Decoy Disappearance Under Investigation
A coyote decoy deployed to discourage Canada geese from congregating at the Barrie waterfront has gone missing, city officials confirmed on July 10, 2026. The decoy, which resembled a coyote, was part of a non-lethal wildlife management program aimed at reducing goose droppings and associated health risks in the popular Kempenfelt Bay area.
According to Barrie city staff, the decoy was last seen in its designated location on the morning of July 9. By the following day, it had vanished. The theft was reported to municipal bylaw officers, who are now investigating. No suspects have been identified, and the decoy's value is estimated at several hundred dollars.
Part of Broader Goose Management Strategy
The decoy was introduced in spring 2026 as a humane deterrent to keep geese away from beaches and parks. Barrie has long struggled with large flocks of Canada geese, whose waste can contaminate water and create unsanitary conditions. The decoy was meant to mimic a natural predator, encouraging geese to relocate without harm.
"The decoy was a cost-effective and environmentally friendly tool," said a city spokesperson. "Its removal is a setback for our efforts to maintain a clean and safe waterfront for residents and visitors." The city had also employed other methods, including signage and public education, to manage the goose population.
Community Reaction and Next Steps
Local residents expressed frustration over the theft. "It's disappointing that someone would take something meant to help the community," said waterfront regular Sarah Thompson. "The geese problem has been a nuisance for years, and this was a simple solution."
City officials are considering replacing the decoy and may increase surveillance in the area to prevent future incidents. They also urge anyone with information to contact Barrie bylaw enforcement. Meanwhile, the geese remain a presence along the shoreline, with no immediate alternative deterrent in place.
