Mayor Ken Antaya says he has voiced his concerns to the Ministry of Natural Resources over a planned habitat area off Todd Lane for the endangered fox snake.
Antaya said the town doesn’t have any say in the matter as legislation allows the ministry to make and enforce decisions regarding the protection of species at risk but “we’re just sitting there saying, well OK then do it in the best interest of our community.
Lasalle Mayor Ken Antaya
“We want to make sure that it’s done in a thoughtful way, that we consider the residents as well as the importance of the species,” Antaya said.
“We’re confident that they will take a number of the concerns that we brought forward and incorporate them into their design.”
said the new area is necessary due to the Herb Gray Parkway construction, which has intruded on the snakes’ previous old habitat. He’d just prefer to see it in a more secluded spot.
LaSalle already has several natural areas that are homes to snakes, including the Spring Garden ANSI or area of natural and scientific interest and the LaSalle Woods that is home to the massasauga rattlesnake.
“People don’t even notice it. They’re there, they’re protected. It’s in the middle of an area where there is no traffic, where they won’t be disturbed.”
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