Vancouver Park Board votes in favour of goose cull
A report from Vancouver Park Board staff estimates the Canada goose population in the city is about 2,200 birds, but warns it could soar to more than 10,000 by the end of the decade if drastic action isn't taken.
In recent years, the park board has used a number of different methods to try to keep Canada goose numbers down.
That includes addling or shaking goose eggs, replacing the eggs with artificial ones, and using landscaping features to make parks and sports fields less attractive to the birds.
"What we've done so far is not generating the results that we need," said Park Board Commissioner Marie-Claire Howard.
"If we don't do anything, we're looking at a population of 10,000 or more geese."
On Monday night, the board voted to adopt a strategy that takes a more drastic approach to controlling the Canada goose population by killing some adult birds as part of a cull.
Howard, who voted in support of the plan, could not explain how the geese would be killed.
"I don't know. We haven't had that conversation on the details of this," Howard said. "As I said, it's a tool that we want to have. It's not a tool that we're planning to use next week."
The Animal Alliance of Canada has spoken out against Canada goose culls planned in other cities and is also opposed to the tactic being used in Vancouver.
"You have politicians on the park board making decisions when they don't even know how these birds are going to be killed and I think that speaks to a lack of awareness of the consequences of their decision," said AAC spokesperson Jordan Reichert.
One day after the park board adopted the plan, city councillor Pete Fry tabled a motion calling on Vancouver to work to create more bird-friendly habitats in the city.
The motion, which highlights Vancouver's location on a Pacific migratory bird route, is not specific to Canada geese, but Fry is still advocating for non-lethal methods of population control.
"(Those methods include) addling eggs, as a means of sort of birth control, but also even dogs," Fry said. "I've got a border-collie-type dog that would love to go into parks and chase geese to get them off the field."
The park board must now apply for a permit from the Canadian Wildlife Service, which has the authority to deny the request for permission to kill geese if the board can't prove it has exhausted all other options.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.7029443.1725744633!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
Police release video of Toronto plaza shooting that killed university student
A university student from Brampton was killed when two shooters fired indiscriminately into a crowded plaza in Toronto last month in what police say was a 'cowardly act.'
No more porta-potties at B.C. construction sites starting Oct. 1
What some B.C. construction workers describe as the worst aspect of their jobs will be coming to an end next month, the province announced.
The iPhone is getting a 'glow' up. What to expect from Apple's Monday event
Apple excited fans with its vision for its 'Apple Intelligence' artificial intelligence system earlier this year. Now, it's time for the company to prove it really works.
Manhunt underway after 5 people injured in Kentucky shooting near Interstate 75, officials say
Several people have been shot near Interstate 75 in Laurel County, Ky., according to the Laurel County Sheriff’s office.
'Extremely vigorous' wildfire activity in central B.C. prompts crews to back off for safety
The wildfire fight in central B.C. intensified Friday, according to officials.
'Hopeless and helpless': Regina mother seeks help to treat rare spinal disease
Mary Grace Rico is seeking help in getting treatment for a rare spinal condition.
Three teens charged for armed robbery at Kitchener jewelry store
Three teens were arrested for an armed robbery at a Kitchener jewelry store after witnesses caught and detained the suspects until officers arrived on scene.
They were due to leave for their dream cruise in May. Three months on they’re still stuck at the departure port
It was the years-long cruise that was supposed to set sail, but saw its departure postponed… postponed… and postponed again.