Coyote back on duty at Sea Cadets’ dock

A new coyote has replaced one that was stolen at the Sea Cadets' dock in Barrie. Tue., July 21, 2026. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Diane Chislett looks at the last month’s adventures now in a positive light.

The president of the Navy League Cadets in Barrie is mildly surprised at how well events unfolded after a treasured coyote statue went missing the cadets’ dock.

“What was bad news is now good news,” Chislett said.

She laughs now at how the whole thing got started. There was a web post on social media saying there was a dog or animal in distress at the end of the Sea Cadets’ dock.

When comments starting saying the OSPCA should be called to look after the welfare of the animal, Chislett said they laughed out loud.

Unfortunately, the news brought too much attention to the statue, because days later the plastic coyote decoy was gone.

Coyote decoy goes missing at Barrie waterfront

“We went down for our regular racing night and it was gone. A boat was flipped over and our little friend was gone.”

“It’s silly, but it scares away the cormorants,” Chislett said. “The ducks don’t seem to mind it, but the cormorants won’t come near the dock when it’s there.”

Unfortunately, during the decoy’s absence, birds have taken fly-by poops at the dock, which makes it slippery for the wet feet of the sea cadets getting in and out of boats.

But, she says, Barrie came to the rescue.

“I love Barrie,” Chislett said. “We started getting donations for a new coyote. It’s like getting a big hug from Barrie. You guys are amazing.”

The approximately $100 decoy was replaced on Monday and is once again perched on duty at the end of the dock.

“So, a funny story turned into a virtual hug,” she said.