Winnipeg mayor disappointed in Manitoba's decision to deny ground squirrel control plan

CTV News

3 days ago

Winnipeg's mayor said he's disappointed in the Manitoba government's decision to deny the city's plan to use a sulfur gas pesticide to control ground squirrel populations.
'I think this delays our efforts and the need to control the population so we can fix our fields,' he said on Monday.
The city has been planning to eradicate ground squirrels from athletic fields using a pesticide method known as the 'Giant Destroyer.'
The program was supposed to begin last month. However, it was put on pause while the province made a decision on Winnipeg's pesticide-use permit, which it has since rejected.
Following this decision, Gillingham said the city is continuing to look at options to solve the issue of ground squirrels damaging athletic fields.
'We have to make sure that our soccer, baseball, football fields and diamonds are in good shape for public use,' he said. 'These are city assets for the public.'
Gillingham added that ground squirrels are making it dangerous for people to use these facilities, and he doesn't want the condition of the city's fields to cause any injuries.
In a statement, Environment Minister Mike Moyes said the province's decision was informed by consultations with health, environment and wildlife experts.
He added the Department of Environment and Climate Change received nearly 6,300 submissions expressing concern about the plan.
'The province is open to considering alternative control methods that demonstrate a balanced approach—addressing both operational needs and the environmental values expressed by the public,' the statement said.
'Approval will be based on proposals that reflect this balance and show a commitment to responsible pest management.'
Animal advocates pleased with decision
Kaitlyn Mitchell, director of legal advocacy with Animal Justice, said the province's decision is a big win for animals.
'Not only did they do the right thing here and they've prevented really unnecessary suffering, but they also looked at the law and they looked at the science and saw that there actually are more humane alternatives that can be used here,' she said.
Mitchell described the Giant Destroyer as 'gas bombs,' explaining it causes animals to suffer slow deaths that can take up to an hour.
She suggests that instead of the Giant Destroyer, Winnipeg should look at habitat measures or live trapping and removing the animals.
'Ultimately what it comes down to is the city should be consulting with experts on this topic and making a science-based plan,' she said. 'The plan that they had put forward was not science-based at all.'