Sheep hired to do summer lawn maintenance at OVWRC

The Ottawa Valley Waste Recovery Centre (OVWRC) welcomed 20 woolly staff members this summer. General Manager Sue McCrae says they partnered with North-Algona-Wilberforce councillor Janet Reiche-Schoenfeldt, who provided a small herd of sheep to help manage vegetation. The sheep grazed in a large fenced-in area during the day, and at night were moved into a more secure area. McCrae says this means they saved money and manpower.

The OVWRC General Manager says they didn’t have a problem with predators all summer long and the sheep remained happy and healthy. McCrae says staff installed fencing, water bowls and a structure to provide shade. She adds they will be sending the sheep back for the winter and bring in a fresh herd to do the job next year.