FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Statement by MPP Goldie Ghamari on the Coyote situation in south Ottawa:
Ontario has worked with municipalities for many years to prevent and manage conflicts between coyotes and people. Municipalities are responsible for deciding what course of action is necessary when human-coyote encounters occur within City boundaries. The province provides support to municipalities by providing advice and expertise on actions they can take to resolve ongoing conflict situations.
In addition to my statement from earlier today, I can confirm that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has been assisting the City of Ottawa, including:
- On June 9, 2020, MNRF staff met with the City and other stakeholders including NCC, the Ottawa Police Services, and the Public Health Unit, to discuss the coyote situation in Ottawa.
- MNRF staff provided technical advice and assistance to the group, including:
- MNRF’s opinion on the particular coyote and the rare behaviour;
- MNRF’s role in this situation, which is to provide advice, information and outreach;
- Options for the City to hire an agent/trapper. The district is developing a list of potential contacts for the City. Alternatively the City was also informed that it can contact the Ontario Fur Managers Federation.
- In closing the call, the City of Ottawa indicated that they would brief Councillor Meehan on the roles and responsibilities of the MNRF, City of Ottawa, and Ottawa Police in this situation.
- MNRF has provided the City of Ottawa with messaging specific to best practices for preventing and dealing with human-coyote encounters that could be used to share with the public.
- MNRF will continue to work with the City of Ottawa, including working to provide a list of potential agents who might be able to assist in the dispatch of the coyote alongside additional technical information to support the City of Ottawa in its decision-making regarding dispatch/removal of the coyote.
Our government will continue to work with communities and partners to develop local solutions that address local needs.
My office will continue to monitor the situation and will continue to provide assistance and information to residents, stakeholders, involved parties, municipal staff, local politicians and anyone else who requires provincial support.
Thank you.
/Goldie Ghamari, MPP
QUICK FACTS
- Coyote sightings in the City of Ottawa can be reported to the City and/or the National Capital Commission (NCC) using the NCC Coyote Sightings Line: 613-239-5000. If anyone feels a coyote is a threat to their personal safety they should contact 9-1-1 immediately
- For additional information on actions that can be taken by municipalities, please visit www.ontario.ca/page/wild-animal-control-rules-municipalities.
- For more information about how to prevent and manage conflicts with coyotes, go to https://www.ontario.ca/page/preventing-and-managing-conflicts-coyotes-wolves-and-foxes
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MEDIA INQUIRIES:
Candice Coates, Executive Assistant
Office of Goldie Ghamari, MPP
candice.coates@pc.ola.org
613-257-9522