3. HUMAN/WILDLIFE CONFLICTS – COYOTES

CONFLITS ENTRE LES HUMAINS ET LA FAUNE – COYOTES

Committee RecommendationS AS AMENDED

That Council

1. Direct staff to work cooperatively with the MNR to develop and implement an integrated approach to addressing coyote issues, including but not limited to public awareness and education, and response to human safety issues as appropriate.

2. Request that the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources review its wildlife relocation policies, particularly as they relate to healthy wildlife found in urban/suburban areas.

3. Direct City staff to provide support to Councillor Thompson in his role as representative of the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (Association of Municipalities of Ontario) on the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources’ Human-Wildlife Conflicts Advisory Group to help facilitate the development of an integrated coyote management strategy that will benefit residents and stakeholders across Ontario.

4. Recommend to the Chair of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee and the Chair of the Planning and Environment Committee that they convene a joint meeting of those committees to review and develop a wildlife strategy for the City of Ottawa.

5. Direct staff to ensure that the lead department role, from the City's side of the matter, be shared by By-law Services and Planning and Environment.

RecommandationS MODIFIÉES DU Comité

Que le Conseil

1. Donne instruction au personnel de collaborer avec le ministère des Richesses naturelles à l’élaboration et à la mise en œuvre d’une démarche intégrée pour résoudre les questions liées à la présence des coyotes, notamment la sensibilisation et l’éducation de la population et la résolution des problèmes de sécurité humaine, s’il y a lieu.

2. Demande au ministère des Richesses naturelles de l’Ontario de revoir ses politiques de déplacement des animaux sauvages, en particulier celles visant les animaux sauvages sains trouvés près de secteurs urbains ou suburbains.

3. Demande au personnel de la Ville de soutenir le conseiller Thompson dans son rôle de représentant de la Rural Ontario Municipal Association (Association des municipalités de l’Ontario) au sein du groupe consultatif sur les conflits humains-animaux sauvages du ministère des Richesses naturelles de l’Ontario, afin de faciliter l’élaboration d’une stratégie intégrée de gestion des coyotes, dont profiteront les résidents et les intervenants de toute la province.

4. Propose au président du Comité de l’agriculture et des affaires rurales et au président du Comité de l’urbanisme et de l’environnement de convoquer une réunion conjointe de ces deux comités afin d’étudier et d’élaborer une stratégie de gestion de la faune pour la Ville d’Ottawa.

5. Demande au personnel de veiller à ce que les services chargés des règlements municipaux et de l’urbanisme et de l’environnement assurent la direction de ce dossier à la Ville.

Documentation

1. Committee Co-ordinator's report, City Clerk’s Branch dated 28 January 2010 (ACS2010-CCS-CPS-0005).

2. Extract of Draft Minutes, 4 February 2010.

Report to / Rapport au :

Community and Protective Services Committee

Comité des services communautaires et de protection

28 January 2010/le 28 janvier 2010

Submitted by / Soumis par : Marc Desjardins, Committee Coordinator /

Coordonnateur de comité

Contact Person/Personne ressource : Councillor Diane Deans (613) 580-2480: Diane.Deans@ottawa.ca

City-Wide/ À l'échelle de la ville

Ref N°:ACS2010-CCS-CPS-0005

SUBJECT: Human/Wildlife Conflicts – Coyotes

OBJET: CONFLITS ENTRE LES HUMAINS ET LA FAUNE - COYOTES

REPORT RECOMMENDATION

That the Community and Protective Services Committee direct staff to work cooperatively with the Ministry of Natural Resources to develop and implement an integrated approach to addressing coyote issues, including but not limited to public awareness and education, and response to human safety issues as appropriate.

RECOMMANDATION DU RAPPORT

Que le Comité des services communautaires et de protection donne instruction au personnel de collaborer avec le ministère des Richesses naturelles à l’élaboration et à la mise en œuvre d’une démarche intégrée pour résoudre les questions liées à la présence des coyotes, notamment la sensibilisation et l’éducation de la population et la résolution des problèmes de sécurité humaine, s’il y a lieu.

BACKGROUND

At its meeting of 21 January 2010 the following Notice of Motion was presented to the Community and Protective Services Committee with regards to the increased number of encounters with coyotes within the city limits of the City of Ottawa.

“WHEREAS concerns have been expressed by residents in various areas of the City about the presence and activities of coyotes, and associated potential safety concerns, among other issues;

AND WHEREAS the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) has indicated a willingness to work cooperatively with the City to address human/wildlife conflict issues, including those involving coyotes;

AND WHEREAS consideration should be given to the manner in which the coyote issue is most appropriately addressed in light of the nature and geography of Ottawa, as well as best practices;

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Community and Protective Services Committee direct staff to work cooperatively with the MNR to develop and implement an integrated approach to addressing coyote issues, including but not limited to public awareness and education, and response to human safety issues as appropriate.”

CONSULTATION

City Operations

The By-law and Regulatory Services Branch has consulted with staff of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), Kemptville District, to develop an approach in this regard and the following initiatives are either already underway or are options that may be undertaken.

1) Research and Development

At this time, there is no accurate information available with respect to the coyote population and its distribution in the Ottawa area. Such information is integral to the development and implementation of a sound and effective approach to dealing with wildlife. The MNR is undertaking the development of an incident database in order to collect data for purposes of mapping and identifying potential problem areas of the city. The City of Ottawa can participate in this initiative by collecting more detailed information from callers and providing this data to the MNR.

The MNR is contemplating the establishment of an Agency Steering Group to address wildlife issues in the Ottawa area, including those related to coyotes. The City of Ottawa could provide representation on this group and participate in the development of appropriate initiatives and programs.

Staff continues to review best practices in other North American cities. To date, it appears that in most of the cities where a policy or program exists, the approach focuses on public awareness and education. The City of Vancouver also provides response to human safety issues and has a budget for its program. It also notes that “the long-term approach with the greatest value is public education and increased public awareness.” Vancouver’s Coexisting with Coyotes Program was developed by the Stanley Park Ecology Society and is endorsed and financially supported by the relevant agencies.

2) Communications

The Call Centre is prepared to receive reports and inquiries from residents with respect to coyote issues. Information collected from callers will increase in detail to facilitate program planning and development. Call Centre staff will be provided with enhanced information specific to coyotes in the form of fact sheets and access to enhanced web-based resources, including the City’s own web site. Information will be readily available to residents as well.

3) Field Response

The MNR is prepared to provide the requisite authorization to the City to facilitate the removal of coyotes as necessary. The recommended approach in this regard is to address specific animals, which have become habituated. The MNR has agreed to work with City staff to develop criteria to determine the circumstances under which removal of coyote may be appropriate.

Worth noting also is that both the Province’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act and the City’s Discharge of Firearms By-law provide landowners with the ability to address issues of wildlife which is killing or injuring livestock or poultry, or destroying property.

Infrastructure Services and Community Sustainability

The Rural Services Branch has participated in discussions with the MNR and concurs with the foregoing approach.

The Natural Systems group of the Policy Development and Urban Design Branch concurs with the foregoing approach and will work cooperatively with other City staff and tbe MNR as appropriate.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

There are no direct financial implications associated with the recommendation.

DISPOSITION

Staff of By-law & Regulatory Services, Client Services, Corporate Communications and Rural Services will work cooperatively with the MNR and other relevant organizations to develop and implement a coordinated and integrated approach to addressing human/coyote conflicts as outlined herein.

HUMAN/WILDLIFE CONFLICTS – COYOTES

CONFLITS ENTRE LES HUMAINS ET LA FAUNE - COYOTES

ACS2010-CCS-CPS-0005 CITY WIDE / À L'ÉCHELLE DE LA VILLE

Susan Jones, General Manager, Emergency and Protective Services provided a PowerPoint presentation. She was accompanied by Linda Anderson, Chief of Bylaw and Regulatory Services; Derrick Moodie, Manager, Rural Development Review; and Christine Hartig, Project/Policy Officer, Bylaw and Regulatory Services. A copy of the presentation is held on file.

Chair Deans thanked staff for the informative presentation, noting she had placed the item on the agenda because there have been an increased number of coyote sightings and she feels that an integrated, strategic approach to deal with this issue is required, with a heavy focus on public education. She suggested part of the fear factor is that residents haven’t really had a lot of interaction with coyotes in the past in the city, and residents don’t necessarily know all the dos and don’ts. She acknowledged that although it is a fairly new issue for the urban community, rural residents have been dealing with it for quite some time.

The committee then heard the following delegations.

Jim Poushinsky, a resident of Osgoode, commented on the wildlife he has recently seen in the forested area of Osgoode Township, suggesting that the report declaring that rabbits and foxes have been "almost entirely eliminated" by coyotes appears to have been greatly exaggerated. He informed he has never lost any livestock he raised to coyotes or wolves because he put them in the barn and closed the door each night. He said he was not bothered by the presence of coyotes and wolves and actually finds it enjoyable and reassuring to be living in such close touch with the natural world. He noted there have been periodic hunts and ongoing trapping of wolves across Osgoode Township, and remarked that his life was endangered on one occasion by the bullets of a hunter. He said he is not opposed to farmers protecting their livestock, or people protecting their children or their pets, but remarked that if a wild animal is threatening someone, only that particular animal should be eliminated, not the entire species. He stated that wildlife populations have been balanced by nature since the beginning, coyotes having been around for some two million years. He pointed out the gray wolves are their natural enemy and they keep coyote numbers in check, and he observed that the coyote population in Yellowstone Park declined by 50% within two years of Gray wolves being reintroduced there. He suspected that the wolves in the Osgoode area are being slaughtered along with the coyotes, noting they both get caught in the same snare and leg hold traps, and he suggested that leaving the wolves alone will do far more to control coyotes than an indiscriminate cull. He felt that the coyote cull is the wrong approach to protecting people. Reducing coyote numbers so the food they eat is abundant will just cause the survivors to produce far more pups and the numbers will rebound within a year. Their wolf predators are not as prolific, so the coyote problem will be made worse because of the wolves killed. Further, he remarked that the threat to the public from hunters shooting at coyotes near residential areas and rural homes is greater than the threat of harm from coyotes. In closing, he suggested the city follow the procedures in the Near North communities for controlling nuisance bears: keeping food sources like road-kill, garbage, pet food and bird seed away from them; have farmers stop dragging dead calves to the back 40 acres because this provides a food source and an invitation to kill live farm animals; use the cage traps for bears to live catch problem coyotes in residential areas; leave the coyotes who stay away from people alone; and tell children to be cautious around all wild animals and to stay away from them and report their presence in residential areas so they can be trapped. Teach children to be cautious around stray or unfamiliar dogs too, and to recognize and report dogs who are aggressive towards them. A copy of Mr. Poushinsky’s more detailed presentation is held on file.

Chair Deans clarified that the approach being recommended by Mr. Poushinsky is very similar to the approach being recommended by the City – a focus on public education.

Sharon Miko, Director of Operations, Ottawa Humane Society (OHS) stated that the OHS believes an effective and humane solution to wildlife conflict, including coyote issues, is required. The OHS has received many calls and emails from individuals concerned about how the issue is being addressed, including families who have lost their pets, families concerned about their safety, and more frequently, people who are just concerned about the situation is being managed overall. She said the Society has been very clear about its concern about initiatives that have not been founded by well-researched, scientific understanding of the current coyote population. They are encouraged by the proposed collaboration between the City and the Ministry of natural Resources to address this information void and support its initiatives to achieve a humane and effective solution, including not only collecting local population information but reviewing best practices of other North American cities. The OHS agrees with the long-term approach taken by the City of Vancouver, which focuses on public education and increased public awareness, which they believe are key to addressing the issue. They also look forward to reviewing the information from Chicago on the subject.

Howard Crevar, a resident of Osgoode, said that the problem with coyotes did not present itself until about three years ago, at which time it became a very serious issue. Coyotes are now sighted walking in the community in daylight and have become much more of a presence. He felt that educating the public about them is a good idea, noting he had learned a lot from the presentation recently given to Greely residents by the Ministry of Natural Resources, but was unclear how that education would be rolled out to the public and he questioned whether that would be done through schools or work places. He suggested simply having the information on a website would not be a good idea, and requested more information about the process. His primary concern was public safety.

He commented that he is an animal lover, and as a taxpayer he expects to live in an environment in which he does not have to worry about the safety of his daughter and his pets. He noted a recent coyote attack on a teenager in Osgoode, and recalled a fatal attack that occurred in Cape Breton. He remarked that to date, a very passive approach has been taken to dealing with the coyotes in that they are trapped when they approach people, but he would like to see a more aggressive or offensive approach, seeking them out in their dens. He wondered if it is possible to tag and track them. He conceded he is not an expert on coyotes but pointed out he has conducted a fair amount of research on them in the past few years; consequently, he did not think it is possible to chase them away and that will only leave at their own will. He suggested caution would have to be used if trying to chase them out of the Osgoode area so as not to simply push them into the urban area. He questioned the database concept being developed by the provincial government, suggesting it is just another process that will take time to build and test and would not solve the problem, at least not for five years or so. During that time, he speculated the coyote population would just increase.

Chair Deans asked for staff comment about Mr. Crevar’s concern about the possibility of a coyote attack on his daughter. Ms. Hartig replied that to her knowledge nobody in the city has ever been attacked and she added there is no reason for people to be alarmed by coyotes, given some of the information she had provided in her presentation. In addition, she noted that a coyote/wolf hybrid was responsible for the fatal attack in Cape Breton that Mr. Crevar referenced, meaning the behaviour is different than that of a normal coyote. The circumstances of that situation are also not known.

Councillor Thompson appreciated Mr. Crevar’s comments about the education process, particularly with respect to schools. He noted that both he and the Ministry of Natural Resources have handed out information pamphlets to the Osgoode community to educate them, but agreed that more could be done. He asked staff to consider an education campaign involving schools, in partnership with the Ministry, with which Mr. Crevar agreed.

Donna Dubreuil, Ottawa-Carleton Wildlife Centre (OCWC) explained that the Centre has spent the last 23 years caring for orphaned and injured wildlife, helping people better understand wildlife, resolving human-wildlife conflicts intelligently and now providing education on wildlife to young people through its Wildlife Education School Program and to a wide cross-section of the public through its Community Outreach Programs and Special Projects. The OCWC feels there is a need to take a different approach to wildlife issues than what is being proposed – one that focuses on prevention and education, is comprehensive and is anchored in proactive planning, rather than simply reactive. They suggest the proposed motion is part of what should go into a comprehensive Wildlife Strategy but it is only a part and it should not be the driver of the Strategy.

Ms. Dubreuil pointed out that the City of Ottawa Official Plan establishes Guiding Principles for a “Green and Environmentally Sensitive City”, so it is only reasonable that citizens expect the City to develop a complementary Wildlife Strategy to support and finally deliver on these fine sounding principles. She noted that cities across Canada and the United States have adopted “Living with Wildlife” and “Living with Coyotes” programs within the last decade or more, not only to protect biodiversity but because proactive planning and education is cost-effective and is what the majority of their residents want. She suggested the same is true here.

The OCWC lists the following as their concerns about the staff report:

· Public Demand is on behalf of all species. The lack of a progressive Wildlife Strategy is having a serious impact well beyond the concern about coyotes; a Wildlife Strategy should be applied to all wildlife on the basis of ecosystem principles.

· Wildlife-Sensitive planning must come first, and should be part of the planning phases of new development; the differences between rural farms, rural residential and urban residential can best be addressed at the planning level through the Planning and Environment Committee (PEC) and the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee (ARAC).

· Community Participation needs to be increased; the proposal to form an ‘Agency Steering Group’ shuts out the public and NGOs directly involved in wildlife issues from the discussion and decision making, which is contrary to the City’s Public Participation Policy.

· The report acknowledges that ‘best practices’ in other cities center on public awareness and education, but none of the proactive initiatives in these other cities are being implemented.

· The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources’ ‘toolbox’ with respect to human/wildlife conflicts too often only consists of two tools – expanded hunting and culls of wildlife – both of which have frequently been shown to cause more harm than good and will continue to generate controversy rather than solutions.

In closing, Ms. Dubreuil requested that the Committee defer the staff motion until the OCWC has an opportunity to present its planned proposal for a comprehensive Wildlife Strategy for Ottawa to the Planning and Environment Committee at its meeting on February 23, 2010. A copy of Ms. Dubreuil’s complete presentation is held in file.

Councillor Thompson suggested that the motions being presented deal with many of the issues Ms. Dubreuil raised. He noted that the Ministry has a human conflict wildlife strategy and that he is part of the group dealing with that. He noted this issue would be referred to the Rural Issues Advisory Committee and that a public forum on the issue is pending. He thought the planning process component that Ms. Dubreuil had spoken to would probably be addressed in coming discussions on the issue.

He asked if she was satisfied with the direction the City is taking, save and except the lack of a planning approach. Ms. Dubreuil replied she is satisfied with the fact that it is an important component of it, but she suggested the lead still has to be planning because it is at the front end and any of the project people she has spoken to say that it’s very critical to have the lead done in terms of the planning. She said you cannot be looking at new developments and not taking into consideration the impact it could have on wildlife.

Councillor Thompson noted Ottawa is unique because it has seven or eight forests within the city, and 90 per cent of the land mass is agriculture, a lot of that being very rural. He observed this provides unique opportunities to work with humans and wildlife and he felt the approach today is a good start.

Chair Deans agreed that planning is very important for the city’s future and its future developments. She remarked there is a situation that is present today in the community that has to be dealt with, and then there is the planning and foundation setting that is required for the future. She did not see those two issues as mutually exclusive, commenting that the City has waited as long as it needs to wait to have a responsible, integrated strategy that focuses on public education. She did not see any reason to defer the report, adding that Ms. Dubreuil’s suggestion of a Wildlife Strategy was an excellent one. Ms. Dubreuil responded that planning is very critical in terms of leading the strategy because it is not a ‘future’ issue since development continues to occur at present in substantial ways. She noted there is no plan to implement the proposed public education component. She said that the basics need to be considered – looking at wildlife sensitive planning, part of which is to develop construction protocols that are actually implemented; looking at public educations; looking at forums that bring the public in; the school program, etc. She was not satisfied that jumping to the middle portion, evaluating wildlife populations and posting information on the web, should be done before bringing the strategy to PEC in two weeks.

Sol Shuster, Chair, Greenbelt Coalition of Canada’s Capital Region explained that the Coalition was formed in 2008 to provide a community-based approach to the National Capital Commission’s (NCC) review of their 1996 Greenbelt Master Plan. The Coalition comprises virtually all the major environmental and community organizations in the National Capital Region, including Ecology Ottawa, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, the Greenspace Alliance, the Federation of Ottawa Citizens Associations, as well as two of the City’s Advisory Committees, Rural Issues Advisory Committee (RIAC) and the Ottawa Forests and Greenspace Advisory Committee (OFGAC). He pointed out the current Greenbelt Master Plan review involves a great deal of public consultation, in contrast to the proposal to create an “Agency Steering Group” involving the City’s By-law and Regulatory Services Branch and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, which ignores the City of Ottawa’s Public Participation Policy.

He pointed out that the Coalition’s goals for the Greenbelt include preserving biodiversity, enhancing natural areas and providing a more informed understanding and respect for wild species, in order to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts. Because wildlife does not observe political boundaries, the Coalition hopes that the City of Ottawa will adopt a similar model and a more comprehensive and proactive approach to wildlife matters than is currently being presented. To summarize, the Coalition supports the need for a Wildlife Strategy that is part of the urban and rural environmental planning process, takes an ecosystem approach in that it includes all wildlife, not just one species, and uses the excellent environmental interests and resources available in the community to assist with public education.

Councillor Chiarelli asked how Mr. Shuster would feel about the lead on the strategy being taken by both the Planning department and Bylaw Services. Mr. Shuster replied that makes a lot of sense. We’re talking about something that needs to be addressed in a comprehensive, sustained way.

Ms. Jones commented that staff is in full agreement with a number of initiatives being proposed. She stressed it is not about taking the lead or about one versus the other; the City of Ottawa is one entity, albeit a large one, that works together. She pointed out that Planning staff, Mr. Moodie, was present, showing that the branches are working together. She explained the proposal on the table is a collaborative approach that will have the City work in partnership with a number of agencies, noting that the Ministry had already asked the City for its advice on who should be included in the steering committee. She surmised that all of the work that will be done by various groups will be complimentary and not competitive.

Douglas Thew noted that he is a hunter and fisher, adding that he grew up in the country and occasionally lost livestock to predators. An Ottawa resident for 20 years, he said he has a strong moral compass with respect to responsibility, duty and respect for the natural world. He was not concerned that a coyote has been sighted walking the streets of Greenboro, stating the coyote and its pack have been living peaceably in the area without notice or concern for years. He said friends of his have told him that coyotes have lived in the Greensboro area for decades already. The pack in question, as photographed for local newspapers recently, used to live at the Johnson Road rail yard and the adjoining hydro fields. He knows this because upon moving into the area four years ago his neighbours informed him and showed him there whereabouts. He said they were living there long before most of the area was really developed and are a very valuable part of the ecosystem. He has spotted the one in the paper and others from his pack many times over the years along the hydro cut and has photographed them on occasion, noting they are shy and elusive. He pointed out that the idea of urban coyotes is not new; they thrive in sub-urban settings and some urban ones.

He referenced a recent study by wildlife ecologists at the Ohio State University, which found that coyotes have adapted well to living in densely populated urban environments that spring up around them, while completely avoiding contact with humans. They feed on mice, squirrels and pretty much what their standard, non-urban fare is. They estimate there are up to 2, 000 coyotes currently living in the Chicago area and that this circumstance may apply to most other urban landscapes across North America. In the heart of Washington, DC at Rock Creek Park, coyotes den and raise their young, scavenge road kill and hunt rodents. A National Park Service biologist responsible for the area is quoted as saying it’s not seen as a bad thing for the park, but rather it is good for keeping certain animal populations in control, such as squirrels and mice. Mr. Thew suggested that considering the sheer size of Ottawa’s post-amalgamation and its vast amount of greenspace, compared to a city like Chicago and how well they avoid human contact, it’s not far-fetched to think Ottawa’s urban coyote population rivals or surpasses Chicago’s.

On the point of avoiding human contact and any potential threat they pose, he presented these facts:

· All experts note that it is very rare for a coyote to attack, and on the very rare occasions when it has happened, injuries are rarely serious due to the coyote’s small size and its fear of human contact.

· Historically, there have only been two reported fatal attacks by coyotes across North America. One was in 1981 in Glendale, CA. The second was in 2009 in Cape Breton, and experts are now considering that those animals were wolf hybrids and not true coyotes.

· In comparison, there are 30 or more fatalities every year from domestic dogs. Statistically, one would have a greater chance of being struck by lightning on a completely cloudless day while indoors.

He remarked that coyotes are not friendly or cuddly – they are wild animals living within the city, much like the falcons that nest at the downtown hotel. Those falcons, however, are held with fascination and respect, even though they are just as likely to be a threat as the coyote is. He explained that the reason this coyote, and others from his family at the rail yard, is on the move has nothing to do with illness, like mange, or with lack of food. He noted his tail has been bald at least the last four years and he appears as healthy and hardy. Likewise, there are plenty of mice, rats and squirrels, and deer in the area to provide a plentiful food source. The reason they are roaming is simpler; their den is located roughly in the area where the new construction on the north side of Johnson Road is, so, due to the city’s needed development, the coyotes’ home has inadvertently been destroyed. Mr. Thew acknowledged there is nothing wrong with wanting or building new homes to suit the city’s growing needs, but he noted that sometimes means expanding into the habitat of others. This, he suggested, is where the moral compass must come into play - how we expand and how we impact the environment we encroach upon.

He pointed out that the coyote is not a threat to human’s way of life but humans are most certainly a threat to his. He also commented that the role a top level predator plays in our environment is vital to controlling the exploding deer population and to vermin control. He noted that relocation is not the preferred option according to the Ministry, due to the hardships faced by relocated animals, but he remarked that the damage has already been because the coyote’s home has been destroyed. The moral thing to do, he observed, would be to ensure those coyotes in the Greensboro area are relocated south into the Pine Grove or into another area close by that they can still call home. In keeping with his comments, he also offered to show anyone who wanted to see firsthand several examples of urban coyotes in Ottawa.

Leigh Hann, Wildlife Researcher expressed appreciation for the research that was done to promote a positive attitude towards coyotes that live in Ottawa and its rural areas. She said previous presenters had spoken to many of the comments she would have offered. She stated she would like to help people to stop from fearing wildlife and offered to make herself available if she could be of assistance in any way. She explained that she was inspired to pursue her degree in fish and wildlife biology after attending a meeting about Urban Wildlife 12 or 13 years ago, and has been conducting a study on wolves and bears in Gatineau Parc for the last five years. She explained that she takes a non-invasive approach to her research and takes into consideration the whole surrounding environment, including people. She hoped that lessons have been learned from the fatal coyote/wolf attack in Cape Breton and that Ottawa uses it as an opportunity to help prevent further incident. She conceded though that as much as prevention can be administered, some injuries caused by wildlife will still occur. She reiterated her desire to be part of the action associated with a common sense approach. A further submission relating to Ms. Hann’s research is also held on file.

Heather Hamilton, Zoologist and Ethologist, stated that she has studied many species of wild animals, including wolves. She was encouraged by the approach that staff is promoting but suggested it is just a beginning. She was also encouraged that Councillors seem to be accepting and endorsing the approach, but she re-emphasized that it is just a start. She said she would whole-heartedly endorse what Sol Shuster and Donna Dubreuil had previously suggested about a Wildlife Strategy, with a very comprehensive overall strategy to deal with wildlife and human-wildlife interactions in the city. In the case of the coyote, she remarked it is important to bring good scientific method to bear on the issue, undertaking comprehensive coyote population surveys to determine accurate numbers and the territory and movements of individual animals. Also needed, she said, are methods for proper validation with verifiable proof of so-called coyote livestock and pet kills. She said it is not good enough to make decisions just relying on anecdotal or soft evidence, which she suggested was the tendency with decision-making in the past.

She commented that she was disturbed by the inflammatory language sometimes used by the media and some politicians to describe coyotes, noting that, for instance, coyotes have been described as aggressive animals. She stressed this is not the case, adding coyotes are reclusive by nature and want to avoid humans. She pointed out that when the few cases of reported aggressive behaviour are closely examined, notwithstanding the tragedy in Cape Breton, it is seen that the human involved has been an active instigator of the incident and the coyote has just reacted out of fear to defend itself. She added that describing coyotes as naturally aggressive understandably makes the general public nervous, and unnecessarily inflames the situation. Furthermore, she noted that the report stated several animals have been sighted in areas where people live, but there is insufficient evidence to prove whether one animal has been seen repeatedly (which she suggested probable), or if more than one animal is involved. She suggested caution should be taken in such reporting so as not to unintentionally inflame the situation.

As a rural resident of Osgoode for 32 years, she noted she has seen and heard coyotes frequently. Even upon meeting the animals while walking her dogs she has never felt threatened or endangered by them. On the contrary, she stated their actions have shown they were more afraid of her, having always run off upon the encounter. She remarked, however, that she has often been afraid of hunters, some of them coyote hunters, and their dogs roaming the woods and fields near her home and she questioned whether the City planned to do anything about them. She worried that her cats would be eaten by Fishers, dogs or coyotes if they are outside and consequently she keeps them indoors. Her dog is also never allowed to run free so as not to endanger him or allow him to be a danger. She remarked that it is likewise the responsibility of farmers to protect their livestock appropriately.

She pointed out the City has an Environmental Strategy that is supposed to guide it in appropriate decision-making, and one of the pillars of that strategy is working in harmony with nature. She said that hiring a trapper or instituting a hunt for any species every time it gets in the way, or by its very existence offends our fragile sense of security, is not living in harmony with nature. She suggested the City should do its best to educate people to behave appropriately and to react appropriately rather than jumping to guns and traps as the first response. She hypothesized there are more dog-inflicted injuries and deaths every year in North America than have been inflicted by coyotes in the whole history of coyote-human interaction. As a resident moving into the country, she said she understood the need to live in harmony with the wildlife already living there. She remarked that due to poor planning in the city, which has resulted in unfettered development, wildlife are losing their homes and being threatened by the human species. She felt that the issue needs to be examined from a different perspective, looking at why there are increasing coyote-human interactions and address those root causes to prevent problems from arising. When problems do arise, she believed that ways should be found to deal with them without automatically jumping into ‘killing mode’.

Councillor Thompson noted the approach being proposed is a common sense one but asked Ms. Hamilton whether she agreed that it is sometimes a necessity to trap animals. She did not necessarily agree, stating that would depend on the definition of ‘necessity’.

Councillor Thomson noted that with coyote sightings in town becoming more frequent there is a fear amongst the public already, justified or not, and asked for Ms. Hamilton’s suggestions on how to deal with their concerns. She responded that it is necessary to find out why the coyotes are in public in the first place. She noted, for example, that City staff was dumping deer carcases behind a municipal garage not far from Greely, which may well have attracted the coyotes.

The Councillor explained he had submitted an Inquiry to senior staff to get the details surrounding the process of road-kill disposal, but he pointed out the carcases are actually buried, not just dumped, although there might be some delay between the time of drop-off and burial if the drop-off has to occur on a week-end, when there are limited staff. He also did not think that, in itself, is the cause of all of the increased coyote sightings. Ms. Hamilton concurred, noting a deeper investigation is required.

Ms. Jones clarified that staff are aware of one incident where a deer was not properly buried, but City staff do pick-up and bury road-kill seven days a week.

Susanne Bartlette, Board Director, Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary (RVWS) explained that the sanctuary is a registered charity authorized by the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) to rehabilitate injured, sick or orphaned mammals. It currently treats small mammals at its facility in North Gower. It also operates a website and hotline that provides advice on coexisting with wildlife, and offers humane, cost-effective solutions to wildlife problems. RVWS supports the recommendation that City staff work cooperatively with the MNR to develop and implement an integrated approach to addressing coyote issues, noting that many communities have already implemented such an integrated approach. RVWS believes that public education on coexisting with coyotes is the key component of the City’s recommendation. They urge the City and MNR to undertake an extensive publicity and educational campaign. Specifically, current fact sheets should be expanded to include more emphasis on the coyote’s natural behaviours to facilitate public understanding, and make more detailed information available for those wishing to delve deeper. She cited “Co-Existing with Coyotes” produced by the Stanley Park Ecology Society, and “Coyotes in our Midst” by the Animal Protection Institute as good examples. She suggested educational materials developed should be distributed widely and made easily accessible to all residents of Ottawa and rural communities and added that RVWS would be pleased to contribute to the development of any such educational materials.

In terms of responding to human safety issues, RVWS agrees that the public’s health and safety is the utmost importance, something they also practice as wildlife rehabilitators. They feel decisions need to be based on sound research targeting a specific animal, rather than the species as a whole. The process for determining whether an animal is deemed to be aggressive needs to be defined, as one person’s perceptions may differ than another’s. They also believe it is imperative that, prior to development of any general policies, the City and MNR wildlife biologists, firstly conduct the research, and document findings and sightings in order to fully understand any widespread problems, their extent and the causes. After this research is concluded a general course of action or policy could be determined and possible solutions that will be effective, responsible, and socially acceptable.

The RVWS is glad to see the City of Ottawa taking the lead and bringing people together in a public forum to define the problem instead of continuing the current approach of random, ineffective, and sometimes inhumane responses. What they feel has been missing from discussions and media attention to date is perspective and reality. Once limited mainly to the grasslands and of southwestern Canada, the central United States, and north-central Mexico, coyotes now inhabit a broad range of habits throughout almost all of North America. Since coyotes are not going away or be gotten rid of, she the alternative is to learn to live with them.

She added that although coyotes be a problem, they do not all pose a threat. RVWS is firmly opposed to any indiscriminate trapping or random mass culling, which they feel is an archaic and ineffective response. In summary, she stated this is not a species problem and it needs to be put in perspective. She pointed out there can be conflicts with any animal—domestic or wild—and there are many options for a compassionate, respectful response. With the proper leadership and education shown by the City of Ottawa, she proposed that many negative interactions can be prevented. She said that taking the time to understand an animal’s natural behavior allows us to take simple steps to prevent problems from occurring in the first place and coexist with Ottawa’s coyotes. In closing, she requested the opportunity for RVWS to consult on future developments related to this topic, adding that they also support a broader wildlife strategy be developed, as recommended by the OCWC. A copy of Ms. Bartlette’s more detailed submission is held on file.

Chair Deans thanked the delegations for their comments. She felt it had been a very informative discussion and she agreed with those who suggested that a Wildlife Strategy be developed in the future and that there is a great deal more work to be done in terms of public education.

In response to questions from Councillor Cullen regarding which Planning staff would be working with the MNR, Ms. Jones informed that in addition to Mr. Moodie, there would also be Nick Stow, Senior Planner, Land Use & Natural Systems Unit.

The Councillor noted that the Ottawa Wildlife Centre and others would be appearing before Planning and Environment Committee on February 23 to talk about policies required from an urban planning perspective to better deal with the transition when urban development invades wildlife habitat. He presumed that additional staff would need to be involved if the proposal is approved, which Ms. Jones confirmed.

Noting the media coverage of the coyote issue recently and the perceptions many people have about the situation, Councillor Cullen requested confirmation that the approach being proposed is public education and trying to find a means to co-exist with the coyotes. Ms. Jones confirmed. In response to further questions from the Councillor, Ms. Jones clarified that the City does not sanction a coyote cull, which is not a legal practice in the province of Ontario. She said education is the primary approach, as well as adopting a wildlife strategy for the big picture, to facilitate problem prevention and understanding for co-existence.

Councillor Feltmate inquired how the public can tell the difference between a coyote or other animal when calling in a report. Ms. Hartig replied that most people can tell the difference between a dog and a coyote, and there aren’t many wolves in the area, although she noted that they are sometimes confused with wolves because they are larger than the typical coyote.

The Councillor asked whether the strategy will include other animals. Ms. Hartig replied this report is focused on coyotes but the same principles generally apply to wildlife.

The Councillor referred to a constituent who has had several wolf sightings near his property and she inquired about the boundaries for the trapping process, and how the City will ensure people feel concerns are being responded to regardless of which area they live in. Ms. Hartig replied there is a huge difference between sightings and issues associated with habituated animals, so a sighting in an area does not necessarily constitute an issue. She suggested that education will help with people’s concerns and help them differentiate habituated animals that might pose a problem. In the case of the coyote in question in the Greenboro area, she said staff will have to further assess the situation because it is very ill with mange at this point. She added that with respect to the Chicago study that she had referenced earlier, a very large number of the coyotes died over the course of the six-year study (70 out of 175) as a result of vehicle collisions and disease (mainly mange).

Councillor Feltmate asked for reassurance that staff will be able to comfortably and confidently deliver the education program to residents to give them the knowledge and reassurance they need. Ms. Jones replied that is staff’s intent. She commented that the report before Committee today is information based on sound research. She said it is the intent that staff will be well-trained; including Bylaw officers and the Call Centre, and it will include working with a number of partners to ensure the information is delivered.

She reminded members that dealing with animal attacks take up an extensive amount of resources, noting that a dog bite occurs every day in the city - or about 200-300 reports per year – and so staff want to focus on responsible pet ownership because residents are put more at risk with irresponsible pet owners than with wildlife. She added wildlife attacks are rare and that information needs to be made clear to the public so their fears are not based on misinformation.

The Councillor asked whether there is opportunity to work with particular community associations on the education program, in particular those where there are new developments going in and there is more of that conflict with humans and wildlife. Ms. Jones agreed with that, adding there is technology and websites in place to that effect. She said they have worked with the OCWC and welcome any opportunities for assistance with the education program, adding that meeting with community associations is a perfect example.

Councillor Holmes asked whether the report would be going to PEC or of a motion to that effect would be required. Ms. Jones responded that the report before this committee is to complement the report on the wildlife strategy that will be going to PEC on the 24^th. She added that the focus and mandate of PEC is to start talking about strategy and the overall big picture of future development as well as current development. At this point, the City and other agencies are dealing with the symptoms so it is necessary to ensure there are measures in place to deal with the existing issues and talk about a better approach in the future.

The Councillor asked whether they could have an effect on Environmental Assessments (EAs) to try to incorporate something about environmental protection in them. Mr. Stow responded that the Planning department is already involved in most of the EAs that do take place in the city and attempts to address human/wildlife interactions during those assessments, acknowledging though that does not always happen with the success they would like.

Councillor Holmes asked whether the report would go the Agricultural and Rural Affairs Committee (ARAC). Ms. Jones confirmed that would be subject to a motion of Committee, but added staff would be happy to consult with any committee impacted. The Councillor questioned whether other staff members would be attending ARAC with a different set of recommendations. Ms. Jones said she could not say until the meetings take place. When asked how any such recommendations would be routed, Ms. Jones suggested any recommendations coming from ARAC would go directly to Council. She suggested the recommendations could be complementary to those from CPSC or PEC and maybe more specific to concerns in the agricultural community. The Councillor suggested all recommendations on the subject should be presented to Council at the same time.

Ms. Jones said the proposal on the table was to have a mechanism in place to bring comfort to the community, and added that the hope is that anything coming forward from other committees would be complimentary. She noted, however, that Council can amend, change and add to any process or policy at any point.

Councillor Thompson remarked that the coyote cull in Osgoode ward is the issue of the Osgoode Township Fish, Game and Conservation Club, not a proposal emanating from him or the ward. He noted the club is very articulate and well-meaning and have a lot of experience in conservation in the community. He felt perhaps the issue simply took off in the wrong direction, but he acknowledged that farmers often fire hunters and trappers to deal with problematic wild animals. He thanked the Chair for bringing the issue forward, stating it is important to deal with it. He was pleased with the direction City staff are taking on the issue and appreciated the comments from the delegations, noting the community wants assurance that action is being taken to deal with the issue in a positive way.

The Committee then dealt with the following motions.

Moved by R. Chiarelli

WHEREAS the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources has in place policies surrounding the relocation of wildlife which include a prohibition on the transfer of adult wildlife species further than 1 kilometer from the point of origin;

AND WHEREAS, in some instances, particularly ones involving healthy wildlife in the urban/suburban areas, relocation of that wildlife in accordance with the policies would result in the animal remaining in an urban/suburban area that may not be appropriate;

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Community and Protective Services Committee request that the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources review its wildlife relocation policies, particularly as they relate to healthy wildlife found in urban/suburban areas.

CARRIED

Moved by A. Cullen

WHEREAS concerns about the presence and activities of coyotes, and associated potential safety issues, have been expressed by Councillor Thompson on behalf of the residents of Osgoode Ward 20 since 2007;

AND WHEREAS Councillor Thompson has undertaken educational and field response initiatives in his ward since that time;

AND WHEREAS Councillor Thompson is participating, along with other stakeholder organizations with an interest in conflicts between humans and wildlife in Ontario, in a provincial initiative to address such conflicts;

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Community and Protective Services Committee and City staff provide support to Councillor Thompson in his role as representative of the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (Association of Municipalities of Ontario) on the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources’ Human-Wildlife Conflicts Advisory Group to help facilitate the development of an integrated coyote management strategy that will benefit residents and stakeholders across Ontario.

CARRIED

Moved by R. Chiarelli

WHEREAS concerns have been expressed by residents in various areas of the City – both urban and rural – about the presence and activities of coyotes, and associated potential safety concerns, among other issues;

AND WHEREAS consideration should be given to the manner in which the coyote issue is most appropriately addressed in light of the nature and geography of Ottawa, as well as best practices;

AND WHEREAS the role of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee includes consideration of issues affecting the rural areas which includes the farming community;

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Community and Protective Services Committee propose to the chair of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee and the Chair of the Planning and Environment Committee that they convene a joint meeting of those committees to review and develop a wildlife strategy for the City of Ottawa.

CARRIED

Moved by R. Chiarelli

WHEREAS public involvement and consultation at the strategic and development planning stages,

AND WHEREAS the matter of a comprehensive wildlife strategey is set to be discussed at Planning and Environment Committee,

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the lead department role, from the City's side of the matter, be shared by By-law Services and Planning and Environment.

CARRIED

That the Community and Protective Services Committee:

1. Direct staff to work cooperatively with the MNR to develop and implement an integrated approach to addressing coyote issues, including but not limited to public awareness and education, and response to human safety issues as appropriate.

2. Request that the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources review its wildlife relocation policies, particularly as they relate to healthy wildlife found in urban/suburban areas.

3. and City staff provide support to Councillor Thompson in his role as representative of the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (Association of Municipalities of Ontario) on the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources’ Human-Wildlife Conflicts Advisory Group to help facilitate the development of an integrated coyote management strategy that will benefit residents and stakeholders across Ontario.

4. Propose to the Chair of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee and the Chair of the Planning and Environment Committee that they convene a joint meeting of those committees to review and develop a wildlife strategy for the City of Ottawa.

5. Direct staff to ensure that the lead department role, from the City's side of the matter, be shared by By-law Services and Planning and Environment.

CARRIED as amended