The Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program

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black bear tearing apart honey boxes

The Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program (OWDCP) provides financial assistance to eligible owners whose livestock or poultry have been injured or killed by wildlife, as well as to beekeepers whose bee colonies, beehives, or beehive-related equipment have been damaged by wildlife.

The program helps support Ontario's agricultural sector by reducing the financial impacts of wildlife damage and ensuring that farmers and beekeepers can continue to operate and grow their businesses.

The OWDCP is delivered as part of broader federal and provincial efforts to support the agri-food industry through programs that promote innovation, competitiveness, market development, and effective business risk management.

If you experience livestock, poultry, or beekeeping losses caused by wildlife, please contact the Township as soon as possible to report the incident and arrange for an inspection by the Township's Livestock Valuer. Prompt reporting is essential to ensure eligibility and compliance with program requirements.

For additional information about the Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program, including eligibility requirements and claim procedures, please visit the program website using the link below.

Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program

How to prepare for the reporting process

  • Do not remove the carcass from the attack site as the valuer will want to examine the area for evidence to help determine the cause of the loss. Please take a picture for reference.
  • Producers must have a valid Farm Business Registration (FBR) Number and a Premises Identification (PID) Number to be eligible for the program. 
  • For details about obtaining an FBR Number, please call 1-866-327-3678, and for details about obtaining a PID Number. 

Livestock Damage Reporting

The Township of North Stormont has appointed Rick Scheepers as its Livestock Valuer. If you experience livestock injuries or losses caused by wildlife, please contact Rick Scheepers at (613) 978-5260 as soon as possible to arrange an inspection.

Livestock injuries or deaths may also be reported to the Township of North Stormont Municipal Office at  Tel: (613) 984-2821 ext. 257, during regular business hours. Prompt reporting helps ensure claims are processed in accordance with applicable provincial programs and timelines.

What happens when you contact the valuer?

The valuer will attend the site and make a full investigation and submit a written report within 10 days to the Municipal Clerk, and you will receive a copy of the report.  The valuer’s report provides details regarding the extent of the damage to the livestock or poultry and the amount of compensation claim awarded.  The valuer must also state in the report the predator responsible for the injuring/killing of the livestock or poultry.  You are responsible for filing an affidavit with the Clerk within 10 days.

For more information on this subject visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-wildlife-damage-compensation-program-guidelines