Protecting local ecosystems
in Hamilton
Cootes Paradise in the Hamilton region was once home to the largest population of snapping turtles in Canada. Now, due to natural predation and increasing human impacts, all eight species of native turtles in Ontario have been designated as 'species at risk,’ including those in Hamilton.
Hydro One collaborated with the City of Hamilton, Dundas Turtle Watch and the Royal Botanical Gardens to install nearly 800 feet of turtle barrier fencing near Cootes Paradise to prevent turtles from crossing the nearby busy road. Since a portion of the fencing was installed last year, the barriers have reduced the risk of turtle deaths from road crossing by approximately 74 per cent. In addition, last year Hydro One installed two turtle nesting beds to provide safe places for the turtles to lay their eggs in an effort to increase the rapidly declining turtle population in the area. This collaborative effort allowed Hydro One to directly protect and preserve turtle populations and the well-being of the local ecosystem.
