Lalande Conservation Park to reopen in phases following wildlife response

Lalande Conservation Park will reopen to the public in phases beginning on Friday, June 26. With support from By-law and Regulatory Services, the park was closed earlier this month due to an increased risk of conflict between residents and a family of coyotes with three pups.

The paved pathway through the park between Plainridge Crescent and Nantes Street will reopen on Friday, June 26, while barricades will remain in place closing access to the remainder of the park. The park is expected to fully reopen by Saturday, July 4. 

Since its closure, the City and its service provider, Coyote Watch Canada, have been monitoring the den and employing deterrent methods to discourage animals becoming comfortable around humans. As the pups have become more mobile, the presence of coyotes in the park has become more sporadic and is no longer tied to the den site. Staff decommissioned the den on Wednesday, June 24 after confirming it was no longer being used.

Staff will continue to monitor the situation at the Lalande Conservation Park and the re-opening plans may change based on observations. The park will likely remain within the urban territory of this family of coyotes and future observations are likely. However, the coyotes appear to now display the normal avoidance of humans and staff anticipate that they will continue to do so.

The City reminds all residents that coyotes and other urban wildlife are common in Ottawa.

• Parents are encouraged to remind their children not to approach, disturb or interact with wildlife - especially at this time of year when animals may be caring for and protecting their young.
• Animal owners are reminded to keep pets under direct supervision and that dogs should be kept on-leash except in designated off-leash parks. Dogs visiting Lalande Conservation Park with their owners must be kept on leash. 

Coyotes are usually wary of humans, but it’s still important to understand how to keep safe around them.  

If you notice any concerning coyote behaviour, you can report it by calling 3-1-1 or filling out the online form: Report a sighting of a coyote · City of Ottawa. If a coyote is an immediate threat, call 9-1-1.  

If you spot a coyote nearby, or if it approaches you, here are some tips: 

• Stay calm and slowly back away
• Do not turn your back or run
• Stand tall, wave your hands and shout at it
• Pick up small children or small pets 

Keeping your pets supervised while they are outdoors keeps them safe. This includes keeping them leashed when walking in parks or green spaces.  

For more information and tips on how to coexist with coyotes, visit Coyotes | City of Ottawa.