Unceded Algonquin Territory — Ottawa, ON | November 18, 2024

Nature Canada proudly announces the newest Bird Friendly City Certifications for Sarnia, ON; Uxbridge, ON; Kitchener, ON; and Cornwall, ON, alongside the renewal of certifications for Edmonton, AB; Saanich, BC; Halton Hills, ON; Windsor, ON; Barrie, ON; Peterborough, ON; and Guelph, ON. These certifications underscore the importance of a national movement towards bird safety in our built environments.

A total of 30 municipalities have been Bird Friendly City Certified across the country. Certification celebrates these communities’ efforts and commitment to reducing key threats to local bird populations, such as window collisions, cat predation, and habitat loss, while fostering public participation through conservation education and bird-safe policy engagement.

Sarnia, ON, is home to expansive wetlands and diverse shoreline ecosystems, making the city a critical stopover for migratory birds. In 2022, the City Council voted in support of Sarnia becoming a Bird Friendly City, endorsing efforts to protect and nurture local bird populations. Since then, volunteers from Bird Friendly Sarnia, working alongside City officials, have initiated several key actions to promote bird conservation and community engagement, such as: enhancing green spaces to support bird populations year-round, mitigating light pollution and endorsing Sarnia’s Official City Bird: the Red-headed Woodpecker. Learn more about Bird Friendly Sarnia’s mission to protect, defend, and restore local bird populations here.

In Uxbridge, ON, the “Trail Capital of Canada”, community-driven efforts by Bird Friendly Uxbridge and North Durham Nature volunteers have installed bird-safe murals at their libraries, launched a Lights Out Uxbridge campaign to minimize light pollution during migration, and consistently advocate for more effective bird protection in the Township, including a unanimous motion of support last February. Visit Bird Friendly Uxbridge’s website to learn more about their important work.

Kitchener, ON’s local Bird Team is comprised of dedicated community members from the University of Waterloo, Waterloo Region Nature, Birds Canada, Feather Friendly®, rare Charitable Research Reserve and invested citizens working alongside City Staff to reduce critical threats to birds through policy development, local bird population monitoring, education and stewardship. Earlier this year Kitchener Council directed staff to submit an application for consideration and launch an official city bird contest. Learn more about the steps Bird Friendly Kitchener took to become Bird Friendly City Certified here.

Cornwall, ON, has been working over the past two years with community advocates, city staff, council and organizations including the Cornwall and Area Birding Club, Raisin Region Conservation Authority, River Institute, Citizens for Marshland Conservation, and Roy and Cher’s Rescue Farm. Chair and champion councillor, Sarah Good, alongside the City’s Sustainability department, presented their first bird-safe bylaw, which includes reducing light pollution through street light updates, retrofitting all municipal buildings to become bird-safe within five-years and reducing pesticide use. This motion was successfully endorsed by Cornwall City Council on October 1st, 2024. Please visit Bird Friendly Cornwall to find out more.

Nature Canada’s Bird Friendly City program, now in its fourth year, aims to build a national network of communities dedicated to protecting bird species and biodiversity from coast to coast. Nature Canada works closely with cities, towns, villages, conservation groups, and community leaders to ensure a brighter future for Canada’s birds.

As urban boundary expansion continues, municipalities must act quickly to ensure that North America’s bird populations are protected and supported for years.  Nature Canada’s Bird Friendly City and Town Certification Program encourages community leaders and municipal decision-makers to take action together to:

1. Reduce the number of human-related threats to birds, such as free-roaming cats, pesticide-use and bird-friendly building design legislation
2. Promote stewardship and nature-based climate solutions to maintain healthy and resilient natural habitats for birds
3. Engage and educate citizens about the benefits of bird friendly practices through community events, participatory science and World Migratory Bird Day celebrations

In each municipality seeking to become Bird Friendly City Certified, volunteer Bird Teams are created, and residents are actively engaged in protecting, monitoring, and celebrating their local bird populations.

For more information on each local Bird Team, please visit:

• Bird Friendly Sarnia | City of Sarnia
• Bird Friendly Uxbridge | Town of Uxbridge
• Bird Friendly Kitchener | City of Kitchener
• Bird Friendly Cornwall | City of Cornwall
• Bird Friendly Edmonton | City of Edmonton
• Bird Friendly Saanich | District of Saanich
• Bird Friendly Barrie | City of Barrie 
• Bird Friendly Peterborough | City of Peterborough
• Bird Safe Guelph | City of Guelph
• Bird Friendly Halton Hills | Town of Halton Hills
• Bird Friendly Windsor | City of Windsor

Quotes 

Sarnia, ON:

“On behalf of the City of Sarnia, I am delighted that Sarnia is officially designated a Bird Friendly City by Nature Canada.  The dedicated group of hard working citizens of Bird Friendly Sarnia brought about this designation by their advocacy and hard work to protect, support and grow our Bird population.  The designation is part of the Community’s commitment to environmental stewardship and a sustainable community in Canada.  Particularly delighted are the Red Headed Woodpeckers of Sarnia who were voted as the Official Bird of Sarnia in 2003 as part of our commitment to preserving the natural habitat of the Red Headed Woodpeckers.” – City of Sarnia Mayor,  Mike Bradley

“Being designated as a Bird Friendly City is a badge of honour that boosts our local pride and opens new doors for our community and economy. Through the hard work of our team and partners, we’re building a more sustainable, vibrant Sarnia that works for everyone – birds and residents alike. This is just the beginning of our journey to make our city an even better place to live, visit, and spread your wings.” – Hugo Troccoli, Bird Friendly Sarnia Social Media Manager

Uxbridge, ON: 

“This past year of hard work, culminating in achieving Nature Canada’s Bird Friendly Certification for our Township, represents just how much volunteers can accomplish, and it motivates me to keep going. The biodiversity crisis we live through can feel overwhelming, but what encourages me is that there is so much we can do individually and as community members to reduce colonial human impacts on our environment. Small initiatives can gain momentum and lead to greater change!” – Carly Davenport, Bird Friendly Uxbridge Founder

“It feels great to receive the Bird Friendly City Certification for Uxbridge. I hope to continue to help improve the biodiversity in our town. Thanks to the team for all their hard work.” – Barb Wride, Bird Friendly Uxbridge Team Member

Kitchener, ON: 

“The Kitchener Bird Team is thankful for the expertise, time, and work put into certification by its dedicated volunteers and city staff, as well as to readers and adjudicators of certification documents by Nature Canada. For us, being Bird-Friendly shows us the best of what Kitchener is already doing to help support regional birds, and it also sets priorities for areas we can further develop in being attentive to bird-friendly ecologies around us.” – Jennifer Clary-Lemond, Bird Friendly Kitchener co-chair

Edmonton, AB: 

“Edmonton is proud to be among the ranks of 30 municipalities across the nation that have received this important certification for having met or exceeded standards for reducing threats to birds. The City of Edmonton has several initiatives ranging from strategy to operations that ensure bird habitats are protected, improve climate resilience, and support community engagement and awareness.” – Kim Petrin, Deputy City Manager, Urban Planning and Economy, City of Edmonton

“Nature Alberta is proud to have contributed environmental education efforts, publications, and initiatives that have helped the City of Edmonton renew Bird Friendly certification. We all have a role to play in bird conservation. At the “big-picture” scale, we need government to prioritize habitat protection, reduce pesticide use, and take meaningful action on climate change. The renewal of Edmonton’s Bird Friendly Certificate acknowledges the importance of bird conservation in an urban environment as one of many nature-based solutions by individuals, local organizations, and municipalities. Nature Alberta is grateful to be collaborating with all contributing members of the Bird Friendly City Team to increase the appreciation and conservation of nature in Edmonton and beyond.” – Steph Weizenbach, Executive Director, Nature Alberta

Saanich, BC: 

“Saanich is thrilled to receive this certification once again. It demonstrates our commitment to protecting bird habitat, reducing threats to their populations, and providing community education to help support these priorities,” says Saanich Councillor Judy Brownoff. “As a Bird Friendly City, we will continue to pursue actions to ensure Saanich remains a welcoming place for our feathered friends.” – Judy Brownoff, Saanich Council

“We are thrilled to receive our recertification at the intermediate level! Saanich hosts an incredible array of bird species, with Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary being a particular e-Bird hotspot and haven for migratory birds. We are really pleased at the commitment of local people to protecting biodiversity, and we look forward to great engagement and the outcome of our upcoming City Bird contest.” – Cara Gibson, Executive Director, Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary

Barrie, ON: 

“Barrie’s Bird Friendly Team has much to celebrate! Thanks to their ongoing community-based efforts in threat reduction, habitat protection, restoration and climate resilience, and community outreach and education, we achieved recertification as a Bird Friendly City! We are fortunate to have this team of passionate and skilled community members working hand in hand with our City of Barrie staff on continuous improvements in protecting key habitats and engaging residents in supporting our bird habitat to thrive.” – Ann-Marie Kungl, Ward 3 Councillor City of Barrie

Peterborough, ON: 

“The annual cycle of birds: nesting, laying, fledgling, and migration is one of life’s great rhythms; one that represents hope for renewal and opportunity for new beginnings. Peterborough’s recertification as a Bird Friendly City is a powerful testament to our community’s commitment to safeguarding the skies for future generations of birds. Every window made safe, every garden planted with care, and every voice raised in advocacy brings us closer to a world where birds thrive alongside us. Together, we can expand our efforts, inspire change, and create a safer, more vibrant future for birds and our community alike.” – Professor Thomas Luloff, Fleming College, Vice Chair, Bird Friendly Peterborough

Guelph, ON: 

“The City of Guelph is a safe haven for birds and biodiversity thanks to its network of parks, natural areas, and urban pollinator gardens that provide essential habitats and food sources. The Bird Friendly Certification highlights the City’s dedication to creating bird-safe environments by implementing measures such as native planting, reducing pesticide use, promoting wildlife corridors, and reducing bird collisions. This designation not only enhances local ecosystems but also engages the community in conservation efforts, and fostering a deeper appreciation for birds and wildlife.” – Karen Reis, Planner, City of Guelph

Halton Hills, ON: 

“Halton Hills is proud to renew its commitment to being a bird-friendly municipality. Initiatives to date include hosting educational bird-focused lectures, posting window stickers to minimize glass collisions and increasing bird habitat through tree planting and landscape management. Recently, Council voted on a motion to ban family-style, backyard fireworks which will mitigate associated impacts to wildlife and the environment” – Town of Halton Hills Mayor, Ann Lawlor

“We are thrilled to renew our Bird Friendly City Certification, a testament to the strides we’ve made over the past two years in reducing threats to local bird populations and fostering deeper community involvement. As we look ahead to 2025, we’re excited to introduce new opportunities for public engagement through our Bird City naming contest and the bi-annual Art for the Birds Exhibition, celebrating the beauty and importance of birds in our community.” – Chantal Garneau, Bird Team Lead, and Ward 3 Councillor for the Town of Halton Hills

Nature Canada is pleased to acknowledge the support of Environment and Climate Change Canada for the Bird Friendly City program and World Migratory Bird Day.

Nature Canada is Canada’s voice for nature. For 85 years, Nature Canada has helped protect nearly 144 million acres of parks and wildlife areas in Canada and countless species. Today, Nature Canada represents a network of over 250,000 members and supporters and more than 1,200 nature organizations.

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For more information, Nature Canada’s Bird Friendly City Certification, contact:

Autumn Jordan, Bird Friendly City Organizer
613-562-3447 ext. 238
ajordan@naturecanada.ca

1 in 3 bird species in North America need urgent attention. Right now, habitat degradation, climate change, neonic pesticides and other human impacts pose grave threats to Canada’s birds. But if we band together, we can save the birds so essential to our biosphere.

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