Abstract Manager

The City of Windsor initiated a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) study for the construction of a Wildlife Crossing at Ojibway Parkway which is an approved process under the Ontario’s Environmental Assessment Act. The Class EA process requires the public, conservation authorities, stakeholders, Indigenous communities, etc. be consulted and that various reasonable solutions be identified and evaluated to identify a preferred solution. https://www.citywindsor.ca/residents/Construction/Environmental-Assessments-Master-Plans/Pages/Ojibway-Parkway-Wildlife-Crossing-Class-Environmental-Assessment.aspx

The study considers the construction of a Wildlife Crossing to address wildlife mortality and protect the traveling public along Ojibway Parkway, and re-establish an ecological connection between the natural areas associated with Black Oak Heritage Park and Ojibway Park.

The two parks noted above are separated by a distance of approximately 120m consisting of a 30m wide Ojibway Parkway right-of-way, a 38m wide grass boulevard, and a 50m wide rail yard which contributes to the functional separation of these natural heritage areas. This loss of connectivity results in landscape fragmentation, restricted wildlife movement, isolation of species populations, a decline in biodiversity, and a breakdown of ecological systems. This is especially problematic for us now as we need these systems and species to help us navigate climate change.

In addition, traffic along Ojibway Parkway that carries approximately 20,000 vehicles per day is expected to increase with the development of the Gordie Howe International Bridge located just north of these natural areas.

Wildlife Crossing seeks to improve safety of the travelling public on Ojibway Parkway by reducing wildlife-vehicle interactions.

The Wildlife Crossing seeks to re-establish a connection for local tallgrass prairie communities and safe passage opportunities for wildlife, including species at risk. The proposed Wildlife Crossing thereby will reduce landscape fragmentation through improvement of habitat connectivity in the Ojibway Prairie Complex (www.ojibway.ca).

This study documents the rationale and background to the project, existing conditions within the Study Area, the planning, design and consultation process leading to the selection of preferred design, anticipated positive and negative impacts, proposed mitigation measures and future works and monitoring requirements.

The preferred design includes a 50m wide x 120m long three span structure (bridge spans over rail tracks, over boulevard, and over Ojibway Parkway). The span will be naturalized to provide suitable wildlife habitat on the structure creating an effective ecological connection between Black Oak Heritage Park and Ojibway Park. Fences along Ojibway Parkway and rail tracks to be installed to keep the wildlife outside of roadway and railway tracks reducing interaction.