Barrie was certified as a Bird Friendly City on June 16, 2022. A Bird Friendly City is a community where key threats to birds are effectively mitigated, nature is restored so native bird populations can thrive, residents are actively engaged in admiring and monitoring local bird populations, and organizations are creating events to protect birds.
North American bird populations are decreasing at alarming rates. In the last 50 years, North American bird populations have dropped by more than 25%. Three billion of our birds, including common species that live in our towns and cities, are gone. We can reverse this trend with coordinated, science-backed action. (from Nature Canada)
City Initiatives
The City of Barrie is working to take initiatives to protect nature, mitigate threats to birds, and put practices in place to protect birds as part of the Bird City application process. Residents can take part by learning more and taking action, like monitoring and admiring local bird populations. Some of the practices the City has in place or is working towards includes:
- A “no-roam” by-law for cats to reduce the impact of cat predation on wild bird populations
- Protecting and restoring natural habitat
- Commitment to mitigating climate change
- Educational campaigns to raise awareness
- Providing opportunities to residents to learn about birds and get involved with their conservation
- Celebrating World Migratory Bird Day
Background
At the May 16, 2022 City Council meeting, a motion was approved to support the efforts of Nature Barrie to apply to Nature Canada on the City's behalf to become certified as a Bird Friendly City.
On June 15, 2022, Nature Canada announced that Barrie is a certified Bird Friendly City, becoming the 15th municipality in Canada to earn the designation. Barrie has worked in collaboration with Nature Canada’s partners including Nature Barrie, along with many other community members to make their community a safe haven for wild birds.
Frequently Asked Questions
