Why wildlife matters in our parks
Wrenford's parks are home to a wide range of animals, birds, and plants. From the Tamsin River to Corvid Creek Ravine and Ambrel Lake, these natural areas support healthy ecosystems. When we visit, we share this space with local wildlife. Respecting their homes keeps our parks safe and beautiful for everyone.
How to enjoy parks responsibly
You can watch wildlife from a distance. Here are a few simple rules to follow:
- Do not feed wildlife. Food from humans can make animals sick or change their natural behaviour.
- Keep dogs on a leash. Even in off-leash areas, leash your dog immediately if you see wildlife. A 6-metre leash is required on shared trails.
- Do not disturb nests or dens. Birds and small mammals may nest on gravel bars, riverbanks, or in trees. If you see signs of nesting, give the area extra space.
- Take your litter home. Leftover food and trash attract animals and can harm them.
Rules and by-laws
The City of Wrenford enforces by-laws to protect both people and animals. Under the Responsible Pet Ownership By-law 2018-063, dogs must be under control and must not chase or threaten wildlife. Under the Noise By-law 2016-122, loud music or shouting near natural areas is prohibited, especially between 9:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. to protect nocturnal animals and keep quiet hours for visitors.
Do not erect artificial habitat structures like bird houses or bat boxes without a permit. These can disrupt local ecosystems or attract species that are not native to our area. If you are interested in supporting wildlife, check out our Adopt a rain garden program page for legal and safe ways to help.
What to do if you see wildlife
If you see a deer, fox, bird, or any other animal, enjoy it from afar. Do not approach, chase, or try to touch it. If an animal is acting aggressively or seems injured, contact the By-law Enforcement team or call 911 in an emergency. If you spot a snake or other potentially dangerous animal, give it plenty of room and let it move on naturally.
How the City protects wildlife habitats
Wrenford's Parks & Trails team works year-round to maintain safe and healthy environments for wildlife. Our Learn about park natural areas page explains how we manage trees, waterways, and open spaces. We also work with Tamsin Valley Public Health on public health monitoring and smoke tracking during fire hazard season.
Trail surface maintenance happens quarterly, and we clear snow from key paths during the Winter Trail Clearing Programme from November to March. These schedules are designed to minimize disruption to nesting and breeding seasons.
Contact us
If you have questions about park wildlife, want to report a nuisance animal, or need more information about our conservation efforts, email [email protected] or call 519-555-0100.