Canada Geese in the Capital Region
Historically, Canada Geese found on Vancouver Island were occasional migratory visitors over the autumn and winter months. In the 1960's and 70's, various programs were implemented to increase wildlife viewing and hunting opportunities in the region. The introduced geese were unable to learn migrating behaviour patterns from their parents. Eventually these geese interbred, creating a hybrid population of non-migratory resident geese which are not native to the region.
The urban and rural environments of the capital region have many large open grassy areas that are close to water sources, creating the perfect habitat for Canada Geese. These habitats are often paired with a lack of hunting pressures and very few, if any, natural predators. Canada Geese have adapted well to living alongside humans and will nest in man made structures and even elicit food from people. These factors have attributed to an environment where goose populations can increase unhindered. The increasing populations of Canada Geese in the capital region are having significant environmental, economic, and social impacts. This has resulted in increasing pressure on local governments to take coordinated action.
How are Canada Geese impacting the region?
Human Health and Safety
Canada Geese have found that public spaces such as parks, farmland, beaches, lawns, school grounds, and even planters make very attractive nesting locations. These areas tend to be near water sources and provide additional protection from predators. Geese are very protective of their nests, eggs, and goslings during breeding season and can act aggressively towards people. Large populations of geese lead to high amounts of fecal matter in the water and on land resulting in higher fecal coliform counts, and other pathogens such as avian influenza and salmonella.
Environmental health
Large populations of geese lead to over-grazing, trampled vegetation, and soil erosion. Excessive amounts of goose feces can lead to algae growth in water sources, decreasing water quality and resulting in beach closures. Caution should be exercised when swimming in bodies of water with a large goose presence.
Canada Geese spread invasive grass species by depositing seeds in their feces and increasing the nutrient load of soils; threatening sensitive ecological reserves that include endangered Garry-oak ecosystems. Heavy trampling and grazing can also negatively impact rare and endangered plant species.
Overgrazing can impact estuaries and tidal marshes. These areas support coastal fish and wildlife and are vital habitats for young salmon, a vital part of the Salish sea's ecosystem.
Economic Impacts
Canada Geese cause significant financial problems for our local farmers, recreation providers and businesses. Unfortunately, they damage crops, increase maintenance costs, cause soil erosion, and contaminate areas with fecal matter.
Canada Goose Management Strategy
The lack of a coordinated approach to managing goose populations across the region has resulted in moving geese and their associated impacts into new areas, continued expansion of nesting and over-wintering populations, and increasing ecological, economic, and social impacts to agricultural and recreational lands, estuaries and wetlands. Stewardship groups report significant and ongoing damage to native ecosystems on nearshore islands and to important estuaries, while the farming community reports significant and ongoing agricultural and economic impacts from geese.
In February 2023, the CRD Board approved a Canada Goose Management Service Establishment Bylaw that aims to reduce the impact of the rapidly growing Canada Goose population in the region. The bylaw was adopted after receiving elector assent through a regional alternative approval process (AAP).
The CRD will work with representatives from local government, First Nations, stewardship groups, and key stakeholders impacted by the large goose population to implement the strategy which will include development of an egg addling program, coordination of provincial and federal permits, and conducting strategic harvests.
The regional Canada Goose Management Service will provide coordinated management of Canada Goose populations and include:
- Monitoring, mapping and reporting on Canada Goose populations and their impacts.
- Coordinating and establishing collaborative partnerships with municipalities, First Nations, large landowners, Peninsula and Area Agricultural Commission, other government agencies and stewardship groups to implement the CRD's Regional Canada Goose Management.
- Facilitating the development and implementation of a communications strategy and public education program to support the management of Canada Goose populations.
- Collaboration with other Vancouver Island regional districts, local governments, and First Nations to reduce Canada Goose populations through the Vancouver Island Canada Goose Management Working Group.