In a memo to Council dated March 17, 2023, City Staff advised of the launch of a full review of the 2013 Wildlife Strategy. This was in response to the Council approved Motion 2022-83-6 directing staff to undertake a review of options to better manage human-coyote interactions, in consultation with experts and other municipalities, and to report back in 2023 with options, recommendations and resourcing implications for implementing a proactive strategy. City Staff were working towards bringing a report with recommendations to the Environment Committee in September 2023.
In March, City Staff launched a public engagement campaign for the Wildlife Strategy Review. This included an Engage Ottawa project page, a public survey, and two public information sessions held of May 31 and June 7. City Staff in Natural Systems also began targeted consultation with other subject matter experts and municipalities.
Throughout the consultation, staff have received hundreds of comments and questions. As a result, staff have agreed to launch a second survey to seek further feedback on specific elements of the wildlife strategy. This survey is now available at this link. The survey will remain open until September 15, 2023. The survey questions will help city staff better understand how people of different backgrounds and living circumstances view and interact with wildlife. The responses are confidential and will be used only for informing the review of the City’s Wildlife Strategy and recommendations to Committee and Council. This information will also be useful in developing effective outreach and education programs.
Staff are also working on an As We Heard It Report to be included as part of the final report to Committee and Council.
NEXT STEPS
As a result of the expansion to a full strategy review and the commitment to a second survey, City Staff will bring a report to Environment Committee and Council in Q4, 2023. This will provide staff the necessary time to review the feedback received, meet with other experts, and prepare their recommendations.
