The Canada goose is a migratory bird that is increasingly present in urban areas. It feeds exclusively on plants on open ground with good visibility and sufficient space for their flight. It looks for young shoots in spring and seeds left on the ground in the fields in the fall. It is also attracted to well-maintained lawns with short grass, especially those near bodies of water.

In recent decades, Canada geese populations have increased at an extraordinary rate, to the point where they are now causing damage and nuisance problems in some urban areas. This is the case in LaSalle, mainly along the waterfront, in Parc des Rapides and Parc Marie-Claire-Kirkland-Casgrain. The increase in urban goose growth is due to several factors:

• The development of sites that attract them to settle in there (large parks, retention basins)
• Easy access to bodies of water
• No predators (urban parks are protected against predators and hunting)
• Abundance of food (maintained lawns, food provided by humans)

When geese successfully reproduce at a given location, it can be difficult to chase them away after that. Their numbers therefore tend to increase from one year to the next. Under conditions that are favourable to them, geese stop migrating and become residents there all year round. The number of geese is significantly increasing, partly because the chicks return the following year.

In addition, if the rapid growth of the goose population is left uncontrolled, it can contribute to the decrease in biodiversity along Parc des Rapides.

Since 2019, the borough has been contracting with a specialized firm to implement a control program, while ensuring that sustainable and ethical practices are used in the process. The designated team from this firm is working closely with LaSalle’s animal patrol and Héritage Laurentien’s naturalists, who are responsible for managing Parc des Rapides. Beginning in April, trained dogs and remote control devices will be used to scare geese away without touching or injuring them. Please note that this technique will not be used in Parc des Rapides in order to protect the migratory bird sanctuary.

Under no circumstances should you feed a wild animal. Such an action:

• is in violation of Ville de Montréal’s Règlement sur l’encadrement des animaux domestiques (Animal control bylaw) and is subject to a minimum fine of $300
• contributes to their overpopulation
• results in delayed migration and encourages them to settle in locally
• increases the presence of excrement on grounds, and particularly in Parc Des Rapides
• causes the destruction of lawns and surrounding plants
• and damages the animal’s health by causing major health problems that even prevent them from flying

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