[BCNnet] Toronto City Council passes Bird-Safe Ordinance

[Randi Doeker - Chicago]

FYI

Randi Doeker

Chicago

 

 

 

 

NEWS RELEASE

February 1, 2006

 

City First in the World to Implement Migratory Bird Protection Policy

City Adopts Guidelines to Prevent Bird Collisions with Buildings

 

Toronto, ON - City Council unanimously adopted a resolution on January
31 that will protect migratory birds through controlling light from
buildings, public education, and bird rescue.  For all new buildings
in Toronto, the resolution specifies "that the needs of migratory
birds be incorporated into the Site Plan Review process with respect
to facilities for lighting, including floodlighting, glass and other
bird-friendly design features."

 

Councillor Glenn De Baeremaeker states "This is an historic day -- The
City of Toronto, instead of having 10,000 birds killed downtown each
year, is working toward saving 10,000 birds.  That's a magnificent
thing for the City to do."

 

The Fatal Light Awareness Program (FLAP), a Toronto-based charitable
organization, has been working to address the issue of bird collisions
with structures since 1993.  It was the first organization of its kind
in the world; similar organizations have since sprung up in Chicago
and New York.

 

"FLAP has dreamed of this day.  Finally, through policy, a city has
recognized the need to address the tragedy of bird collisions with its
buildings and is setting an example for other cities around the world
to take action." says Michael Mesure of FLAP.

 

FLAP conservatively estimates 1 to 10 birds are killed at every
structure each year.  With 940,000 structures in Toronto, one quickly
realizes why collision with structures is the leading cause of death
to migratory birds.

 

FLAP, the City of Toronto and others have formed a partnership known
as Lights Out Toronto.  This April, in time for spring migration, the
Lights Out Toronto partnership will launch a public awareness campaign
on how Torontonians can prevent the deaths of thousands of migratory
birds by simple acts like turning lights off.  This will also greatly
reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions and save millions of
dollars each year.  

 

"It's a win-win-win situation - We encourage everyone to contact Mayor
David Miller to congratulate and thank the City of Toronto for taking
a leadership role in migratory bird conservation," says Mesure.

 

To view the full report, please visit:
<http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/2006/agendas/council/cc060131/plt1rpt/c
l005.pdf>
http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/2006/agendas/council/cc060131/plt1rpt/cl
005.pdf 

 

Contacts:

Michael Mesure, Executive Director, FLAP   Tel: 416-366-3527   Email:
flap at flap.org

Toronto City Councillor Glenn De Baeremaeker - Tel:  416-392-0204  

Kelly Snow, Environmental Planner, City of Toronto - Tel:
416-392-4787 Email:   <mailto:ksnow at toronto.ca> ksnow at toronto.ca

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