Canada geese disrupt Herb Gray Parkway construction

Canada geese are disrupting construction of the $1.4-billion Herb Gray Parkway.

Geese have started living in some of the ponds and naturalized areas of the project. They have also taken to eating newly planted landscaping seed-mix around the ponds.

So, firecracker sounds will be used to scare the geese away.

City of Windsor naturalist Paul Pratt isn't sure the scare tactic will work.

He said geese and other birds are very adaptable so although the geese might be scared off at first, they'll be back.

Canada geese and larger cackling geese are migratory birds that are protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act.

The geese mitigation program will include noise and visual deterrents in three specific locations throughout the project area.

The program, which started Wednesday, will run approximately two weeks.

The noise-making devices used will sound and look like a firecracker. They will be discharged in the morning and before dark.
The three locations affected include:
Pond 1, at the southwest corner of the roundabout and County Road 9 (Howard Avenue Diversion).
Pond 2, south of Villa Paradiso.
Pond 6, west of Matchette Road and E.C. Row Expressway.
"Residents adjacent to these areas may see and hear these activities," read a statement issued by the parkway group. "This program will be undertaken and monitored by trained professionals and will adhere to all federal laws and municipal by-laws. Firearms are not involved with this work and wildlife will not be harmed.
"We sincerely appreciate your cooperation during this time."