Christy Lehman, Supervisor, Animal Care Services, addressed the Committee and provided a presentation entitled, Coyote Response and Co-Existence Strategy that outlined the City’s proposed approach in addressing recent coyote encounters. Ms. Lehman indicated that the proposed strategy was created using a best practice, scientific and research based approach that outlines proactive, staged approaches to increase public education, post additional signage, continued upkeep of public parks and a zero tolerance for off-leash dogs to reduce the risk of coyote conflict. It was noted that this document is fluid and will be updated regularly as the situation evolves. Ms. Lehman indicated that there has been a lot of research conducted and that the City has the most comprehensive strategy to address the emerging conflicts between coyotes and the public and noted that the risk of a coyote attack is low. Additionally, there has been active feeding captured on surveillance cameras in the area of the coyote sightings and that this has been helpful to investigate the health of the coyote and target public education strategies.
The following deputations were heard:
Valerie Burke, addressed the Committee in support of the staff co-existence strategy and noted the importance of not feeding the coyotes.
Dale Swift, addressed the Committee and expressed concerns for his family's safety and that of the public while coyotes are out in the community. He also inquired on what will be done to address issues around safety.
Areez Remtulla, addressed the Committee to express support for the Coyote Response and Co-Existence Strategy.
Janet Andrews, addressed the Committee to express support for the Coyote Response and Co-Existence Strategy.
Minh Hang, addressed the Committee to express his concerns with public safety and coyote encounters in the Swan Lake area. He suggested that there be additional warning signs posted and that the coyotes be relocated.
Phil Kestin, addressed the Committee to express concerns with public safety and fear and that the current situation is not in co-existing with the coyotes. He noted that this approach is reactive and coyote approached and that the urban population has not been factored in the strategy.
Kirkor Apel, addressed the Committee to express support for the Coyote Response and Co-Existence Strategy and noted that despite that there are coyotes in the area, it doesn't indicate there is a problem.
The Committee thanked the deputants for attending the meeting and staff for their work on the strategy.
There was discussion on the following:
- That there are concerns in the community for the safety of people and pets;
- Reasons for the cause of the increase in the number of coyotes in the community;
- An inquiry into the projected size of the coyote population in the future;
- An inquiry into the true predator of the coyote;
- Concerns with safety and what the public can bring with them when out walking themselves and with their dogs to deter a coyote encounter;
- Methods to deter coyote encounters on private property;
- Inquiry into why there is intervention after a human interaction;
- That wildlife make their decisions regardless of human intervention and education;
- That there be consideration to enhance education at Swan Lake and other impacted areas;
- Inquiry into sightings at un-leashed dog parks;
- That the recommended tactics may not always work to deter coyote interactions;
- Inquiry on where coyotes are migrating and are they along with wolves and bears moving south;
- Inquiry into travelling patterns of coyotes and whether they travel in packs;
- That staff enact the strategy quickly to educate the public and address the concerns raised;
- Inquiry into whether there are any parameters for the hunting of coyotes;
- Consideration to increase the proposed fines, especially for repeat offences, in an effort to deter the feeding of coyotes;
- Consideration to highlight and advise the public to not leave young children and pets alone;
- That education and enforcement are necessary to promote the strategy and change public behaviour to limit any coyote encounters;
- That there be consideration to request that the Province address the issue of coyote encounters and provide a communication campaign with marketing materials to municipalities to assist with public awareness; and,
- That staff plan a public consultation meeting on this matter in the new year.
Lesley Sampson from Coyote Watch Canada, and she acknowledged safety concerns and noted the mitigation methods made in the presentation and that public education and public feedback are key elements in a co-existence strategy. Ms. Sampson further indicated that the increase of coyote activity is a result of increased outdoor activity during COVID-19, and feeding. The actions taken so far by the City are proactive and by-law officers are working with the public to address concerns and issues such as repeat feeding. She noted that coyotes will naturally return to their hunting and foraging behaviour once feeding by the public is stopped and indicated the importance of reporting coyote sightings and those at off-leash dog parks.
Staff advised that the coyote mortality rate is high and there have been many struck by vehicles. It was suggested that members of the public may consider carrying and umbrella, a green garbage bag to create noise, and to keep pets on a leash no longer than six feet as part of several aversion tactics.
The Committee requested that staff request the Minister of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry review the issue of coyote conflict and provide a provincial strategy on this matter in addition to forwarding the resolution to local Members of Provincial Parliament. The Committee also requested that City fines for feeding wildlife be increased.