Construction work on a city storm channel is prompting a local resident to express concern for the wildlife that call the area home.

Dredging and clearing of debris is being carried out by the city in the south storm channel, which runs from Rae Street to Hill Avenue in the Queen Street area.

Diana Ghikas, a resident of 15 years, is concerned for the wildlife as the construction has caused many critters to flee.

Typically, in the springtime Ghikas said she can hear breeding frogs, see nesting waterfowl and her neighbour’s daughter love to see the resident muskrats.

“It’s definitely a wetland habitat. It was full of cattails, which is totally indicative of a wetland habitat,” said Ghikas.

She said she doesn’t believe the city considered the wildlife in their planning and didn’t protect them, adding the work is “not appropriate” as it has forced the waterfowl to leave the area.

Ghikas cited the Saskatchewan Waterlife Act, which states no person shall “willfully destroy or disturb any wildlife, or the eggs or nests of any birds” protected by the Migratory Birds Convention Act.

The city and the Water Security Agency said the act, and the need for a permit, do not apply as the channel is man-made and meant to be dry bottomed. Waterways like Pilot Butte Creek or Chuka Creek would require a permit.

“We always make sure that the Water Security Agency, who is our permit regulator, they are notified that we are doing this work. It’s a courtesy to notify them,” said Helene Henning-Hill, manager of sewer and drainage operations for the City of Regina.

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