SUBJECT:

ROYAL SWAN PROGRAM

OBJET:

PROGRAMME DES CYGNES ROYAUX

REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Emergency and Protective Services Committee:

a) receive this report for information; and

b) recognize Cognos Incorporated for its significant contribution to the Royal Swan Program and its commitment to the unique public-private partnership with the City of Ottawa.

RECOMMANDATIONS DU RAPPORT

Que le Comité des services de protection et d’urgence:

a) prenne connaissance du présent rapport ; et

b) reconnaisse Cognos Incorporated pour son importante contribution au Programme des cygnes royaux ainsi que son engagement envers le partenariat public-privé unique avec la Ville d'Ottawa.

BACKGROUND

In 1967, as a Centennial gift to Canada, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II presented the Corporation with six pairs of Mute (Royal) swans. As a result of a trade which took place in 1974, the Corporation also obtained its first pair of Australian Black swans. The swans generally have become part of Ottawa’s heritage and culture.

The Policy Respecting the Management of the Mute (Royal) and Australian Black Swan Flock, provided as Attachment 1, was established in 1992. It outlines flock size ranges for each portion of the flock (Mutes and Australian Blacks) and, the methods by which flock size may be controlled and their minimum requirements. The conditions and principles upon which the policy is based continue to be valid today, and include capacity of both the wintering facility and the Rideau River as well as gene pool considerations. As of May 2001, there are twenty Mute and seven Australian Black swans in the Corporation's flock. The swans range in age from three to over thirty years of age. All of the swans are pinioned, meaning that the primary feathers of one wing have been permanently removed, rendering the birds flightless. Pinioning is carried out in accordance with regulations set out by the Canadian Wildlife Service, which regulates the keeping of migratory birds and issues the required permit. Birds kept under such a permit must be pinioned so that they do not migrate and hence, do not disturb indigenous wild bird populations.

Since 1967, the swans have inhabited the Rideau River from about mid-May to the end of October each year. There they can be observed anywhere from Carleton University to the St. Patrick's Bridge. Although each pair has a preferred area which it "frequents" each summer, the birds will, to some extent during the day, wander from that area in search of food. To accommodate their territorial habits, each pair is released at the same location along the River each year. There are four release locations in total. The release date is determined on the basis of the availability and accessibility of food, the latter of which is affected by water levels in the River.

During their months on the River, the swans forage independently for naturally occurring plant material. Periodic on-site inspections are conducted over the course of the spring/summer months to ensure the health and well-being of the swans. Emergency services, provided by experienced personnel, are available in response to reports of injury.

From about the beginning of November to May, the swans reside at an enclosed facility located on Leitrim Road. The swans must be removed from the River for the winter months in that they cannot survive without access to open water and, they cannot migrate to find open water in light of the aforementioned pinioning requirement. Winter care of the swans involves daily feeding and cleaning and, general building maintenance, all to established standards. Annual physical examinations are conducted shortly after the birds are returned to their facility each year and medical attention is provided, as required.

DISCUSSION

Since 1967 when the Royal Swan Program was established, all aspects of the program – operations, funding, etc. – have been the responsibility of the Corporation. Commencing in 1996 however, and, with a view to maintaining the program for the citizenry and for tourists, Cognos Incorporated has sponsored the program, forming a unique public-private partnership. The sponsorship arrangement includes a twenty-year funding commitment in the range of $40,000 per annum. Founded in 1969, Cognos is a world leader in business intelligence, and does business with 17,000 customers in more than 100 countries around the world.

Based on the foregoing, the Department recommends that the Emergency and Protective Services Committee recognize Cognos for its significant and positive contribution to the swans as well as to the community and tourism in general, and for its commitment to a unique public-private partnership with the City of Ottawa.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS

There are no environmental implications associated with the recommendations.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

There are no financial implications associated with the recommendations. The Royal Swan Program is funded by Cognos Incorporated, although overall management remains with the City of Ottawa. Costs of the program are reduced by the provision of discounted services from some suppliers and through the donation of certain foods by local retailers.

CONSULTATION

Public consultation has not been undertaken given the nature of the recommendations.

ATTACHMENTS

Attachment 1 – Policy Respecting the Management of the Mute (Royal) and Australian Black Swan Flock

DISPOSITION

The Emergency and Protective Services Committee will make the presentation to Cognos Incorporated.

ATTACHMENT 1

POLICY RESPECTING THE MANAGEMENT

OF THE MUTE (ROYAL) AND AUSTRALIAN BLACK SWAN FLOCK

1.0 Mute (Royal) Swans

1.1 Flock Size

The Corporation shall maintain a minimum of twenty (20) and a maximum of twenty-six (26) Mute swans.

1.2 Control of Flock Size

Flock size shall be controlled through donation, trade and purchase at the discretion of the Emergency and Protective Services Department.

1.2.1 Mute swan donations may be made to recipients who provide the following:

a. a written request for a donation to the Corporation;

b. proof of possession of a valid Avicultural Permit issued by the Canadian Wildlife Service;

c. proof that the swans will have access to open water year-round and indoor facilities during the winter months if deemed necessary because of the climate of the recipient's geographic area;

d. proof that the facilities meet the specifications for waterfowl as outlined by the Canadian Council on Animal Care (C.C.A.C.) in its "Guide to the Care and Use of Experimental Animals, Volume 2, 1984" or any specifications established by the C.C.A.C. in substitution therefor;

e. payment of all costs associated with transport/relocation of swans;

f. agreement to save harmless the City from all claims or actions arising from the donation.

Potential recipients of donated swans will be considered on a first-come-first-serve basis with priority given to municipalities and public agencies.

All Mute (Royal) swans donated by the Department shall be pinioned prior to delivery and shall not be designated as a "Royal gift" once the transaction is complete.

1.2.2 Mute swan trades may be undertaken with traders meeting the requirements outlined in 1.2.1, save for item a., as well as the following:

a. swans received by Emergency and Protective Services are pinioned and in good health;

b. copies of any relevant records are provided (e.g. veterinary reports, pedigrees);

c. agreement to save harmless the City from all claims or actions arising from the trade.

All Mute (Royal) swans traded by the Department shall be pinioned prior to delivery and shall not be designated as a "Royal gift" once the transaction is complete.

1.2.3 Mute swans may be purchased by Emergency and Protective Services subject to the following conditions:

a. swans received by the Department are pinioned and in good health;

b. copies of any relevant records are provided (e.g. veterinary reports, pedigrees).

2.0 Australian Black Swans

2.1 Flock Size

The Corporation shall maintain a minimum of four (4) and a maximum of six (6) Australian Black swans.

2.2 Control of Flock Size

Flock size shall be controlled through donation, trade and purchase at the discretion of the Emergency and Protective Services Department.

2.2.1 Australian Black swan donations may be made to recipients who provide the following:

a. a written request for a donation to the Corporation;

b. proof of possession of a valid Avicultural Permit issued by the Canadian Wildlife Service;

c. proof that the swans will have access to open water year-round and will be housed indoors during the winter months if deemed necessary because of the climate of the recipient's geographic area;

e. payment of all costs associated with transport/relocation of swans;

f. agreement to save harmless the City from all claims or actions arising from the donation.

Potential recipients of donated swans will be considered on a first-come-first-serve basis with priority given to municipalities and public agencies.

All Australian Black swans donated by the Department shall be pinioned prior to delivery.

2.2.2 Australian Black swan trades may be undertaken with recipients meeting the requirements outlined in 2.2.1, save for item a., as well as the following:

a. swans received by Emergency and Protective Services are pinioned and in good health;

b. copies of any relevant records are provided (e.g. veterinary reports, pedigrees);

c. agreement to save harmless the City from all claims or actions arising from the trade.

All Australian Black swans traded by the Department shall be pinioned prior to delivery.

2.2.3 Australian Black swans may be purchased by Emergency and Protective Services subject to the following conditions:

a. swans received by the Department are pinioned and in good health;

b. copies of any relevant records are provided (e.g. veterinary reports, pedigrees).

Updated Jan. 2001