Congratulations Mayor Marc Lefebvre, with the cull (slaughter) of 484 Canada geese just before Canada Day, you have been successful in putting Parksville on the map.
Unfortunately, the comments on social media, letters to the editor and demonstrations in and comments from other cities has been mostly negative.
It is a shame that the mayor is “sick and tired” of complaints about these animals over the years and that he seems to think the Englishman River estuary has been virtually destroyed by them. So sayeth the Guardians of the estuary, whoever they are. I personally have visited the estuary on foot and canoe over the past 20 years and must say I have never noticed an overabundance of geese or any other wildlife destroying the habitat.
Regarding the elimination of the birds, I find the mention by the city of the economics of this cull as opposed to other options in the same breath as “humane” more than somewhat callous. And, the citing of compliance by the city to a plethora of provincial and federal regulations and recommendations of the Guardians regarding wildlife management as mitigation for their actions, I find inexcusable and not demonstrable of any humanity.
I am sorry the mayor is taking some “heat” for the cull, but if this action is the best he can come up with to make his mark on this city, then perhaps it is time for you to get out of the kitchen.
Susan Mostyn
Parksville