Sarnia’s commitment to bird conservation may be even more imperative now that it has received its official designation as a Bird Friendly City from Nature Canada.
Sarnia is among just a few cities to receive the designation this year; joining Uxbridge, Kitchener, and Cornwall.
“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," said Bird Friendly Sarnia Social Media Manager Hugo Troccoli in a statement. "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."
Nature Canada’s Bird Friendly City program has been running for four years and encourages municipalities to take proactive measures to protect birds from human-related threats, including window collisions, light pollution, and habitat loss.
Sarnia's diverse ecosystems have made the area a critical stopover for migratory birds, read a media release.
A Sarnia Bird Team spokesperson previously told Sarnia News Today that Canatara Park was identified as an important migratory corridor for thousands of birds such as hawks and blue jays.
In 2022, Sarnia City Council voted in favour of supporting the Sarnia Bird Team as it strived for the special designation. Before that, council also supported a motion by Margaret Bird in 2020, requesting all new buildings to install bird-safe glass.
Over the past couple of years, volunteers have been working with the city to promote bird conservation and community engagement by enhancing green spaces, mitigating light pollution, and endorsing Sarnia's official city bird, the red-headed woodpecker.
“On behalf of the City of Sarnia, I am delighted that Sarnia is officially designated a Bird Friendly City by Nature Canada," said Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley. "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."
In total, 30 municipalities across Canada have been certified as a Bird Friendly City.
Windsor also received a certification renewal after it received its official designation in 2022.
