“There are a number of different departments that have city logo vehicles on the road, including parking enforcement,” she explained. “It is unlikely that any were in the park at dawn on a weekend in February based on known work schedules.”

In her video posted March 5, Wilson pans the camera on what she describes as a foxhole with empty water bottles around it.

This, she claims, is further evidence of hunting going on at LaSalle, where she says she also witnessed a man “dressed in hunting garb” attempting to lure a gosling in order to hunt a mother goose.

“The idea of water bottles and a pile of sticks indicate hunting, do not deduce that in any matter,” said Battaglia, adding the man in hunting wear might have been nothing more than a case of a person feeding the swans and ducks there.

Battaglia said the city has not received any other complaints or concerns of hunting at LaSalle, a very popular and well-visited park that’s also located in a residential area.

“If there was hunting going on, I would be shocked that no one had previously called to report it,” she continued. “(Further,) if a weapon was being discharged and witnessed in the city, the police should also be contacted.”

Battaglia said she has tried getting in touch with Wilson by email and posting a comment on her YouTube video requesting she take it down as it alleges “unsubstantiated claims,” but as of Friday morning, March 16, she had not heard back from her.

Wilson told the Post she has not responded to Battaglia and has no intention of taking down the video.

“I decided to launch the video on YouTube so that others might learn to recognize the evidence of killing wildlife when they are in our parks and conservation lands,” she explained.

Battaglia encourages residents to contact the city directly to report their concerns to give staff the opportunity to address them and answer any questions that could require any action by the municipality — rather than taking matters into their own hands.

Residents can contact the roads, parks and forestry department at RPF@burlington.ca or 905-333-6166.



