The TTC is using “sound cannons” in a Toronto neighbourhood to get rid of seagulls.
But the transit agency is warning that the cannons could also impact residents, businesses and transit riders.
That’s because it’ll sound like a “jackhammer” or a “firework,” depending on where you are.
The TTC recently announced that from mid-March until the end of June, “sound cannons” will be used on the rooftop of the Leslie Barns transit depot building in South Riverdale.
Leslie Barns transit depot is located at 1165 Lake Shore Blvd. E. which is at the intersection of Lake Shore Boulevard East and Leslie Street.
This is being done to stop seagulls from nesting and returning to the building.
According to the TTC, seagulls have been increasing in number since the building — which has a green roof — opened in 2015. It’s estimated that 10,000 to 15,000 seagulls visit the depot each year.
“The sound cannons do not fire actual ammunition and will not harm the seagulls. Instead, they emit a loud sound that scare away the seagulls, encouraging them to relocate,” the TTC said.
Sound cannons will be fired off a maximum of four times per hour between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. from March to June.
If there are no seagulls at the building, the cannons won’t be used.
Transit riders who take the 83 Jones bus route and people who live or work in the surrounding areas could hear the cannons.
There are many homes and businesses near this TTC building, along with parks and beaches — including McLeary Park, Woodbine Park, Woodbine Beach, Cherry Beach, Tommy Thompson Park and more.
According to the TTC, the cannons are expected to sound like “a single firework going off in the distance” to people in the neighbourhood.
That’s because they’ll be pointed away from the residential area to decrease noise disruption.
Inside the Leslie Barns building, the sound will be more noticeable with a volume similar to “a jackhammer or an oncoming ambulance.”
But TTC workers will hear the sounds of the cannons only in a short burst.
After the sound cannons stop being used at the end of June, the TTC will determine if this method needs to be implemented next year.
This article’s cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
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