Halifax: Rodent Information and Control and Leptospirosis
HALIFAX CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Rodent Control: Halifax Regional Council: February 7, 2017
Highlights
Highlights
- "During Community Council’s discussion on this matter it was noted that there has been an increase in complaints about rodents, with the summer of 2016 being particularly significant. In this regard, Community Council believes that, with the amount of construction activity occurring in the downtown area, more stringent efforts are required to deal with the problem, and that amending the Administrative Order to include a plan for rodent control was a step toward addressing the issue. Community Council passed a motion recommending that staff continue to bait for rodent control on municipal property and that the Administrative Order be amended to require that developers include rodent control in their construction mitigation plans. "
- "It was also noted in Community Council’s discussion that, for environmental reasons, Halifax Water doesnot bait storm sewers and drains. Concern was expressed that unless Halifax Water baited regularly, the problem would not be adequately addressed, and Community Council suggested that staff engage in discussion with Halifax Water on this issue. In addition, Community Council emphasized the importance of public education in dealing with rodents and suggested that the Municipality consider increasing public awareness and education in this regard. "
- "The key to a successful rodent remediation will be to coordinate the approach across municipal departments and to formulate a robust rodent management plan that can be expanded, or contracted, as needed in response to variations in rodent infestation levels. Such a plan successfully balances program costs with public awareness, health risks, regulatory enforcement, abatement, maintenance and especially sanitation." [NOTE: This wording is almost identical to that in the Illonois report - see below]
- Currently, the following practices are followed by Halifax Regional Municipality, with respect to Rodent Control:
- The Corporate Call Centre (311) receives and records service requests for all rodent issues that are related to municipal services. A protocol is in place to forward appropriate calls to Halifax Water for their attention. In addition, information is provided for rodent control on private property.
- Road rights-of-way are baited in response to construction activity related to municipal construction projects. The Enhanced Maintenance Area is baited as required or on a complaint basis. Our contractor uses Bromadiolon at all municipal baiting stations which go through a series of tests to ensure they are certified pet-safe.;
- Parks and sports fields are baited as required or on a complaint basis;
- Municipal buildings (vacant or occupied) are baited as required or on a complaint basis;
- Storm drains are baited by Halifax Water only in relation to construction activity related to Halifax Water projects due to environmental safety reasons; and,
- Private properties Development and Municipal Compliance – with respect to unsightly premises, staff are able to deal with food sources such as garbage or unkempt properties. This process includes issuing a notice to the property owner to clean up, and remove the garbage. If the building is abandoned and a complaint is received, compliance staff investigates to ensure the building is boarded up and secure. If rodents are inside the building, this is dealt with under ByLaw M200. The Building Inspector would deal with the property owner/ manager to resolve the issue.
Halifax and West Community Council Minutes: January 17, 2017
Highlights
Highlights
- 13.1.1 Rodent Control The following was before Community Council: • A staff recommendation report dated December 21, 2016. MOVED by Councillor Mason, seconded by Councillor Walker THAT Halifax and West Community Council recommend Regional Council direct staff to: 1. Continue to bait for rodent control, as required, on municipal property; and, 2. Investigate options for voluntary compliance with the construction community for a period of 10 to 14 days prior to demolition or major construction. Councillor Mason explained that he noticed an increase of rodent complaints from residents in his district, and this was particularly significant in the summer of 2016. He expressed appreciation to staff for the submitted report, and advised that in his view the staff recommendation was not sufficient and that he was asking Community Council to defeat the motion on the floor and he would then put forward the alternative in the report. Councillor Mason noted that with large development projects, developers are required to meet with the community and present their plan for mitigating potential problems arising from the construction and, in his view, rodent control should be included in a construction mitigation plan. A discussion ensued with Mr. Bruce Zvaniga, Director, Transportation and Public Works responding to questions. During discussion, it was noted that, for environmental reasons, Halifax Water does not bait storm sewers and drains. Concern was expressed that unless Halifax Water baited regularly, the problem would not be adequately addressed, and it was suggested that staff engage in discussion with Halifax Water on this issue. In addition, Community Council emphasized the importance of public education in dealing with rodents and suggested that the Municipality consider increasing public awareness and education in this regard. In concluding discussion, Community Council was in agreement that, with the amount of construction activity occurring in the downtown area, more stringent efforts are required to deal with the problem, and that amending the Administrative Order to include a plan for rodent control was a step in the right direction toward addressing the issue MOTION PUT AND DEFEATED.
- MOVED by Councillor Mason, seconded by Councillor Cleary THAT Halifax and West Community Council recommend Regional Council direct staff to: 1. Continue to bait for rodent control, as required, on municipal property; and 2. Amend Administrative Order 2016-003-ADM, Respecting Construction Site Management to include rodent control in the form of pre-baiting for a period of 10-14 days prior to demolition or major construction. MOTION PUT AND PASSED.
Summary of Recorded Votes: Regional Council Meeting February 7, 2017
Item No: 14.4.1 Item Title: Rodent Control Elected Official In Favour (Yes) Opposed (No) Not present for vote Steve Streatch
In favour: 16
Against: Nil
Not Present for Vote: 1
Item No: 14.4.1 Item Title: Rodent Control Elected Official In Favour (Yes) Opposed (No) Not present for vote Steve Streatch
In favour: 16
Against: Nil
Not Present for Vote: 1
Halifax and West Community Council Minutes June 28, 2016
MOTIONS
14.1 Councillor Mason MOVED by Councillor Mason, seconded by Councillor Watts
THAT Halifax and West Community Council request a staff report regarding current steps being taken to provide rodent control in municipal streets, parks, and Halifax Water infrastructure, with recommendations for improvements in the program, coordination with other stakeholders, and education.
MOVED by Councillor Watts, seconded by Councillor Mason
THAT the motion be amended such that the staff report also explores options with By-Law Services to address rodent infestations when assessing dangerous and unsightly premises. Councillor Watts indicated that the amendment was intended to address rodent infestations in unoccupied dwellings.
MOTION TO AMEND PUT AND PASSED.
The question was called on the motion as amended:
THAT Halifax and West Community Council request a staff report regarding current steps being taken to provide rodent control in municipal streets, parks, and Halifax Water infrastructure, with recommendations for improvements in the program, coordination with other stakeholders, and education, and exploring options with By-Law Services to address rodent infestations when assessing dangerous and unsightly premises.
AMENDED MOTION PUT AND PASSED.
MOTIONS
14.1 Councillor Mason MOVED by Councillor Mason, seconded by Councillor Watts
THAT Halifax and West Community Council request a staff report regarding current steps being taken to provide rodent control in municipal streets, parks, and Halifax Water infrastructure, with recommendations for improvements in the program, coordination with other stakeholders, and education.
MOVED by Councillor Watts, seconded by Councillor Mason
THAT the motion be amended such that the staff report also explores options with By-Law Services to address rodent infestations when assessing dangerous and unsightly premises. Councillor Watts indicated that the amendment was intended to address rodent infestations in unoccupied dwellings.
MOTION TO AMEND PUT AND PASSED.
The question was called on the motion as amended:
THAT Halifax and West Community Council request a staff report regarding current steps being taken to provide rodent control in municipal streets, parks, and Halifax Water infrastructure, with recommendations for improvements in the program, coordination with other stakeholders, and education, and exploring options with By-Law Services to address rodent infestations when assessing dangerous and unsightly premises.
AMENDED MOTION PUT AND PASSED.
Council Minutes: January 15, 1980
Councillor Adena requested an answer to the question or where District I8 now stands with regard to rodent control and Er. Heath replied that there was a resolution requesting that a Staff Report be prepared and it will be updated and brought to Council at the next Council Session.
Councillor Adena requested an answer to the question or where District I8 now stands with regard to rodent control and Er. Heath replied that there was a resolution requesting that a Staff Report be prepared and it will be updated and brought to Council at the next Council Session.