TTC uses ‘acoustic cannon’ to combat seagull problem

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Over the next three-and-a-half months, the Toronto Transit Commission will install “sound cannons” on the roof of Leslie Barnes to deter seagulls from nesting and returning to the building.

In 2015, a green roof was added to the tram track shed, and the number of seagulls visiting the area has increased. As a result, the TTC estimates that 10,000 to 15,000 seagulls currently visit the waters. 90,000 square feet Annual rooftop greening.

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The $500 million facility opened in 2017 after four years of construction. It is one of several notable green-roofed buildings in Toronto, including Toronto City Hall and the Fairmont Royal York.of The roof incorporates rooftop vegetation, which aims to reduce rainwater runoff, improve insulation, combat urban heat, and enhance air quality and biodiversity.

The sound cannons are used from mid-March to the end of June, coinciding with the arrival of gulls and the nesting season, with the aim of encouraging the gulls to move to other areas to nest. However, birds may not be the only ones in trouble.

According to the TTC, customers who ride the 83 Jones bus and those who work or live in nearby areas may hear the sound of cannon fire between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

They added that the cannon would be activated up to four times an hour and would only be used if seagulls were present.

They liken the sound to a single firework being launched from a distance. The cannons will also be aimed away from residential areas to reduce noise.

“Inside the building, the sound is more pronounced, similar to a jackhammer or an oncoming ambulance, but it is a short-duration explosion,” the TTC said in a written statement. news release.

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TTC added that the seagull issue has led to “unsanitary and destructive working conditions for TTC employees.”

“High roofs also create difficult living conditions for gull chicks who cannot yet fly in search of food and water,” they added.

The TTC will then evaluate its effectiveness and decide whether it should try the same method again next year.

They added that the gulls were not in any danger and said they had worked with biologists and noise consultants to ensure the sonic cannons were used safely and effectively.

The TTC also installed wires on the roof to make it harder for birds to access it, covered the roof with plastic sheeting, had staff visit the roof frequently, and activated green roof sprinklers. I’m trying to address this issue.

They said none of these techniques were effective in reducing gull numbers in the long term.

The City of Toronto is currently in the middle of a pigeon removal pilot project that is scheduled to conclude at the end of this year.

Part of the strategy is Pelleted food that acts as a contraceptiveThe goal is to reduce the target pigeon population by 50 percent each year.

Birds of prey are also used by the city to control other birds and pests.

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