The city of Cold Lake recently held a special meeting to address a resident’s complaint about the increasing pigeon population in the community. Matt Jamael, a resident of Cold Lake South, raised concerns over pigeons being disease carriers and the potential problems they might cause if not managed properly. Jamael expressed frustration and sought a satisfactory resolution to the issue.
During the July 16 meeting, CAO Kevin Nagoya acknowledged the city’s current lack of a pigeon eradication and population control program. he highlighted various concerns, including community safety, aesthetics, and health. Nagoya noted that other birds, such as seagulls, ravens, and magpies, also carry similar diseases. he mentioned that some residents enjoy keeping and feeding pigeons, which complicated the matter.
Mayor Craig Copeland stated, “We live in an area where we coexist with a lot of wildlife. Pigeons are also being spotted in surrounding farms, so they are not just in our city. there are also some pigeon keepers and breeders in areas just outside the City’s municipal boundaries.”
Copeland reflected on the various options presented, expressing a preference for hiring an expert to study the pigeon population and provide recommendations for control or eradication. Coun. Bob Mattice supported the idea of studying the problem further, suggesting a mitigation strategy rather than outright eradication.
“We certainly feel there has been an increase in pigeons over the years,” Copeland stated. “We also receive complaints about other birds that people find to be a nuisance such as crows, ravens, and magpies.”
Councillor Bill Parker raised concerns about the effectiveness of eradication efforts, suggesting that if pigeons were removed, other bird populations would move in from rural areas. Coun. Vicky Lefebvre emphasized education as a solution, recommending simple measures to deter pigeons from roosting rather than spending large amounts of money on eradication. Coun. Chris Vinning echoed this sentiment, suggesting a bylaw to prevent feeding pigeons directly within the community.
Councillor Ryan Bailey expressed concerns about the unintended consequences of trying to displace one type of bird, highlighting the need for a balanced approach. Bailey made a motion to take no immediate action, opting instead to passively monitor community feedback regarding the pigeon issue. The motion was passed unanimously.
Cold Lake does not currently have a community-wide pigeon eradication or population control program. residents encountering a pesky pigeon population can take some steps to try and scare away the birds such as loud noises, flashing lights, windmills, and recordings of bird distress calls. netting can also be hung on balconies to deter pigeons from landing and roosting. Further information relating to pigeons can be found at Health Canada.
