. iv PN 13-066

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 1

Background ............................................................................................................................................... 1 1.1

Study Area .................................................................................................................................................. 2 1.2

Purpose and Scope ................................................................................................................................. 2 1.3

Objectives ................................................................................................................................................... 2 1.4

Legislation and Statutory Requirements...................................................................................... 3 1.5

1.5.1 Federal Legislation ........................................................................................................................ 3

1.5.2 Provincial Legislation .................................................................................................................. 3

1.5.3 City of Ottawa .................................................................................................................................. 3

2.0 Project Description Summary and Environmental Effects .................................................. 4

Project Description ................................................................................................................................ 4 2.1

Environmental Effects .......................................................................................................................... 5 2.2

3.0 Monitoring for Potential Environmental Effects ................................................................... 5

Scope of Monitoring............................................................................................................................... 5 3.1

Monitoring and Mitigation for Valued Ecosystem Components ........................................ 6 3.2

3.2.1 Wildlife Habitat .............................................................................................................................. 6

3.2.2 Upland Breeding Birds ................................................................................................................ 7

3.2.3 Waterfowl ......................................................................................................................................... 7

3.2.4 Raptors ............................................................................................................................................... 8

3.2.5 Small Mammals ............................................................................................................................... 8

4.0 Wildlife Management and Mitigation ....................................................................................... 9

Best Management Practices ............................................................................................................... 9 4.1

Proposed Mitigation Measures ...................................................................................................... 10 4.2

4.2.1 General Protection Measures ................................................................................................ 10

4.2.2 Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat Protection Measures ..................................................... 11

4.2.3 Raptor and Other Migratory Bird Protection Measures ............................................ 12

4.2.4 Nuisance Wildlife ........................................................................................................................ 13

4.2.5 Invasive Plants ............................................................................................................................. 14

5.0 Reporting ...................................................................................................................................... 14


Niblett Environmental Associates Inc. 1 PN 13-066

WILDLIFE MITIGATION AND MONITORING PLAN

1.0 Introduction

Background 1.1

Windmill Development Group has proposed a commercial and residential sustainable

community development located in the jurisdiction of Ottawa, Ontario, specifically on the

Domtar Lands which consists of two islands (Chaudière and Albert), and on the waterfront

lands located in the jurisdiction of Gatineau, Quebec. The development proposal, herein

after called the ‘Project’, includes unique, sustainable redevelopment initiatives consisting

of residential/office, retail development and connecting vehicle and pedestrian corridors.

An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed development was completed

by Niblett Environmental Associates Inc. (NEA) and submitted to the Windmill

Development Group on April 8, 2014. An updated EIS was submitted on June 9, 2016.

This Wildlife Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (WMMP) described herein has been

developed by NEA for the ZIBI Development as per Condition 19 of the Zibi Ontario –

Master Plan approval meeting minutes, held April 29, 2016 at Ottawa City Hall. This Plan

serves as a working instructional and internal best management practice document

covering all activities at the site, including continued investigations, assessments and

evaluations of the development pre and post conditions. The Plan is to be implemented

during the field season and will make recommendations on various mitigation and

management practices to address and reduce project impacts on wildlife which could be

employed by Windmill Development Group.

The majority of measures identified in the WMMP are applicable to wildlife in general

however there are also specific measures for certain species or groups of species (e.g.

migratory birds, peregrine falcon).

This Plan will also describe the biological monitoring that is being proposed during

construction and post-construction of the development.



Study Area 1.2

The developable area of the property encompasses approximately 6.07 ha (15 acres) on the

Ontario side. The area for redevelopment includes the land only within Ontario and the two

islands (Albert and Chaudière) that are located in the jurisdiction of Ottawa, Ontario. The

study area will include all lands considered “Domtar Lands” and all natural features within

the study area. This includes the Ottawa River, portions of Victoria Island and any fields

and naturalized vegetation in the study area.

Purpose and Scope 1.3

The purpose of the WMMP is to outline the constraints, mitigation measures and other

actions of the Windmill Development Group development to ensure avoidance and

minimization of impacts to wildlife and wildlife habitat and to ensure in the event that

avoidance and minimization are unachievable, that the proper and timely mitigation of

wildlife and habitat impacts are applied in order to manage the Project’s effects on wildlife

resources.

Biological monitoring discussed in this plan is limited to the construction and post-

construction monitoring of the specific plants and wildlife listed in this plan. Details of

biological monitoring to be conducted prior to and during construction are discussed in

Appendix A.

Objectives 1.4

The objective of the WMMP is to provide a comprehensive suite of mitigation measures for

managing the Project effects on wildlife resources. These measures will be described in

detail so that their implementation is accurate and effective on the ground level.

Additionally, a monitoring program will be established to evaluate the implementation of

mitigation measures described in the WMMP. A follow-up program using an adaptive

management approach framework will be established and implemented to evaluate the

effectiveness of the mitigation measures described in the WMMP. This can be used to

determine the success of implemented mitigation measures and therefore provide valuable

information gained to advance the suite of mitigation measures available for future

projects.

Finally, the WMMP should be considered a ‘living document’ and can be altered or

enhanced as new information and management considerations and/or priorities are



developed over the life of the Project. Individual WMMP for each phase are also required to

ensure specific buildings that may provide habitat and current uses by wildlife are

addressed.

Legislation and Statutory Requirements 1.5

The management of wildlife in Ontario is complex and involves a variety of statutes and

regulations. A number of agencies and organizations have a responsibility for or may play

a role in managing wildlife and includes federal, provincial and municipal governments, as

well as humane societies and animal control organizations. The WMMP will meet and/or

compliment the requirements of the City of Ottawa’s “Protocol for Wildlife Protection

during Construction” (Aug. 2015) and will abide by other provincial and federal legislation,

regulations and/or requirements regarding wildlife and wildlife habitat from other

regulatory authorities as is necessary. Acts, policies and plans that were considered during

the development of the WMMP include:

1.5.1 Federal Legislation

Department of the Environment Act (1971)

Canadian Species at Risk Act (SARA, 2002)

Migratory Birds Convention Act (MBCA, 1994)

Canada Wildlife Act (CWA, 1985)

Wildlife Area Regulations (WAR, C.R.C., c. 1609)

Fisheries Act, (R.S.C., 1985, c. F-14)

Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC)

1.5.2 Provincial Legislation

Provincial Policy Statement (PPS, 2014)

Ontario Endangered Species Act (ESA, 2007)

Ontario Species at Risk list (OMNRF)

Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997

Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario (COSSARO)

1.5.3 City of Ottawa

Public Health Unit

City of Ottawa Wildlife Strategy (July, 2013)

Ottawa Humane Society



Ottawa Animal Control

2.0 Project Description Summary and Environmental Effects

Project Description 2.1

Windmill Development Group has proposed a commercial and residential sustainable

community development on Chaudière Island, Albert Island and the Gatineau waterfront.

The development proposal includes unique, sustainable redevelopment initiatives

consisting of residential/office, retail development and connecting vehicle and pedestrian

corridors.

The Project plans show the development addressing numerous issues from Heritage

Features and First Nations concerns; transportation routes connecting the Nation’s Capital

and Gatineau, Quebec; promotion of Healthy Living lifestyles by enabling people to explore

the outdoors by providing pedestrian walkways, bike paths, public parks and large open

spaces to creating a more vibrant waterfront by providing soft-scape and hardscaped water

edges and access points to the Ottawa River, vistas and other points of interest for the

public to experience.

The conceptual proposed development will include:

removal and rehabilitation of some existing buildings,

renovations and additions to retained buildings

removal of existing vegetation and soils,

site grading,

construction of new commercial and residential buildings,

upgrading of existing roadways,

construction of new roadways and pedestrian pathways,

installation of a stormwater management facility,

upgrading and installation of utilities.

No in‐water works have been proposed to date.

Other features to support the construction of the development include access roads,

storage areas/laydown area for excavated-materials as well as equipment and construction

materials storage. The overall zone where all physical disturbances due to construction

activities and operation of the Project will occur is referred to as the Project Footprint.



Environmental Effects 2.2

In general, the potential terrestrial effects from the proposed Project on wildlife resources

would include the following:

Change in habitat availability: Direct habitat loss or alteration (from vegetation

clearing), indirect loss or alteration due to sensory disturbance (e.g. species

avoiding or not using habitat due to noise) or a reduction of habitat size thereby

increasing habitat fragmentation.

Change in mortality risk: Increase or change in wildlife mortality risk due to site

development, vehicle collisions, increase in access for humans and predators,

altered predator-prey dynamics, lethal control of nuisance wildlife or reduction in

secure habitat availability due to habitat fragmentation.

Change in wildlife movement: Change in wildlife movement due to increased

fragmentation of the habitat, disruption of movement corridors (e.g. physical

barriers such as walkways and buildings), lighting, shoreline works or sensory

disturbances (e.g. higher levels of noise – pedestrians, vehicles)

Change in wildlife health: Change in health to wildlife due to potential

contamination of air, water or food sources (e.g. vegetation, prey) through dust,

deposition or contamination of water sources

Change in wildlife population dynamics: Change due to the combined effects of

changes in habitat availability, mortality risk and movement

3.0 Monitoring for Potential Environmental Effects

Scope of Monitoring 3.1

The environment in general experiences a wide range of seasonal and year-to-year

variations and as such, some of the effects of the Project may only be detectable after a

period of several years. Monitoring therefore is designed to be over a specified period.

Some monitoring activities can be scheduled on an ongoing basis over the long term while

others will be conducted on a ‘as required’ basis (e.g. specific construction activities with

short-term impacts).

Monitoring can be scheduled into three categories: Pre-construction, construction and post

construction.



Based on the findings of the Environmental Impact Study (NEA, 2016), and the comments

and recommendations of stakeholders, the following Valued Ecosystem Components (VEC)

were selected for mitigation and monitoring:

Wildlife habitat;

Upland breeding birds (migratory songbirds, shorebirds);

Waterfowl;

Raptors (falcons, eagles, hawks); and

Small urban/suburban mammals (skunk, raccoon, beaver, bats)

Other wildlife species (e.g. white-tailed deer, red fox, coyote, rabbits and hares, squirrels)

will be monitored for potential project-related effects, to determine if preventative

mitigation techniques will be required to manage these species.

It should be noted that the monitoring program established by Windmill Development

Group requires the input of specialists to conduct many of the wildlife surveys and studies

required to monitor Project effects. Qualified personnel to conduct these studies will be

hired by Windmill Development Group, throughout the life of the Project.

Monitoring program will be Project phase-specific and designed based on the potential

effects that may occur during each phase. As well, monitoring will be adaptive in that

results will be reviewed and the monitoring program and mitigation measures may be

modified, if and as required.

Monitoring and Mitigation for Valued Ecosystem Components 3.2

3.2.1 Wildlife Habitat

Development of the Windmill Project may result in the short and long term reduction of

existing wildlife habitat, however it may, in some cases, create new habitat opportunities.

Advanced planning to limit disturbances could provide alternative functional habitats for

wildlife in the future.

Habitat loss could manifest itself in three different ways: direct habitat loss on the Project

footprint (long term effect), direct habitat alteration in buffer areas immediately adjacent

to the Project footprint (medium term effect) and indirect habitat alteration through

behavioural effects in the larger Project area (also a medium term effect).



Part of the WMMP will be to monitor the indirect loss of wildlife habitat adjacent to the

footprint areas by examining wildlife abundance and use of these areas upon project

completion. Results from wildlife habitat monitoring will be provided in future annual

reports.

Monitoring of wildlife will include biological surveys for wildlife species, anecdotal reports

and nuisance complaints. Surveys by a qualified biologist will determine if wildlife species

have been displaced or habitat lost and current animals using the property even with

construction occurring. Surveys to cover all natural areas retained, slopes, shoreline and

general site.

During the construction period any calls to a wildlife specialist, pest company or

rehabilitation group regarding orphaned animals, wild animals within buildings or other

structures where work is taking place, will be documented. If relocation of an individual

animal is required a wildlife specialist will be contacted.

3.2.2 Upland Breeding Birds

For this document, upland breeding birds include songbirds and shorebirds. Monitoring

programs for avian species can include visual surveys as point counts and targeted

locations where surveyed with relative ease. Typically, surveys are conducted during the

breeding season (typically May 1st to July 31st). Monitoring birds will provide information

on the current species and populations utilizing the area and can also provide information

on the availability of prey for predatory species.

Monitoring will also provide information to determine whether any species at risk or

sensitive species are found in the area.

3.2.3 Waterfowl

The Project footprint is located adjacent to the Ottawa River which is well known as a

migratory flyway for numerous avian species including waterfowl. At this point in time, it

is unknown whether the development of the Domtar lands will impact the migration of

waterfowl. Although predicted to be minor, indirect effects from the development, such as

noise and dust, may have the potential to change the movement and behaviour of

waterfowl along this corridor.



Monitoring waterfowl will determine if the Project influences the species in the study area

during the northern migration.

3.2.4 Raptors

Raptors known to be in the vicinity of the Project area include peregrine falcon (Falco

peregrinus), bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), American kestrel (Falco sparverius) and

red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis). Both the peregrine falcon and bald eagle are listed as

Special Concern species provincially. It is well documented that peregrine falcons have a

territory and annually attempt nesting on specific tall buildings within the downtown core

of the City of Ottawa and hunt over a large part of the river and in Gatineau.

The proposed development may in fact provide new nesting opportunities for this species.

Monitoring the behaviour of the existing pairs of birds in the city, will determine whether

new nesting opportunities will be utilized by existing or a new pair of birds. The

development may also provide impacts to the success of raptors nesting in the vicinity,

which can be mitigated for. As with smaller birds, raptors too may collide with tall

buildings and structures unless such incidents are addressed in the planning stage of the

development.

3.2.5 Small Mammals

Small mammals such as raccoons, skunks, rabbits, foxes and squirrels have adapted very

well to the urban environment and humans in Ottawa. These animals utilize the urban

landscape for a variety of their life processes including areas for nesting, feeding and

overwintering. Generally these species are considered to be a nuisance as they can cause

property damage, create health concerns from their feces and may become aggressive.

Although well adapted to our surroundings, they still play an important role within the

environment.

A program to monitor small mammals can determine the level of potential nuisance and

other conflict issues such as wildlife entering structures, animals exhibiting erratic

behaviour or animals that are sick or injured.

Most issues surrounding small mammals can be mitigated for including techniques for

exclusion, deterrents and preventative measures such as education and food and waste

management.



4.0 Wildlife Management and Mitigation

Best Management Practices 4.1

A number of Best Management Practices (BMP’s) and guidelines are available from a

variety of resources which are applicable to this Project which include:

Avoidance guidelines from Environment Canada “to help reduce the risk of

incidental take of migratory birds, nests and eggs, and to help make proactive

avoidance and mitigation decisions for any activities that might affect migratory

birds”

City of Ottawa developed a Protocol for Wildlife Protection during Construction

(August 2015) which provides a compilation of BMP’s to serve as a guide for the

City and the development Industry in addressing wildlife protection during

construction.

Environment Canada (Canadian Wildlife Service) which provides general nesting

periods of migratory birds in Canada.

FLAP Canada which provides information on how to reduce building-related

risks to birds, including links to various cities’ bird-friendly design guidelines.

Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) has developed a manual

with illustrations on safe handling of turtles, snakes, amphibians and birds, as

well as directions on appropriate relocation and reporting of species at risk

encounters. (Ontario Species at Risk Handling Manual: for Endangered Species

Act Authorization Holders).

MNRF has developed a BMP technical note called ‘Reptile and Amphibian

Exclusion Fencing: Best Practices, 2013.

The MNRF can also provide a list of authorized wildlife rehabilitators.

Ottawa-Carleton Wildlife Centre can provide information on commonly

encountered species and conflict avoidance.

Ottawa Humane Society provides emergency response for injured wildlife,

guidance on common wildlife issues and information on wildlife service

providers.

Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is a wildlife rehabilitation centre and can

provide information on what to do for apparently orphaned or injured wildlife.

Wild Bird Care Centre is a wild bird rehabilitation centre and can also provide

information on avoiding conflicts with birds and what to do for apparently

orphaned or injured birds.

Ontario Nature has information on the ‘Legal protection for Ontario’s Reptiles

and Amphibians’ at:



http://www.ontarionature.org/protect/species/legal_protection_for_reptiles_an

d amphibians.php

Ontario Road Ecology Group, Toronto Zoo, 2010 produced ‘A Guide to Road

Ecology in Ontario’ which is an informative document raising awareness about

the threats of roads to biodiversity in Ontario and provides solutions for

mitigating these threats.

General direction from these sources is incorporated into the mitigation measures

presented in the section below.

Proposed Mitigation Measures 4.2

Mitigation and wildlife protection measures are heavily based on compliance with permit

terms and conditions. The following mitigation and protection measures are for wildlife

that are seasonal and annual residents of the Project area.

4.2.1 General Protection Measures

The direct effects of the project is wildlife habitat loss due to the physical disturbance of

clearing the Project footprint. In each phase of the project mitigation measure proposed to

reduce direct habitat loss include:

Project footprint will be limited to the site plans and retained or natural areas

surveyed and fenced.

Project activities will be maintained within the boundaries of the Project footprint

Natural regeneration of native plants in peripheral, disturbed areas will be

encouraged. Clean top soil previously cleared and stored during construction will be

used to rehabilitate disturbed sites and native vegetation will be allowed to

recolonize the areas.

Use of “good house keeping” practices to maintain a garbage-free site which will

limit the attraction of animals to the Project footprint.

Sediment control measures shall be installed prior to the commencement of work

and shall be maintained throughout the project to prevent the entry / outward flow

of sediment into the river

All sediment and erosion control measures shall be inspected regularly during each

and every construction phase by the site inspector periodically thereafter to ensure

they are functioning property, maintained and upgraded as required.

Construction and grading should be scheduled to avoid wet, windy and rainy

periods that may increase erosion and sedimentation.

http://www.ontarionature.org/protect/species/legal_protection_for_reptiles_and%20amphibians.php

http://www.ontarionature.org/protect/species/legal_protection_for_reptiles_and%20amphibians.php



Indirect effects to wildlife habitat may be caused by disturbances in the project area such

as dust, noise, lights, smells and human presence. These factors can potentially lead to

wildlife avoiding suitable habitat in the area. Mitigation measures to prevent or reduce

indirect effects to wildlife habitat include:

During the construction phases, dust suppression will be undertaken in dust-prone

areas, especially during dry periods.

Speed limits to be enforced to reduce the creation of airborne dust.

All equipment and vehicles will be properly maintained and have appropriate

exhaust mufflers to reduce impacts of noise.

All equipment, machinery and tools required for the work shall be regularly

inspected and maintained to avoid leakage of fuels and liquids, and shall be stored in

a manner that prevents any deleterious substance from entering the soil, or nearby

watercourse.

All heavy equipment, machinery, and tools used or maintained for the purpose of

this project shall be operated in a manner that prevents any deleterious substance

from entering soil or nearby watercourse.

Vehicle and equipment refuelling and/or maintenance shall be conducted within a

defined staging area as far from all shorelines as is practically possible. No part of a

vehicle and/or equipment shall enter the water.

All vehicle and equipment will be cleaned of foreign particles (e.g. soil, seeds etc.)

prior to entering the Project site to reduce the potential introduction of invasive

and/or non-native vegetation.

4.2.2 Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat Protection Measures

Conduct pre-disturbance surveys along the boundaries of the Project footprint

(during each phase of the project) to determine the presence of wildlife habitat

features (dens, nests, wildlife trees, potential bat roosting sites). The scope of these

surveys can be developed by NEA prior to site clearing and in consultation with

relevant regulatory agencies. Any identified wildlife habitat feature will be

evaluated for potential mitigation measures (e.g. setbacks) in consultation with

relevant regulatory agencies.

Retain actual or potential wildlife trees (i.e. trees with cavities, live, dead or dying

trees and snags).

Maintain existing vegetation cover along the outer boundaries of the Project

footprint.



Any tree clearing required for construction access or the construction envelope will

be completed outside the Breeding Bird timing window of April 15th to August 15th.

Daily ongoing observations for Species at Risk (SAR) and all wildlife more generally,

will be undertaken during construction (all phases of the project) by all personnel

on site.

Should any wildlife including turtles, snakes or Species at Risk are encountered

during construction and grading procedures, they should be left to move out on

their own or moved physically out of the construction zone. Any issues or concerns

regarding wildlife, including turtles, snakes, birds or bats should be directed to

OMNR.

Should any SAR be encountered during work related activities, or if there is

potential to negatively impact SAR, or wildlife more generally, contact the Ontario

Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry immediately for guidelines on how to

proceed.

Prior to demolition of any vacant buildings, a qualified biologist should be on site to

examine the area to ensure no bats or other SAR are present.

Should any bats or active bird nests be encountered during building demolition,

renovations or remediation, contact the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and

Forestry immediately for guidelines on how to proceed.

To minimize effects from potential barriers to wildlife movement within the Project

footprint, all personnel should be made aware of all high-use wildlife crossing areas

and report any wildlife observations.

Sediment/erosion control fencing should be inspected daily for wildlife that may

have been trapped along the length of fencing.

Excavation areas that may have trapped wildlife, should be inspected daily for

wildlife before backfilling occurs, or ensure excavations have sloped ends to provide

wildlife escape routes or have areas covered completely to prevent wildlife access.

To reduce the possibility of birds frequenting horizontal surfaces for perching and

nesting, deterrents shall be installed and maintained to deter nuisance species

Occasionally, construction activities lead to the direct mortality of wildlife, either

accidentally or intentionally. Vehicle collisions can occur.

4.2.3 Raptor and Other Migratory Bird Protection Measures

Bird mortality due to glass buildings and windows is a common occurrence in urban areas.

The height of some of the buildings for this development is 10 stories and should not

interfere with the migration routes of birds. The design of the buildings however, can

mitigate bird strikes to minimize/avoid collisions.



The glass façade of the buildings should be designed to minimize/avoid bird

collisions, especially during migration when bird strikes occur due to the reflections

off the glass.

The architecture of the buildings and especially the amount and type of glass should

consider bird-friendly techniques (The FLAP program in Toronto has successfully

implemented a number of measures and has produced several documents on

techniques available.)

Other effective and low-cost strategies include creating visual markers or muting

reflections on glass and reducing the size of windows; developing landscape and

planting techniques to reduce attracting songbirds during migration; reducing night

time lighting.

All construction activities will be conducted outside the breeding bird nesting

season (April 15th – August 15th).

4.2.4 Nuisance Wildlife

Ontario boasts a large number of wildlife species which can be found in a diverse range of

habitat types. While most species are usually found in a rural landscape, a number of

species have adapted well to live in urbanized areas. Urban growth and the subsequent

removal of their habitat, some species move to other natural environments while others

thrive in the urban setting.

Species such as raccoons, skunks, squirrels, red fox and coyote are commonly seen by

people in urban areas and normally there is no cause for concern. However, when these

species come into conflict with humans by using buildings for nesting or shelter, destroying

roofing materials or eating garbage, they can be considered a ‘nuisance’.

Species that may be considered a nuisance in the area of the proposed Windmill

development could include gulls, raccoons, Canada geese and pigeons. The City of Ottawa

has also recently released an Ottawa Wildlife Strategy (OWS) which can be found at the

following website: http://ottawa.ca/en/residents/water‐andenvironment/plants‐and‐

animals/ottawa‐wildlife‐strategy‐overview (OWS, July 2013). This document can assist

with mechanisms in dealing with nuisance species in an urban setting and provide valuable

information on adaptive management techniques on the issue of nuisance wildlife.

As most species are protected by legislation such as the provincial Fish and Wildlife

Conservation Act (FWCA) or the federal Migratory Birds Convention Act (MBCA),

the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and the Canadian Wildlife



Service should be contacted for information on how to deal with human/wildlife

conflicts.

Additionally, qualified professional biologists and environmental consultants can

advise proponents with information with respect to wildlife issues.

4.2.5 Invasive Plants

The presence of invasive plant species should be monitored and specimen removal

completed as required. Information on identification, removal and/or treatment methods

can be provided by NEA, local Conservation Authority or OMNRF.

5.0 Reporting

All wildlife activities will be reported and updated monthly during the field season to

ensure quality of the Wildlife Mitigation and Monitoring Plan. An annual report on wildlife

monitoring will be reviewed by regulatory agencies and will summarize the cumulative

data and analyses from baseline through to the present. The report will include technical

information providing details of the study methodologies, sampling protocols, statistical

analyses and results.

The report will provide a mechanism for determining the certainty of impact predictions

and unanticipated ecological effects. The report will also be used to help assess the

effectiveness and utility of various components of the wildlife effects monitoring program

and mitigation measures implemented.

Using the principles of adaptive management, the report results will be used to make

further recommendations regarding the frequency and duration of monitoring and possible

changes to the monitoring program.

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