Ojibway eco-passage would protect animals, say animal advocates

For Heather Lau, who had been paralyzed by the high-rise buildings for a long time, she never thought that the excellent ecological environment she had been longing for would also bring her life a lot of trouble. 

Lau, who lives in LaSalle, immigrated to Canada from China with her family two years ago. When Lau first arrived in Canada, she was captivated by the ecology. The sight of green everywhere, along with cute squirrels and raccoons, in stark contrast to the “concrete forest” of her hometown. But since she moved to LaSalle, Lau has found herself facing problems at times.   

“Every time I see a dead animal across the road when I’m driving, I get a little bit nervous. It’s just horrible,” Lau said. “Especially in the fall, you often see dead snakes. Besides, I have seen dead deer, skunks, and hedgehogs. Too many animals die in car accidents. It’s really cruel.” 

The rate of wildlife deaths caused by traffic problems on Matchette and Malden roads has been discussed several times at local city council meetings because of issues involving endangered species. The solutions discussed are either to close the main road or to build an eco-passage for animals. The question seems to have been in dispute ever since it was raised. With so many vehicles passing along Matchette Road every day, these overflowing vehicles are indeed responsible for killing cute animals. It’s true that closing roads is the best way to protect animals, but what about the businesses around them and the people who commute through them every day when the animals live in a free space free from the danger of car accidents? At this point, building eco-passage, where humans and animals can live in peace, seems to be the best solution to the problem so far.  

Lau also believes that building an ecological corridor is by far the most acceptable solution. She hopes the government will release information, investigate further and implement the project as soon as possible  

“The consequences of a road closure are beyond any of us,” Lau said. “It would have a huge impact on our lives and work, and it would be difficult to ensure that vehicles would switch to other roads without causing harm to the animals in the vicinity.”   

In the recent council meeting, relevant discussions have been made on the promotion of this project. According to the council meeting report, about 20,000 cars are driven daily along the Ojibway Parkway and E.C. Row Expressway, and Ojibway Prairie currently has more than 160 rare species. The urgent need for action to protect endangered animals has greatly increased the legitimacy of the ecological corridor project, but it seems likely that implementation plans will have to wait until request for proposals and environmental assessment (EA) study for a proposed Eco-Passage are completed.  

The report notes: “It is anticipated to have the EA completed by September of 2020. The details of the EA will formulate the basis to confirm the overall project budget as well as pursue additional funding grant opportunities.”  

There is no denying that the construction of the ecological corridor requires a sum of money to be approved, which seems to be a lot of money. As for the raising of funds, people have been paying attention to the focus. While residents of LaSalle generally want an ecological corridor, some residents of downtown Windsor seem reluctant. A city resident, who did not want to be named, said he hoped the government would give the true information and that if the money for an eco passage came from taxpayers, it should be paid fairly.  

“Only people who live in or near LaSalle cross Matchette Road and Malden Road every day, and many people who live in Windsor do so occasionally,” said one Windsor resident. “Not everyone is a major killer of animals.”