Public Notice

Installation of Boundary Fencing - Big Creek National Wildlife Area  – Public Comments Invited 

July 23, 2025 – The authority must determine whether the proposed installation of boundary fencing Big Creek National Wildlife Area is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

To help inform this determination, the authority is inviting comments from the public respecting that determination. All comments received will be considered public and may be posted online.

 

Written comments must be submitted by August 24, 2025 to:

John Viengkone

Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service

4905 Dufferin St., Toronto, ON M3H 5T4

416-884-5148

John.Viengkone@ec.gc.ca

 

The Proposed Project

The Environment and Climate Change Canada's Canadian Wildlife Service (ECCC-CWS) is proposing to install a page-wire fence along the southern boundary of the Big Creek Unit of the Big Creek National Wildlife Area (BCNWA). The BCNWA is located in Port Rowan, Ontario and is managed by ECCC-CWS.

The purpose of the project is to install a page-wire fence to better demarcate the boundary of the BCNWA which is currently demarcated with sparsely distributed signs. Boundary fencing will help reduce unauthorized access, protect sensitive habitats, and support long-term conservation efforts. The proposed project will span 2.4 km, nearly the entire southern boundary of the Big Creek Unit.

Light-weight machinery will be used to pound heavy t-posts into the ground and install page-wire fencing along the southern boundary. Cedar posts will be installed where additional support is needed. Vegetation will be removed, as required, to allow for the light-weight machinery to travel along the boundary. Where possible, the existing road will be used to access the work area. More sensitive areas will use manual labor for vegetation clearing and fence installation.

The proposed work will occur from September to March 2026 when disturbance to birds and other wildlife will be minimal. Minor vibration and noise disturbance may occur during this project as a result of vegetation removal and fence installation. The project schedule will be optimized to reduce the duration of on-site activities, thereby minimizing noise, vibration, and habitat disturbance to wildlife.

Areas will be prioritized for fence installation to limit the disturbance to species that may use the habitat. This work will require a Canada Wildlife Act permit and Species at Risk Act review. Prior to and during fence installation, the site will be assessed for the presence of species at risk. If any are encountered, work will be halted immediately, and all applicable permit conditions will be followed. Regular inspections and maintenance of vehicles and machinery will be conducted to ensure they are free of fluid leaks, invasive species, and wildlife, in accordance with environmental protection protocols.