2023 Urban Deer Survey

More Information:

• Background

  Since the last deer survey in 2018, the Town assembled an Urban Deer Task Force (UDTF). The Task Force brought forward several short-term recommendations in their final report in May 2021; the Town has implemented the following: 

  Short Term:

  • The Deer and Wildlife Feed and Attractants Bylaw was implemented in July 2021 to regulate the intentional and unintentional feeding of deer and other wildlife on private property.

  • Enhanced education including a free online course: “Gardening with Urban Deer,” and a consultation service where a Town representative will visit a residence and provide methods and plants to reduce damage and deter deer. The Town will continue throughout the year to support public education and provide new educational materials being developed through our website, social media, newspaper ads, etc.

  • Working closely with Fish and Wildlife to connect adjacent agricultural landowners interested in permitting hunting opportunities on their property

  Learn more: Short-term UDTF Recommendations
  
  The Town is currently looking into implementing the following long-term recommendations.

  Long Term:

  • The Deer Deterrent Fencing Pilot Program launched in April 2021. Project recommendations will be brought to Council this spring based on two years of data and input from this public participation opportunity. 
  • The Town commissioned a wildlife consultant to propose what a deer aversion control program could look like in Okotoks. The Deer Aversion and Control Program Report was presented to Council October 11, 2022 and it was accepted as information at this time until short-term tactics have had more time to show their effectiveness.

  • To review the UDTF final report, get details on the fencing pilot program or learn more about deer in Okotoks, visit Urban Deer. 

• Deer Deterrent Fencing

  Since the 1990s, the Town has required 1.2 metre (±4.0 ft) high black chain-link fences to be installed on properties that back onto public open spaces. This design is largely to achieve an aesthetically pleasing appearance to open spaces but, consequently, it has allowed deer entry to backyards.

  The Deer Deterrent Fencing Pilot Project was introduced in April 2021 to allow for temporary extensions to these types of fences to deter deer from entering private yards. The Town is considering shifting the project from a temporary program to a permanent feature, but first we need your feedback.

  In anticipation of the extended pilot project drawing to a close in April 2023, we are also reviewing options to allow different styles or heights of permanent fences along properties that back onto or border open spaces.

  Need more information? Visit the Urban Deer webpage (scroll down to the Deer Deterrent Fencing section) for frequently asked questions about fencing along open spaces in Okotoks.

• Timeline

  • September 2018: Published results from 2018 Urban Deer Survey.
  • November 2019: Formation of Urban Deer Task Force.
  • April 2021: Launch of Deer Deterrent Fencing Pilot Project.
  • May 2021: Urban Deer Task Force presented final report to council.
  • February 2023: Public engagement survey opens February 6 - 19.
  • March 2023: Publish What We Heard Report.
  • April 2023: Deer Deterrent Fencing Pilot Project closes.
  • May 8, 2023: The WWHR report is being presented as information to Council at the Regular Council Meeting on May 8. During this meeting, the Land Use Bylaw amendment will be given first reading. The amendment proposes updated fencing standards as part of the ongoing urban deer mitigation strategies. If Council gives the Land Use Bylaw Amendment first reading, then it would go to public hearing on June 12.