Geese Management Committee

Canada Geese in Tiny

In early 2007, The North Simcoe Goose Management Task Force was established to develop a strategy for an acceptable solution to problems with growing geese population in the region. In February 2007, Tiny received a report from the Public Works Department incorporating the North Simcoe Geese Management Strategies Report developed by representatives of various public and private enterprises in North Simcoe. By resolution, Council reconfirmed a sub-committee to represent Tiny on the North Simcoe Goose Management Task Force, and established a budget item to support their efforts. In addition, they appointed the Community Recreation Coordinator to act as the staff resource on the sub-committee. 

The purpose of the sub-committee is to make recommendations to Council on the management and control of Canada Geese in the Township of Tiny, to provide public education and support in Tiny, and to coordinate geese management strategies with neighboring municipalities. Members of Tiny’s sub-committee are Terry Breckenridge and Rodger Yeatman. Their objective remains to determine the nature and extent of the issue in Tiny, and they would appreciate your input. In particular, they are looking for volunteers to observe and to report on goose behavior in the township over the spring, summer and fall seasons. To volunteer or to provide any comment or other insight, please contact Bonita at bdesroches@tiny.ca.

What can be done?

Canada Geese are protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, and it is illegal to interfere with the bird or to disturb the nests without special permission from the Canadian Wildlife Service. So what can be done? Consider some of the following deterrent techniques, either individually or in concert with your neighbors or local association:

1. Reduce the attractiveness of your property to geese by not locating manicured lawns next to the water, and by maintaining shoreline buffers of tall grasses, shrubs, hedges, low walls or fences.

2. Discourage nesting with scare tactics as soon as the geese arrive to keep them from settling on your property. Noisemakers, strobe lights, reflective tape, models of predators such as eagles or owls, and trained dogs may be useful in the short term, but must be varied frequently and continuously since the geese adapt quickly to the disturbance. Remember, these techniques may annoy your neighbors and push the problem to neighboring areas.

3. Don’t feed the geese! This may not keep them away, but at least it doesn’t put out the welcome mat.

4. Obtain a permit through the Canadian Wildlife Service to sterilize eggs during nesting season (mid-April through mid-May). Egg oiling effectively prevents hatching without triggering the female to lay a new batch of eggs. For more information on recommended oil and oiling techniques, contact Bonita at the Township offices 705.526.4204 extension 230.

5. Obtain a permit through the Canadian Wildlife Service to discharge a firearm. Kill permits, subject to strict controls, may be issued if other techniques have proven ineffective and damages are severe.

No one solution will address all the concerns with growing geese populations. The solution requires a consistent, cooperative approach between individuals, community associations and various levels of government using a variety of methods over a period of time. Public education and active dialogue are necessary to inform residents about the nature and extent of the issue and control techniques currently available, and to develop acceptable strategies to effectively meet the challenges posed by growing geese populations.

To access the Canadian Wildlife Service website, please log onto www.cws-scf.ec.gc.ca

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