Canada is at war, and no, it’s not against another nation; Windsor battles a feathery enemy

The City of Windsor has initiated a concrete plan to manage its burgeoning Canada goose population. The city has secured a federal permit to remove 150 goose eggs from nests across seven key locations, including the riverfront parks and Ganatchio Trail.

This initiative is part of a broader $30,000 annual strategy approved in the 2025 municipal budget to address the challenges posed by these birds.

The story of the Canadian goose

Canada geese, once a symbol of national pride, have become a significant nuisance in urban areas. Their aggressive behavior during nesting season and prolific droppings have led to numerous complaints from residents. In one incident, a cyclist suffered serious injuries after swerving to avoid geese on a trail, highlighting the urgent need for effective management.

Dan Frankian, a seasoned expert from Hawkeye Bird and Animal Control Specialists, emphasizes the necessity of a rigorous approach. "They're coming after you and you're going after them, and we know how militant they can be," Frankian stated. He advocates for not only egg removal but also the destruction of nests in the presence of the geese to deter future nesting in the same areas .

The city's strategy includes various non-lethal methods. At the University of Windsor, a St. Bernard-Mastiff mix named Winston patrols sports fields to chase away geese, a tactic that has proven effective without harming the birds. "Ultimately it's just to annoy them so that they're not nasty," said Rick Daly, the university's manager of athletic facilities.

James Chacko, Windsor's Executive Director of Parks, Recreation, and Facilities, acknowledges that this is a long-term endeavor. "We believe that with persistence and continued action year after year, there will be positive improvements in terms of the overall goose population in the city of Windsor, coming back down," he explained.

The federal government supports Windsor's plan, noting that it aligns with strategies employed by other cities in Ontario. However, officials stress the importance of habitat modification and public education to mitigate human-goose conflicts effectively.

As Windsor embarks on this multi-year program, the city encourages residents to report goose-related issues via the 311 service