Exploring the rat problem in Ontario cities like Toronto and Ottawa, while contrasting with Alberta's rat-free success. Discussion on rat control methods such as poison and birth control. Highlight on Alberta's zero tolerance approach and the importance of collective action in addressing rat issues.
Ontario lacks coordinated rat prevention plan, while Alberta enforces zero tolerance policy for rat control.
Alberta maintains rat-free status with arsenic tracking powder, contrasting Ottawa's exploration of rat birth control as a control method.
Deep dives
Toronto and Ottawa's Rat Problem
Toronto and Ottawa are struggling with increasing rat populations with Toronto planning to develop an action plan to reduce rodents. Both cities have witnessed a rise in rat sightings, possibly due to construction activities driving the rodents out. The lack of a coordinated citywide rat prevention program has led to proposed motions for future plans.
Novel Rat Control Methods in Ottawa
Ottawa is exploring unconventional rat control methods, specifically rat birth control. This form of contraception, though not yet legal in Canada, has been used in US cities. The approach raises questions about its effectiveness compared to traditional rat poison, which has ecological concerns.
Alberta's Rat-Free Status and Approach
Alberta has maintained a rat-free status for 70 years through an aggressive eradication campaign using arsenic tracking powder. The province enforces a zero tolerance policy towards rats, responding swiftly to sightings. Alberta's success stems from strict measures, natural barriers, and cohesive rat control efforts across municipalities.
Five years ago, the City of Toronto sounded a warning about an explosive growth in its rat population. The city planned to ... study it. Now, both Toronto and Ottawa are desperate for a plan to tackle highly visible rodent problems. But nothing's worked yet.
Meanwhile, Alberta has been "rat-free" for decades, and the woman in charge of keeping the province that way has some thoughts about more experimental methods that might be considered. So how does Alberta do it? Why can't Ontario cities emulate their methods? And why does it seem like rats are everywhere in (most) big cities right now?