The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is tackling the seagull problem in a unique way – by using sound cannons.

The TTC says the number of seagulls has increased since the Leslie Barns building, a streetcar maintenance facility at 1165 Lake Shore Boulevard East, opened in 2015. Since then, the transit agency estimates that between 10,000 to 15,000 seagulls visit and nest on the site each year.

The loudspeakers – which emit a loud sound to encourage birds to move along – can be activated up to four times daily between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

A press release from the TTC explained that the use of the loudspeakers will start in mid-March until the end of June to coincide with the bird nesting season.

The TTC noted that the loudspeakers will not be used if no birds are present.

The transit agency said, "The sound cannons do not fire actual ammunition and will not harm the seagulls." "Instead, they emit a loud noise that scares the seagulls and encourages them to move on."

In a video shared by the TTC on CP24.com on Wednesday, thousands of seagulls are shown flying over the Leslie Barns roof, which, according to a spokesperson, were not happy with the cannons.

The spokesperson said the cannon sound is barely audible inside the facility, and the TTC describes the cannons as sounding similar to fireworks from a distance.

"They will be directed away from residential areas to reduce noise. Inside the building, the sound will be more noticeable, similar to a rock drill or a passing ambulance siren, but in one short burst."

According to the TTC, seagulls cause "unhealthy and disturbing" working conditions for employees, and the building itself is unsafe for the birds.

The TTC said: "The high rooftop location also creates harsh living conditions for seagull chicks that desperately need food and water and are unable to fly yet." "The sound cannons are one of the experts' top recommendations to prevent seagulls from nesting or returning to a place."

Before installing the sound cannons, the TTC says it took a number of measures to deter seagulls from landing and nesting on the roof, such as installing fencing and having an employee visit the roof regularly. However, none of these worked long-term, and an attempt to deter birds by covering the roof with plastic tarps damaged the building’s green roof.

The TTC added that the sound cannons will not affect transit through the area, but passengers riding the 83 Jones route may hear the cannons when traveling near the Leslie Barns area, as well as people who live or work in the surrounding area.