Ottawa-Carleton Wildlife Centre

For over 35 years the Ottawa-Carleton Wildlife Centre (OCWC) has been working on behalf of wildlife. We are committed to educating people about wildlife and helping to foster an appreciation for the natural world and the important role all species play in a healthy ecosystem.

If we are to succeed in responding to the significant environmental challenges we are facing as a society, humans have to recognize we are a part of nature and not simply an outside observer of it. Each of us has the opportunity to help conserve nature, starting in our own backyard.

As a registered charity we depend on contributions from people like you!

How Do We Do It?

Programming
Watch to learn about OCWC's programming, including tree planting, tree protection, flow device initiatives, community presentations, school workshops, and nature discovery workshops!

Restoring an Urban Wetland
OCWC has been working with Public Services and Procurement Canada, National Capital Commission, and the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority on the restoration of a valuable urban wetland. Watch a CBC news story about this exciting project:

What's New

Media Coverage about Wildlife Strategy Review

Concerns are being voiced about the Wildlife Strategy review process. The City's 'As We Heard it Report' clearly indicates the public's expectations for a progressive strategy that focuses on coexistence. Read about what is being said:

Ottawa Citizen Op-ed - Will Ottawa take a humane approach to urban wildlife? We're skeptical

CTV News Ottawa - Residents concerned over wildlife strategy as city looks to review decade-old policy

CFRA Ottawa at Work - Ottawa-Carleton Wildlife Centre on hopes for City revamped Wildlife Strategy

CBC Information Morning Moncton - How can urban development co-exist with wildlife?

Ottawa Citizen - Ottawans want wildlife protected and smart measures should be adopted soon.

Ottawa Citizen - Bears in the backyard: Here's what advocates want to see in Ottawa's updated wildlife strategy.

Letters To The Editor - Ottawa Citizen - Citizens Express Support for Progressive Wildlife Strategy.

CBC News Ottawa - Beavers left unprotected by new wildlife strategy, says advocate.

Ottawa at Work with Patricia Boal - iHeart Radio - Beaver dam-nation? Reaction to Ottawa trapping rule recommendations.

CTV News Ottawa - Banning lethal trapping off the table as city recommends changes to wildlife strategy.

CTV News - Lethal Trapping the Status Quo in Newly Proposed City of Ottawa Wildlife Strategy

Stittsville Central - Wildlife organization calls on city councillors to override staff report in favour of non-lethal wildlife strategy with public accountability.

Ottawa Citizen - City committee approves first new wildlife strategy since 2013, but critics want more change.

Capital Current - New wildlife management plan for Ottawa will offer more protection for local beavers.

OCWC’s Submission – Position Papers on those elements that the Centre, together with environmental and community organizations, identified in a letter to Mayor and Councillors in May 2023 as central to a modern Wildlife Strategy based on coexistence. The Papers provide background on these key elements along with recommendations for their implementation.

Position papers

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Our Latest Newsletter
Read about the victory for Ottawa's wildlife, our Education Program, and much more!

Read Now

Anita Vandenbeld, MP of Ottawa West-Nepean spoke in the House of Commons, acknowledging the restoration of the important Urban Wetland Complex on the Carling Campus. This successful project is an example of what can happen when the community works closely with government to protect the environment and fight climate change.

TAKE A LOOK

Let's Chat Wildlife

Beavers

Coexisting with Beavers - With the use of flow devices, people can live alongside beavers without conflict. Learn more about the benefits of beavers and wetlands.

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Bats

Bats are critical to insect control and pollination! Download and print our bat poster to share in your community to raise awareness about these amazing animals!

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