Local nature enthusiasts want to make some nesting birds of prey a tourist attraction in Hawkesbury.
Ospreys have been nesting on top of baseball park light poles at Cyr de Lasalle Park near the Ottawa River since 2014.
On Monday, April 13, Vankleek Hill and District Nature Society President Carol Tisdall and Vice President Christine Trudeau appeared before Hawkesbury Council and said they would like to install educational signage explaining the osprey, their lifestyle, and habitat to visitors to the area. The nature society believes the nesting birds, who catch fish from the nearby river, could become a tourist attraction.
Birdwatchers frequently set up telescopes and binoculars at the site. The signage would be installed near Philippe Street and Main Street. Similar signs about osprey have already been installed at Voyageur Provincial Park.
Councillor Julie Séguin wanted to know if the signage could create any conflict with the dog park located nearby. She wants to ensure the area is enjoyable for everyone.
Trudeau said the signage is for information about the ospreys and did not specify any conflict it could have with the dog park. She said the sign will be located closer to the nearby street corner.
Director of Recreation Geneviève Goulet will have further discussions with the Vankleek Hill and District Nature Society about their proposal before any decision is made.
