Three Canada geese walking around in the green grass

Help Park Board prevent Canada Geese nesting on private property

January 22 2026 –

Canada geese are beautiful and resilient birds, but they also wreak havoc on the city’s parks, green spaces, traffic, and public enjoyment. As the geese population grows, its impact on public spaces and local habitats and public infrastructure increases. 

While Vancouver’s geese feed and rest in parks, they often nest on private rooftops and balconies. To keep their numbers in check, the Park Board is asking for your help.

Preventing nesting on your property

  • Alter flat surfaces: Geese are attracted to flat, open areas. Plant trees, shrubs, or tall grasses on rooftops or balconies to make these spaces less inviting.
  • Remove water sources: Geese are drawn to water features such as ponds and fountains. Remove or cover water sources to discourage geese from settling nearby.
  • Use deterrents: Reflective tape, motion-activated lights, and scarecrows can make areas less inviting to geese.

Canada Geese begin identifying and preparing their nest sites as early as February. Taking action early can prevent your personal spaces from becoming nesting sites. 

Humane population control

The Park Board uses a humane method called egg addling to manage the goose population. Over the past decade, thousands of eggs have been addled, preventing new generations of geese from joining the population.

The success of this program relies on the public’s support in spotting and reporting nests. Since geese often nest in difficult-to-reach places, such as rooftops and balconies, residents are encouraged to report any sightings of nesting geese.

How to report nests

If you notice a goose standing in the same spot daily, whether on the ground or a rooftop, there may be a nest nearby. Report nests by:

Do not feed the geese

Feeding geese encourages them to gather in one place, leading to large volumes of goose poop. Feeding also increases the likelihood of geese laying multiple clutches of eggs, further expanding the population.

To protect public health and the environment, wildlife feeding is prohibited in Vancouver parks and beaches, with fines up to $500. If you see anyone feeding geese, please report it immediately by calling 311 or using the Van311 app.