The City of Oshawa says it has started installing signage at Lakeview Park and Ed Broadbent Waterfront Park warning visitors not to feed the geese, part of a new effort to reduce growing numbers and aggressive behaviour from Canadian Geese at the waterfront.
What the city is doing
Ward 5 and Regional Councillor Brian Nicholson told city staff about a rise in calls and messages from residents concerned about the size and assertiveness of goose flocks at both parks. In response, the city confirmed it will put up signs on the beaches and install shadow predator silhouettes — visual deterrents intended to discourage geese from gathering in large numbers. Bylaw officers will enforce the new rules and issue fines to people who continue to feed the birds.
“Do not feed the geese”
Why the measures are being taken
Officials say the problem has grown as more people feed the birds, which can lead to larger congregations, aggressive behaviour near people and dogs, and more droppings in public areas. The measures aim to change behaviour through signage, visual deterrents and enforcement.
What visitors should know
- Signs are in place at Lakeview Park and Ed Broadbent Waterfront Park advising park users not to feed geese.
- Shadow predator silhouettes will be used along the shoreline to discourage flocks from settling.
- Bylaw officers will issue fines to people observed feeding geese.
The city’s approach follows a pattern used in other municipalities where human feeding of waterfowl increases local populations and related nuisances. While the city has not published fine amounts in the statement, enforcement typically moves from education to penalties when voluntary compliance is low.
| Location | Action |
|---|---|
| Lakeview Park | Signs installed; silhouettes planned; bylaw enforcement |
| Ed Broadbent Waterfront Park | Signs installed; silhouettes planned; bylaw enforcement |
Residents with concerns had contacted Councillor Nicholson, prompting the letter to staff that led to the new measures. The city’s statement emphasises that preventing people from feeding geese is central to reducing conflicts and maintaining safe, clean waterfront spaces for the public.
People who use Oshawa’s waterfronts should expect to see the new signs and silhouettes in place and should be prepared to comply with bylaw directions to avoid fines.
