Planned goose cull in Vernon on hold as Ottawa says it can't review plan this year

Photo: File photo

An update on Vernon's planned Canada goose cull suggests it's unlikely to happen this year.

A report to city council says permit applications were submitted to both the provincial and federal governments, as required before a cull can begin.

However, the report states: "Representatives from the federal government have recently indicated that they do not have the capacity to review the complex application in order to complete the cull this year."

"Our application is not the only one that is facing the same issues," the city report adds.

The city is seeking to kill up to 100 of the geese at a projected cost of up to $40,000 due to complaints over the non-migratory birds fouling beaches and parks.

Without approval from senior governments, staff cannot complete the cull.

City administration is expected to bring back options on how to progress for council's June 28 meeting.