City Council Meeting Summary (Gore Park Rats and Pests Focus)

High-level summary - The meeting concentrated on rat and pest issues in Gore Park, their public health and safety implications, and the need for a comprehensive report. The council approved a motion to request a detailed report on rat and pigeon populations, with staff instructed to align the timeline for completion with other scheduled meetings before May.

Five most important topics discussed

1) Rat infestation in Gore Park - The council discussed rising concerns about rats in Gore Park, including anecdotal reports from residents. Quote: “People would say things like, ‘Did you just see that rat?’ or ‘Oh my god, there’s a rat.’” The discussion highlighted the need to understand the park’s tunnel system and related risks.

2) Impact of pigeons on urban wildlife - The interconnected role of pigeons and rats was explored, with attention to how feeding practices may sustain rodent populations. Quote: “If there’s a lot of feeding going on, that’s contributing to maybe keeping rats healthy.” This informed the scope of potential mitigation measures.

3) Public health and safety concerns - Safety implications for public events and park users were raised, noting that rats can intrude on community activities. Quote: “The downtown BIA has had events with tents and children, and the rats are joining them for the fun. At times, that can be an unpleasant experience.” This emphasized urgency and community impact.

4) Request for a comprehensive report - A motion was proposed to obtain a detailed report on rat and pigeon populations, current mitigation efforts, and potential additional measures and costs. Quote: “A motion was proposed to request a detailed report on the rat and pigeon populations, including current mitigation efforts, potential additional measures, and associated costs.” The discussion framed the need for thorough analysis before taking action.

5) Timeline for report submission - The council discussed aligning the report timeline with other scheduled meetings, aiming for completion before May. Quote: “I’m just seeking confirmation though on the report timeline,” and the timeline was agreed to be before May. This set the public reporting cadence and coordination with other agendas.

File numbers discussed - No specific file numbers were mentioned in this section of the transcript.

Opportunities for public input - There were no explicit public consultation opportunities listed in this section. However, it was noted that residents who have experienced issues with Gore Park pests may reach out to local representatives to share concerns, and there could be future opportunities as the report is developed and released publicly (“Looking forward to this report publicly so everybody else can read it for themselves on that.”).

Motions and outcomes 1) Motion to Request a Report on Rat and Pigeon Populations in Gore Park - Outcome: Passed. - Details: The motion would require a comprehensive report covering current conditions, mitigation efforts, additional measures, and cost implications; timeline aligned with other meetings before May.

2) (Follow-up actions related to the motion) - Outcome: Staff to prepare the comprehensive report and present it before May, including consultations as appropriate. - Next steps: Staff to examine contributing factors, current mitigations, potential new measures, and cost considerations; report to be shared publicly when ready.

Follow-up actions - City staff will prepare a comprehensive report on rat and pigeon populations in Gore Park, including contributing factors, current mitigation efforts, potential additional measures, and associated costs, with the report to be presented before May. - Public engagement will be shaped by the forthcoming report release and any ensuing discussions or consultations.

Councillors present - Councillor Crutch - Councillor Wilson - Councillor Wickford

Notes on participation - The discussion included input from council members and staff, with emphasis on gathering data and coordinating with external organizations as part of future mitigation planning. Public input opportunities may arise as the comprehensive report is released and discussed in subsequent meetings.