BARRIE EARNS BIRD FRIENDLY CITY DESIGNATION

CITY BECOMES THE 15TH CANADIAN MUNICIPALITY TO EARN THE CERTIFICATION

It's something to chirp about.

Nature Canada has officially granted Barrie "Bird Friendly City" certification. Barrie is the 15th Canadian municipality to earn this designation.

The city worked in collaboration with Nature Canada's partners, including Nature Barrie, along with many other community members to become a safe haven for wild birds, Deputy Mayor Barry Ward said in a media release.

"Barrie, by virtue of its location on the sheltered shores of Kempenfelt Bay, is an important destination for migratory birds that stop off in our city to feed and rest," he said. "Efforts we collectively take to protect our bird populations and their habitats are critically important to reducing negative impacts we are seeing to many bird species."

Several bird-friendly policies and actions have been implemented by the city recently, including the establishment of a "noroam" bylaw for cats to reduce the impact of predation on wild bird populations, and educational campaigns for residents, Ward said.

Birds play an essential role in maintaining healthy and resilient ecosystems. But there are three billion fewer birds in North America today than 50 years ago. Much of this loss was caused by human

activity, Nature Canada says.

In each municipality seeking certification, bird teams are created and residents are actively engaged in protecting, monitoring and celebrating their local bird populations.

"Birds are part of my life and Nature Canada's program demonstrated to me the need to be involved to help the community become more aware of the importance of birds for our health and well-being," Barrie Bird Team co-chair and Nature Canada liaison Phyllis Tremblay said. "By learning the threats that affect birds' lives, we can all take action to protect

birds and be part of the solution."

The program actively encourages municipalities to reduce the number of human-related threats to birds, such as the use of glass treatment on buildings with large windows and pesticides.

"There are a range of ways we can all discover, restore and defend our precious birds," Coun. AnnMarie Kungl said. "Our team is already hosting educational activities across our unique city landscapes (for) residents and visitors of all ages."

For more on the program, visit naturecanada.ca.