Northern Ont. residents fight to save bald eagle nest from development

Callander residents rally to protect a nesting bald eagle family as the municipality plans waterfront development. Eric Taschner has the latest.

Callander residents rally to safeguard a family of bald eagles as the municipality moves forward with development plans near their nesting site.

‘They are a symbol’: Residents rally to protect eagles

A Callander woman is leading the charge to protect a family of bald eagles whose nest is at risk due to proposed waterfront development. Janis Reed has launched an online petition, gathering over 1,200 signatures, urging the municipality to reconsider relocating the eagles’ nest – a towering pine tree that has been their home since 2018.

“They are a symbol, both the tree and the eagles, of local heritage. They’re a connection to the natural world,” Reed said as she gazed up at the nest. The eagles, known to produce two to three eaglets each year, have become a beloved part of the community and a draw for tourists and birdwatchers.

Municipality’s development plan sparks concern

The 3.4-acre property, owned by the municipality since 2012, is slated for residential and public development under the working title Waterfront Place. Plans include a civic library, green space, and trails, with construction expected to begin next year. However, the eagles’ nest sits directly in the proposed development zone.

Mayor Robb Noon explained that while the municipality is exploring options to minimize disruption, the tree may need to be removed.

“As we move forward with the development here, the intention is the first part of the development is all going to be down at the front,” Noon said.

The town is consulting with the Ministry of Natural Resources about building a nesting platform 100 feet from the current site.

“We’re looking at those options, and that’s part of that MNR report that’s going to be coming in,” Noon said. “We don’t like cutting trees down. So, if we can accommodate, we’ll accommodate it.”

Experts warn against nest disruption

While bald eagles were removed from Ontario’s Species at Risk list in 2023 due to population recovery, local birdwatchers argue that disturbing this nesting pair could have lasting consequences. Grant McKercher, who has documented the eagles since 2019, told CTV News that the parents remain in the area year-round, unlike many eagles that migrate south.

“The young ones will leave, but the parents stay here. They stay here all year long,” he said. “They actually continue to use the nest. They rebuild and refurbish the nest during the winter.”

McKercher also noted that if relocation is necessary, the best time would be after the eaglets leave – but even then, removing the nest could severely disrupt their habitat.

Reed fears that if the eagles feel unsafe, they may abandon the area entirely. She also emphasized their ecological importance, stating, “They have successfully raised two to three eaglets per year, compared to a provincial average of 0.5 eaglets per year. Disturbing them would negatively impact the recovery of the species.”

As the debate continues, the community remains divided between progress and preservation, with many hoping for a solution that protects both the eagles and Callander’s future development.