City of Ottawa closes Orléans park after coyote attack

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Orléans park closed after coyote attack

Orléans residents concerned about recent coyote attack

Lalande Conservation Park in Orléans is temporarily closed to the public following a reported incident involving coyotes last week, as the City of Ottawa looks at several options, including relocating the coyotes or other “appropriate actions” if relocation is not approved.

The mother of a 14-year-old boy told CTV News Ottawa her son was attacked by three coyotes while biking through the park last Thursday. Lalande Conservation Park is located in the area of Nantes Street, Portobello Boulevard and Provence Avenue, and is near École élémentaire publique Des Sentiers.

In a media release Wednesday morning, the city said it has increased safety measures in the area and temporarily closed Lalande Conservation Park.

The city says its interim response to the coyotes includes installing trail cameras to support operations and providing situation awareness in the area, Bylaw Services staff on site to advise residents to avoid the park and the surrounding greenspace and coordinating directly with provincial authorities and wildlife experts.

“The city has mobilized resources and implemented enhanced safety measures in response to the escalating situation to reduce the risk of further encounters,” the city said in a media release.

“Under Ontario’s wildlife regulatory framework, municipalities must follow specific requirements related to wildlife management and we work collaboratively with the province on response options, particularly in unique or escalated circumstances.”

City staff have explored relocation options for the coyotes within the existing regulatory framework.

“Given the recent escalation of the situation and increased public safety concerns, the city is furthering discussions with the ministry to determine whether additional measures, including potential regulatory exemptions to allow for relocation, may be permitted,” the city said.

“At the same time, the city is actively preparing for all potential outcomes available under provincial regulations. Staff, wildlife specialists and partner agencies are coordinating operational plans now so that appropriate action can be taken without delay should relocation not be approved.”

The city is urging residents “not to attempt to shoot, trap or approach coyotes.”

In a post on Facebook, Coun. Catherine Kitts said she’s been working with city staff on an “enhanced response” at Lalande Conservation Park.

“I know many residents are concerned,” Kitts said.

“Public safety remains the top priority while balancing the significant complex realities of wildlife management in a residential suburban neighbourhood surrounded by homes, parks, and schools.”

Nearby home shot by crossbow

As concern over coyotes grow in the neighbourhood, Patrick Rowland says his home may have been caught in the crosshairs.

Ottawa police are investigating after Rowland’s home, near Lalande Conservation Park, was shot at with a crossbow sometime between Sunday night and Monday morning.

He says he discovered the crossbow bolt lodged in the side of his home that pierced through his fence and into his backyard.

While he believes coyotes in the park were the intended target, Ottawa police could not confirm on Wednesday.

“If I was sitting in that hot tub, that would have hit at someone’s head,” Rowland told CTV News Ottawa, pointing to the hole that remains in the side of his home.

“I think a lot of people are taking their security into their own hands because of the coyotes in the area.”

Ottawa monitoring coyote den

City staff told CTV News Ottawa on Monday they have been monitoring an “active coyote den,” and were assessing the next steps after the reported coyote attack last week.

“Given the escalation in behaviour and associated public safety risk, staff are now exploring next steps,” Nick Stow, program manager of Natural Systems at Ottawa City Hall, said in a statement.

“Staff will continue to follow the City’s risk-based escalation approach to wildlife management in alignment with the Council-approved Wildlife Management Strategy and comes after extensive prevention and mitigation efforts over the past two months.”

The relocation of coyotes is not permitted under provincial legislation.

“No Public Entry” signs were installed in the area in mid-May.

The city says if you notice any concerning coyote behaviour, you can report it by calling 3-1-1.

If you spot a coyote or if it approaches you, the city offers the following tips:

• Stay calm and slowly back away
• Do not turn your back or run
• Stand tall, wave your hands and shout at it
• Pick up small children or small pets

With files from CTV News Ottawa’s Katelyn Wilson