Esquimalt’s town council has voted to put an end to a pilot program to humanely control the black-tailed deer population in the region.
The Township has been working with the Province and UVic on the Urban Deer Research Project, which involved shooting the deer with darts that administered an immuno-contraceptive vaccine.
This was seen as a humane way to control the population, and the endeavour has been ongoing since fall of 2021.
In the December 15th council meeting, Township staff presented the final report on the four-year pilot project.
Staff say that the results show a decline in newborn fawns by 28% in 2023 and that this low number of births was sustained in 2024.
Though this program proved to be effective, staff noted that wildlife management is under provincial jurisdiction, so if the program were to continue, it should be the Province who foots the bill for this program.
Staff’s suggestion, given all considerations, was to shift to a monitor-only program in 2026, which would cost the Township $15,000.
Furthermore, the Township would conduct a survey to find out residents’ thoughts on a more comprehensive deer contraception program.
If the program were to be extended, staff predict it would cost $75,000 annually.
A third option was also offered which would see both monitoring and continuing the program discontinued.
“I’ve fought with the deer in my yard and with counting 18 of them across the street at Work Point at one given time, so I’m very aware of the deer problem,” said Councillor Duncan Cavens.
“But I’m hesitant to take on provincial responsibility without really understanding the implications of doing this for the long-term.”
Cavens added that once they decide to take on this annual cost, it will be ongoing, so he believes it is important to get feedback from residents before making any big decision on the matter.
Mayor Barb Desjardins expressed concern that if they stop the program now, much of the work accomplished thus far will be undone.
“We know what our residents are saying about the deer and they’re a challenge,” she said.
“We’ve managed, through the study work, we’ve received reports for the last three years, we have seen a reduction, but the contraceptive effect only lasts 22 months, so that will be up [soon].”
She says she would like to see the Township continue with the deer contraception program.
Ultimately, council voted five to one to end the program, but will still conduct a survey to see how residents would like the Township to proceed.
Mayor Desjardins was the only councillor to vote against the motion.
As the program is now ended, council members have expressed hope that the BC government will step in and provide funding to a similar initiative.
