Osprey from siren locations not to be disturbed, says fire chief

By Ron Giofu

The pending removal of emergency sirens has drawn concern from members of the community due to osprey nests, but the town’s fire chief indicated there are no plans to disturb the birds.

There are nests on the sirens atop the pole at H. Murray Smith Centennial Park and another on North Side Road near Concession 2 North, but Amherstburg fire chief Bruce Montone says they don’t plan on interfering with the osprey in any way.

According to Montone, the approval to decommission the siren system is something that will be factored into the 2024 budget, and that means there are no dollars available currently to perform the project. He said the soonest the work could be done is early next year, after the budget is approved, and the nests would be empty at that point.

Montone said he is working with the parks and recreation department as a plan is being developed on exactly how to proceed, noting there could be the installation of platforms on the poles to allow the osprey to return.

“We’re not going to do anything until nests are empty and the birds have left for the season,” he aid.

Montone said director of parks, facilities, recreation and culture Heidi Baillargeon is working with birding experts to determine the best way to proceed.

“We’ll take our lead from them,” said Montone. “We’re quite aware the osprey have moved into the area and we don’t want to disturb them in any way while they are here.”

The Amherstburg Residents Forum have also enquired about the osprey, and are concerned with the issue with some wondering why the pole isn’t just left alone. Members have voiced concern, with that being a recent topic of discussion for the group.

Group member Greg Nemeth pointed out the pole in question is on the northwest corner of the S. Ralph McCurdy track complex located within H. Murray Smith Centennial Park. Fellow Forum member Larry Amlin suggested the group make another delegation to town council and “get in front of their faces.”

Ron Giofu EDITOR/CO-PUBLISHER

Matthew Zaidan GRAPHIC DESIGN

Ian Phillips PROOFREADER (Volunteer)

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