Council considering whether to add an ecologist to Sarnia city staff

If Sarnia opts to spend up to $162,000 a year to hire a staff ecologist, it could be the catalyst that helps transform some of the city’s more-than 400 hectares of parkland into more naturalized areas.

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That’s according to a city staff report council recently deferred to December budget deliberations.

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Having an ecologist also could solve the issue of unkempt naturalized areas recently criticized as “blight” in Mike Weir Park, and along Berger Road, said Coun. Terry Burrell, who’s been asking since June for the city to look into hiring an ecologist.

“I think if we had an ecologist, they’d be able to better provide upkeep to these areas,” Burrell said, also touting the benefits of biodiversity that come with naturalization and the dependence birds and insects have on various native species for survival.

“Wherever we can have it, it certainly helps the ecology of the local area,” he said.

Council has heard in presentations and reports since June that the position could save the city time and money when it comes to looking into ecological impacts for things such as development proposals and naturalization projects.

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Council, Oct. 27, also voted to table a motion from Coun. Bill Dennis, to revert naturalized areas at Mike Weir Park and Berger Road and have them professionally maintained.

Dennis said the motion stemmed from complaints by citizens who were never asked for input about the naturalization projects before they took place.

“A naturalized area does not mean an untended area of ​​weeds and insects,” Dennis said, noting ticks also are a safety concern.

The motion from Coun. George Vandenberg came so Mike Smalls, who presented on naturalized areas to council Oct. 16 and acknowledged the Mike Weir Park and Berger Road areas could be better, has a chance to return Nov. 20 — council’s next scheduled meeting — with ideas for improvements.

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Vandenberg said council should give Smalls that chance, noting he’s also heard from constituents on both sides of the issue about the areas in Mike Weir Park and along Berger Road.

Tea city ​​staff reportvia community services general manager Stacey Forfar, notes current public lands management doesn’t consider land as habitat for wildlife or plant species, and that expertise is needed for required sustainable native habitat maintenance, if they are to be created.

“It is important to note that this would be a fundamental shift away from the current operating model, but an exciting and progressive one for the city to consider,” it reads.

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