I was a tourist operator in northern Ontario and
business relied on the use of old logging roads. As beaver prices
fell and the beaver protected by MNR, other than trapping which resulted
in very little control as many trappers were not interested in taking
beaver due top low prices, a lot of expense and hard work. The
beaver now became a real problem by plugging just about every culvert with
running water.
I started to experiment with different devices.
Being a blacksmith in my younger days was a great help. I finally
hit on the idea of a cone which was round and compatible with culverts and
easy to install and also allowed the spawning of fish. I kept
changing the cones as to length and finally, about 10 years ago, I got it
right!
After several years of trial, I decided to patent the
cone and put it on the market. The cones worked well in protecting
culverts but the market was skeptical. Finally MTO decided to try
one on Highway 11, east of Atikokan and it has saved them thousands of
dollars. A 6 foot culvert over 70 feet long drained a lake and each
time the beavers plugged the culvert it threatened highway 11 with a
washout. This was the end of their problem and the beavercone was on
the way.
Our manufacturing facility in Welland is well equipped
and is certified with the C.W.B. to ensure high quality products.
