Canada goose problem in Windsor park addressed at public meeting

A public meeting addressing the problem of Canada geesein Goose Bay Park brought 50 members of that neighbourhood together at Windsor's public library on Wyandotte East to discuss potential solutions.

• Have your say on Canada goose population at Windsor park

The biggest complaint residents had was bird droppings, which some say make it almost impossible to use the park.

"Your first step is into poop," said Michelle Bruce who lives near the park. "You have no choice but to step on it; there's no stepping around it's everywhere."

What's different about Goose Bay Park is that it has no paved areas, but natural trails instead, Bruce said. She said there are parts of the park that aren't so bad, but she has to navigate through the feces to get there.

"It's very frustrating," Bruce said. "It stops you from enjoying the park because you know you're coming home to cleaning everything, washing your dog's paws and worrying that there's not any sort of parasite or pathogen that they're carrying with them into the home."

Some solutions were discussed, including not cutting the grass as often because short grass attracts the goose to feed. One resident proposed installing a structure that looks like a dog to scare off the animals.

All residents agreed, however, that they don't want a solution that will push the goose to another area, which will then have to undergo the same issue.

Goose and poop not a problem

One woman who's lived near Goose Bay Park for the past 20 years said she doesn't see a problem with either the geese or their feces.

Carol Easton is more interested in naturalizing the park, then getting rid of the goose.

"People like to walk their dogs there and I understand that it's upsetting to have poop on your shoes, however, it's not too big of a deal to wipe your feet or clean your shoes," said Easton.

"We're talking about wildlife management. We live in an urban environment and there are urban animals, and I think we should make some space for those animals. If it means you have to clean your shoes then so be it, it's not a big deal," she said.