The City of Kelowna has received a permit from Canadian Wildlife Service to discourage geese from settling in Kelowna’s parks and beaches. The proactive measure is meant to enhance the enjoyment of beaches and parks by reducing goose droppings and the effects it can have on beach water quality.
The permit allows for the use of scare techniques such as lasers, falcons, dogs and noise makers which include loud bangs, to discourage geese from migrating into parks and beaches. Geese will also be discouraged from settling on sports fields where they can cause damage to turf, increasing the time and cost for maintenance.
While any park in Kelowna could require goose management, residents are advised that scare techniques will more often occur in these parks:
Mission Recreation Park
Parkinson Recreation Park, including the Apple Bowl
Elks Stadium
City Park
Waterfront Park
Goose management is conducted seven days a week from 6 a.m. until 4 p.m. year round; however, peak activity will occur in the spring and fall when there is generally an increase in geese population.
These management techniques are used in conjunction with the egg addling program coordinated by Okanagan Valley Goose Management. The program was originally launched in response to increasing populations of non-native, non-migratory geese that were settling in the Okanagan valley. The public is reminded to keep away from goose nests and to avoid touching the eggs. Information about the program and to report goose nest by calling 1-877-943-3209 or at okanagangooseplan.com.
For more information about goose management, visit kelowna.ca/parks.