Ottawa residents dealing with mystery splats on their balconies and windshields can take some comfort in knowing they're not alone. Brantford, Ontario just held an entire city committee meeting dedicated to the pigeon poop problem, and things got surprisingly philosophical.
A Crappy Situation in Brantford
During a March 10 committee meeting, Brantford city staff sat down, presumably with straight faces, to discuss what could actually be done about the city's escalating pigeon droppings situation. Residents had been filing complaints left and right about mysterious backyard deposits and fouled surfaces, demanding some kind of action.
The conclusion? There's not a whole lot anyone can do.
City officials confirmed that pigeons are protected under provincial wildlife and agricultural regulations, which means municipalities can't simply ban or remove them. It's not for lack of wanting. It's just not legally on the table.
The Science Is. Complicated
Here's where things took a turn into unexpected territory. Dave Wiedrick, Brantford's director of bylaw compliance and security, made a bold claim during the meeting: pigeons are not, in fact, to blame for the poop problem.
His reasoning? "Scientifically, naturally, it's not possible," he told councillors. "Pigeons defecate before they fly, not during flight, to make themselves lighter."
Councillors reportedly reviewed proposed bylaw changes, though with provincial protections firmly in place, options remain limited. The meeting ended without a clear solution, just a lot of knowing looks and probably a few jokes that didn't make the official minutes.
What This Means for Ottawa
Ottawa isn't a stranger to urban bird chaos. Anyone who's spent time near the ByWard Market, Rideau Centre, or the Canal pathways knows pigeons have claimed their territory, and they're not shy about it. Ottawa's green spaces, busy patios, and open-air markets provide exactly the kind of environment these birds love.
While there's no local committee meeting on the horizon dedicated to pigeon poop (that we know of), the Brantford situation is a useful reminder that there's very little cities can legally do about urban pigeon populations. If you're hoping a bylaw will save your balcony furniture, you may want to invest in a cover instead.
So What Can You Actually Do?
Short of moving to a pigeon-free zone (good luck finding one), here are a few things Ottawa residents can try:
- Physical deterrents like spikes, netting, or reflective tape on ledges and railings
- Remove food sources: don't leave pet food, birdseed, or open compost accessible
- Cover balcony furniture when not in use
- Contact a licensed pest control service for humane deterrent options
Pigeons aren't going anywhere, legally or literally. But armed with a little knowledge, and maybe a tarp. Ottawa residents can at least stay one step ahead.
Source: blogTO
