As Cambridge continues to grow, the region is installing wildlife corridors to help protect local animal populations
As housing developments in Cambridge continue to push to the edges of the city limits, more natural habitat is swallowed into the urban realm.
The Region of Waterloo has taken notice of this and is nearly finished installing its third animal crossing tunnel in the region on Roseville Road near new developments on Bismark Drive.
“As we continue to expand outwards into these natural habitats it’s the least we can do to ensure wildlife has a safe passage in their own homes,” said the communications officer for rare Charitable Reserve, James Bow.
While the region was operating outside of rare’s jurisdiction, Matthew Ropp, project manager for the Roseville Road wildlife crossing project notes rare’s insight helped guide them through the process.
“We know there are turtles and other wildlife that move back and forth between the two sides of the wetland putting them at considerable risk given the width of the road to be crossed,” added Ropp. “These wildlife crossings have been proven to save many wildlife from being killed.”
Since the installation of the other corridors, road mortalities have decreased by 79 per cent in those areas.
“There are currently eight different types of turtles in Ontario and all of them are endangered,” said Bow. “Most of them die from being struck on motorways, so anything we can do will help these animals.”
The project is expected to wrap up in the next few days and will fully reopen Roseville Road. Regional road crews were on scene this week cutting the road in half and digging a trench at least a meter deep.
After the trench was graded, steel tunnels were dropped into place to withstand the weight of the road and cars driving on top.
“The way they engineer these tunnels is quite fascinating with the environmental architecture used to guide the creatures under the road,” said Bow.
The crossing has run the region around $409,000 and will see directional fencing erected to try and prevent animals from climbing onto the road.
While these tunnels will act as safe passage for some, Bow notes that not all animals will choose to use them and drivers should always remain vigilant and aware if there are turtles or other wildlife on the road.
“We do our best to help protect wildlife, especially the local turtle population and it’s been a big point of emphasis to help when they are mating and hatching,” he said.
The section of Roseville Road is closed while work is being completed and the region notes the detour around the closure is Edworthy Side Road – Cedar Creek Road – St. Andrews Street – George Street South – Blair Road.
Bismark Drive and Queensbrook Crescent will remain accessible via Blair Road.