In April, you may have seen media coverage regarding residents in Greely tending to a beaver that was living in a municipal drain. Residents were upset to learn that trappers were called in by the City to remove the beaver and his dam from the drainage system, especially because lethal traps were used.
The City of Ottawa protects beavers and wetlands through ownership of more than 10,000 hectares (100 km²) of environmentally important land. The City’s Official Plan also identifies a connected system of natural areas across about 30% of Ottawa’s rural area. This system limits urban and village expansion and helps protect wildlife, water, and the natural landscape.
Most of Ottawa’s beavers live in large natural areas where they do not affect roads or other city infrastructure. However, problems can occur when beavers move into new areas. Their dams and activities may damage private property or interfere with roads, culverts, stormwater ponds, and farm drainage systems. In many cases, these issues can be managed without removing beavers. Tools like water-level control devices and fencing can often reduce conflicts while allowing beavers to stay. City staff are identifying places where these tools could work and are introducing them over time. However, these tools do not work everywhere and are sometimes limited by law. Ontario’s Drainage Act does not allow these tools in municipal drains. Municipal drains are engineered ditches and watercourses that manage drainage for farms and private land. The law requires these drains to be kept clear of beaver dams and other blockages. These tools usually cannot be used in stormwater ponds and channels.
Drainage systems help prevent flooding and protect water quality by carefully controlling water levels. They ensure that creeks, rivers and lakes remain safe for animals and people. Beavers, their dams, and water-control devices can interfere with how these systems operate and are maintained. This can create safety or environmental concerns and may violate operating permits. Because of this, the City often must remove beavers from stormwater facilities. Many newer ponds are designed to discourage beavers.
City Council has asked staff to use alternatives to trapping wherever possible. Council has ruled out alternatives in municipal drains and has allowed staff to decide when they can be used in other types of infrastructure. Provincial wildlife legislation prohibits live trapping and relocation of beavers more than 1 km, making it impractical. When beavers must be removed, the City engages provincially licensed trappers who use lethal trapping. This is done following provincial laws, best practices, and protections for public safety.
Earlier this fall (2025) the City brought together top experts alongside City staff for a beaver management forum to provide the latest information on approaches and challenges. See here for the program and transcript: