Turtle tunnels working to save wildlife in Waterloo region

Two tunnels installed in Waterloo region to help wildlife cross the street safely appear to be working.

Two tunnels installed in Waterloo region to help wildlife cross the street safely appear to be working.

The Region of Waterloo put the tunnels in along Roseville Road in North Dumfries after nearby residents voiced concerns about a lot of wildlife – particularly turtles – being injured or killed by vehicles.

“We were finding that there were actually hundreds of mortalities throughout the year of various different types of species from frogs, to turtles, and snakes,” Matthew Ropp, the project manager with the Region of Waterloo, said.

Snapping and painted turtles live in wetlands on either side of the road.

“The species in this area tend to move during the nesting season in the spring, and again later on throughout the year,” Ropp explained.

The tunnels are built under the road. Fencing channels turtles in the right direction and keeps them from crossing the busy street.

So far, it’s working.