Gravenhurst considering rules on feeding wildlife

The town is examining how other municipalities are dealing with the issue

Gravenhurst Council agreed to explore whether the Town should regulate the feeding of deer and other wildlife during the September 15, 2026, meeting.

The issue was raised through correspondence from Gravenhurst resident, Jane Templeton, who asked Council to consider adopting a by-law prohibiting the intentional feeding of deer and other wildlife in residential neighbourhoods.

Templeton wrote that the number of deer regularly entering her neighbourhood has increased significantly and raised concerns about property damage, vehicle collisions, deer becoming accustomed to people and the potential spread of disease among wildlife.

Mayor, Heidi Lorenz, pulled the correspondence from the consent agenda for discussion, noting the Town has received other inquiries about the issue.

Lorenz said the intent is not to immediately develop a wildlife-feeding by-law, but to have staff examine how other municipalities address the issue and provide public notice that Gravenhurst is exploring its options.

Council would then "weigh pros and cons prior to making a decision," she said.

Lorenz emphasized that looking into the issue is not intended as an attack on wildlife advocates or people who use bird feeders.

"It's a responsible thing to look at and see whether it will work in our community," she said.

The potential for enforcement was also raised during the discussion, with Lorenz cautioning against introducing regulations that could not practically be enforced.

"Making a bylaw that can't be enforced is a fool's errand," she said.

Councillor, Sandy Cairns, asked that staff provide clarification about how any potential regulations could affect bird feeders, particularly during the winter.

Cairns noted that "food can be sparse in the winter, especially the winters here," and said she has been feeding cardinals at her home for about 10 years.

"I don't want to lose my cardinals," she said.

The issue will be added to the Town's list of matters for further investigation, including a review of approaches taken by other municipalities before Council decides whether to proceed with any regulations.