Goose management underway at Cultus Lake since the birds can produce 1-2 lbs of poop daily

Published 3:58 pm Monday, February 23, 2026

The Cultus Lake goose management committee is gearing up to get back in action in the coming weeks as part of its annual efforts to discourage the Canada geese from making the lakeside their home.

“This committee receives a permit from Environment and Climate Change Canada,” to do this work, explained Taryn Dixon, electoral area H rep for the FVRD, in a Feb. 18 report to the Cultus Lake Park Board.

“The permit allows the committee members to try and manage the goose population at Cultus Lake by harassing, not harming or touching the geese, but chasing, yelling, and clapping, as well as searching for nests and addling eggs.”

The idea is not to eradicate the goose population but to manage it.

After seven years of committee efforts, the number of resident geese at Cultus Lake has been quite consistent, Dixon noted.

More than 300 goose eggs have been addled by the committee, which means they did not hatch.

“If our committee wasn’t working the goose population would be much higher,” Dixon added.

“We ask people not to feed the geese or leave leftovers around. They are wild birds and need to eat food that is good for them.”

Eating human food leads to human habituation and encourages them to hang around the beaches and grassy areas.

Dixon can’t help but offer a vivid image of the consequences.

“One adult goose produces one to two pounds of fecal matter daily and it is deposited on the ground or in the lake.”

Managing the geese helps keep the lake and beaches as healthy as they can be.

“It is tricky to find goose nests.”

Anyone that spots one at Cultus Lake in the next few months is asked to email the FVRD rep with the location and a photo if possible.

“Our team will go out and take a look. Keep in mind only the members listed on the permit are allowed to manage the eggs.”

Email tdixon@fvrd.ca with any goose nest sightings.