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DSD-2024-081 - Kitchener Becoming a Bird Friendly City
Staff Report Development Services Department www.kitchener.ca REPORT TO: Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee DATE OF MEETING: February 26, 2024 SUBMITTED BY: Rosa Bustamante, Director, Planning and Housing Policy and City Planner, 519-741-2200 ext. 7319 PREPARED BY: Carrie Musselman, Senior Environmental Planner, 519-741-2200 ext. 7068 (on behalf of the Climate Change and Environment Committee) WARD(S) INVOLVED: All Ward(s) DATE OF REPORT: February 8, 2024 REPORT NO.: DSD -2024-081 SUBJECT: Kitchener Becoming a Bird Friendly City RECOMMENDATION: That staff be directed to investigate the benefits and feasibility of Kitchener becoming a `Bird Friendly City' including any resource and budgetary considerations. REPORT HIGHLIGHTS: • The purpose of this report is to advise City Council of a resolution of the Climate Change and Environment Committee that is seeking Council approval for staff to investigate the benefits and feasibility of Kitchener becoming a Bird Friendly City. • This report outlines what the bird friendly city certification process entails. • There are no financial implications to the recommendations in this report. • Community engagement included the report posted online as part of the Committee agenda and consultation with the Climate Change and Environment Committee at its January 2024 meeting. • This report supports Cultivating a Green City Together: Focuses a sustainable path to a greener, healthier city; enhancing & protecting parks & natural environment while transitioning to a low -carbon future; supporting businesses & residents to make climate - positive choices. BACKGROUND: At the January 18, 2024, Climate Change and Environment Committee (CCEC), a member of the committee, presented on the `Bird Friendly Cities' Certification Program (Appendix A). Following the presentation, a recommendation was put forward by the committee and the committee resolved ... That the Climate Change and Environment committee support bringing the exploration of Kitchener becoming a Bird City to council. *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. Page 4 of 441 REPORT: The following information was shared with the CCEC and informed their resolution. North American bird populations are decreasing at alarming rates. There are three billion fewer birds in North America today than 50 years ago. Much of these losses are caused by human activities. Saving bird lives starts with local action. Nature groups, municipal officials, and other community groups are teaming up with Nature Canada to ensure our urban environments are safe havens for birds rather than a source of threats. Across Canada, people are coming together to make their cities a `Bird Friendly City'. Nearby, London, Guelph, Burlington, and Hamilton have already received certification. What is a `Bird Friendly City'? 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. • Organizations are creating events to protect birds. • Progressive municipal policies are created to protect urban bird populations; and • A Bird Team has been created to oversee and lead these initiatives. Bird Friendly City Certification The goal of certification is to provide local partners with clear standards that reflect what a city needs to do to make it safe for birds. In this sense, certification can be considered a conservation framework that is delivered through the establishment of a `Bird City Team' (representatives with different perspectives and has a liaison with the municipality) to drive the project forward. The standards can also allow for an independent assessment of how bird friendly a particular city is at any moment in time, assessing performance on key issues, establishing benchmarks, and allowing for measurement of progress over time and comparison with other cities. The standards consist of a series of criteria or actions; each assigned a weighted score based on Nature Canada's assessment of the relative importance of each criterion within the three major categories of criteria that reflect what they believe to be the most important elements of a Bird Friendly City: • Reducing human -related threats to birds; • Habitat protection, restoration, and climate resiliency; • Community outreach/education. In many cases, actions to meet a criterion are community-based (not government). The CCEC is seeking Council's direction to have staff explore Kitchener becoming a `Bird Friendly City'. Pending Council's direction, staff will report back on the requirements for Bird Friendly City Certification and any resourcing and financial implications. Page 5 of 441 STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT: This report supports Cultivating a Green City Together: Focuses a sustainable path to a greener, healthier city; enhancing & protecting parks & natural environment while transitioning to a low -carbon future; supporting businesses & residents to make climate - positive choices. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: The recommendation has no impact on the Capital Budget or Operating Budget. Staff will investigate what financial implications may be related to City support of the initiative including: whether fees are required to obtain certification, whether staff resources will be required to join and/or liaise with the Bird Team, what staff resources will be required to support the completion of the application form and any ongoing requirements to fulfill the criteria. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: INFORM — This report has been posted to the City's website with the agenda in advance of the committee meeting. CONSULT — At the January 18, 2024, CCEC meeting, a member of the CCEC, presented on the Bird Friendly Cities certification with Nature Canada. PREVIOUS REPORTS/AUTHORITIES: There are no previous reports related to this matter. REVIEWED BY: Josh Shea, Manager, Forestry and Natural Areas Management Natalie Goss, Manager, Policy and Research Barbara Steiner, Senior Environmental Planner APPROVED BY: Justin Readman, General Manager, Development Services ATTACHMENTS: Attachment A — Presentation to CCEC Attachment B — Bird Friendly City Booklet Attachment C — Bird Friendly Application Attachment D — Article: Kitchener city councillors hear presentation on becoming `bird friendly.' Page 6 of 441 Bird - Friendly City Initiative Presented by Dr. Jennifer Clary -Lemon Why save birds? Drivers of population decline: • Habitat loss • Insect decline • Climate change • Mortality during migration • Predation • Environmental contaminants Ontario is home to 10 at -risk grassland bird species and 7 at -risk aerial insectivore species Birds are excellent indicators of environmental health because they are highlyvisible and relatively easy to study Source: State of Canada's Birds, 2019 In particular, the city of Kitchener Is home to breeding populations of chimney swifts (catch a look as they swirl around downtown chimneys on summer evenings). The Canadian population of Chimney Swifts has declined by 95% since 1968. What is a Bird- Friendly City? 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; Organizations are creating events to protect birds; Progressive municipal policies are created to protect urban bird populations; and A Bird Team has been created to oversee and lead these initiatives. https://naturecanada.ca/defend-nature/how-you-help-us-take-action/bfc/#aboutprogram Total number of Bird -Friendly Cities in Canada: 24 In Ontario: Barrie, Burlington, Guelph, London, Toronto, Windsor, Halton Hills, Hamilton, Peterborough Goal : to encourage Council to pass a resolution supporting Kitchener to become a bird -friendly city and to support the formation of a Bird City Team What does it take to become a bird -friendly city (entry level)? Establish a Bird City Team (standing committee) to drive the project forward Inclusion of Indigenous Peoples Formal Municipal Support Annual Report 5. World Migratory Bird Day 6. Program Visibility 7. Renewal (certification expires in 2 years) 15 25 45 55 7: Accomplished by creation of a Bird City Team I am happy to steward this committee into existence Because of my research, I have bird -friendly and ornithological contacts at Waterloo Region Nature University of Waterloo Ontario Swiftwatch rare charitable reserve Birds Canada Sprucehaven 3,6: Accomplished by council resolution or letter of support "by a high-ranking city official) Council resolution preferred, as it paves the way from "entry" level status to "intermediate" and "high" levels, thereby providing longevity in the program Once the initiative was launched, it would require visibility as per a city webpage (#6) Points awarded for certification based on: Roaming cat bylaws (currently 28.0 Schedule "D' to bylaw No. 09-047 but could be more strongly worded) Bird -friendly window design in new construction (No) Assessing and mitigating risk to birds from existing and proposed municipal buildings, and collecting data over time to show progress over time with treated windows (No) Informing and educating property owners and tenants of existing buildings (including home owners) of measures they can take to mitigate bird collision risk. (No) Light pollution strategy development for existing and planned neighbourhoods, and a consideration of new developments in wildlife -friendly lighting (No) Outreach campaign for residents and businesses to reduce external lighting that attracts nocturnal migrants such as "Lights out Toronto." (No) Bylaws to reduce or eliminate pesticides known to directly or indirectly harm birds on public and private lands, as well as those to control insects or rodents that are important food sources for birds (e.g. neonicotinoids, Bti for mosquito or midge control, rodenticides). (No, but a bylaw was considered in 2005 with a recommendation to pursue a bylaw in the future, and pesticide ban did happen via bylaw for 2 months in 2007. See Report #DTS-05-174, "Possible Regional Pesticide reducation Bylaw." That is, Kitchener has thought about this!) regulatory or nonregulatory measures that result in a reduction of plastic waste generated and the elimination of plastic pollution in local ecosystems such as shorelines and riversides. (No) Measures in place to reduce bird collisions with vehicles (No) Policy and practices to prohibit or mitigate disturbance of birds from humans or their pets at natural areas or important bird habitat (e.g., leash bylaw, no-go zones certain times of year). (Leash Bylaw 29.0 Schedule "E" to bylaw No. 09-047) Scoring ENTRY 10 points from at least 3 categories. INTERMEDIATE 13 points from at least 5 categories including at least 2 categories worth 3 or more. HIGH 16 points or more. Must include at least 3 points in categories 1 and 2. Must have no roam bylaw (cats), and bird friendly building guidelines for high level. The Truth? • Kitchener doesn't qualify for even the entry level of a bird -friendly city. • However, with a supportive Council and the creation of a Bird City Team, it is possible to up the potential score for the creation of Kitchener as a Bird -Friendly city; i.e.: through outreach and education, and assessing bird collisions on municipal buildings. Finally, remember the goal : to encourage Council to pass a resolution supporting Kitchener to become a bird -friendly city, and to support the formation of a Bird ON Team I] L. O 0-0 ca O m r. r. r. m m CL O M CL � � � 2 7 2 « % G g § ¢ § r o / Q) Eƒ M o E± ° ,£§ f .g o o / � ® 2 E 6 0ƒ § 2. 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' A cst. 1993 F L A P C A N A D A �0 a .y W U �L_ 72 LL T LL c W a m }r m LL LL o � W N W .� CL 0 a =) U o (1) �-0 W oc cst. 1993 F L A P C A N A D A �0 a .y W U �L_ 72 LL T LL c W a m }r m LL LL BIRD FRIENDLY APPLICATION FOR CONSIDERATION Scoring and Evaluation Rubric Version 2.0 June, 2023 m CITY REPRESENTED: DATE OF SUBMISSION: BIRD FRIENDLY CITY Page 27 of 441 TABLE OF CONTENTS Mandatory Criteria Section 1: Threat Reduction 9 Section 2: Habitat Protection, Restoration, and Climate Resiliency. Section 3: Community Outreach/Education 26 39 Page 28 of 441 MANDATORY CRITERIA Who can apply? The Bird Friendly City Canada Standard generally applies to cities with populations over 30,000. Cities (municipalities) that have populations between 15,000 and 30,000 have the option of applying for this standard or for the small municipality standard. The applicant municipality must have its own elected Council with typical municipal powers. To obtain Bird Friendly status, a certain number of points must be obtained in each category of criteria. The level that an applicant is awarded is equivalent to the lowest level achieved in each of the three categories of criteria (threat reduction, habitat protection, restoration and climate resilience, and community outreach/education). Many of the criteria include evidence of a policy and evidence of implementation of the policy. In many cases, actions to meet a criterion are community-based (not government). It is a good exercise for Bird Teams during the application process to identify those actions that can be implemented by community members and those that require implementation by the municipality or some other level of government. Generally all of the points are awarded contingent on evidence in support of the action. However, points can be rewarded even if the action has not been completed, as long as there is strong evidence that a process to implement or complete the action is underway. MANDATORY CRITERIA DESCRIPTION Establish a Bird City Team (standing committee) to drive the project forward. Try to ensure that your team represents different perspectives and has a liaison with the municipality. SCORING INDICATORS Provide a list of the bird team members, affiliations and con- tact information. Criteria Complete or Undertaken to Complete? Confirmed by Scoring Committee as having met Standard? MANDATORY CRITERIA DESCRIPTION We recognize that all of Canada is still within the traditional territory or unceded territory of Indigenous Peoples. Through respect of this fact, and the inherent rights of Indigenous Peoples, an Indigenous perspec- tive should be included in this program if possible. We encourage prospective applicant bird teams to seek this perspective as is possible. Bird teams must identify the Indigenous traditional territory (ies) of the municipality and invite it/them to participate in the initiative. SCORING INDICATORS Provide the name of the relevant Indigenous Nation(s) and report on the outcome of an invitation to participate in the initiative. Reporting on progress of having an Indigenous perspective on the Bird Team is an annual requirement. Criteria Complete or Undertaken to Complete? Confirmed by Scoring Committee as having met Standard? MANDATORY CRITERIA DESCRIPTION Pass a council resolution nominating or supporting your municipality's efforts to be a Bird Friendly City OR a letter of support from a high-ranking city official (latter only applies to entry level). SCORING INDICATORS Willingness to pass council resolution within the first year of certification OR a letter of support for the certification program from a high-ranking city official (mayor, CEO, etc.). Intermediate and High status require a Council resolution. Criteria Complete or Undertaken to Complete? Confirmed by Scoring Committee as having met Standard? MANDATORY CRITERIA DESCRIPTION Once your municipality has been accorded Bir Friendly City status, the Bird Team must provide an annual report card on activities related to your Bir Friendly City status. Download Report cards from the Bird Friendlv Citv website or request from Nature Canada staff, SCORING INDICATORS Provide an Annual Report card by your municipality's one-year certification anniversary. Criteria Complete or Undertaken to Complete? Confirmed by Scoring Committee as having met Standard? MANDATORY CRITERIA ESCRIPTION Hold a World Migratory Bird Day event annually to� celebrate birds in your municipality. Municipalities applying for the first time must hold a Bird Day withi the year of application and continue the event to -A intain status. SCORING INDICATORS Provide proof of the event and Mayor's or Council proclamation in support of Bird Day. Criteria Complete or Undertaken to Complete? Confirmed by Scoring Committee as having met Standard? MANDATORY CRITERIA ESCRIPTION Include information about Bird Friendly City on thlq City website where it can be easily found, once certifi- cation is accorded. SCORING INDICATORS Provide a link and proof of posting. This is expected to hap- pen during the annual report or when as city re -applies for certification. Criteria Complete or Undertaken to Complete? Confirmed by Scoring Committee as having met Standard? MANDATORY CRITERIA DESCRIPTION Bird Friendly City status will last two years, after which you must reapply. Each application can use and build -on past applications, but must show some evidence of progress overtime. No evidence of progress will result in rejecting the applicati or drODDina a certification lev SCORING INDICATORS Submit an application for renewal. Applications for renewal are due by the September or Febru- ary application window that follows the two-year anniversary of their most recent application's ac- ceptance and their recognition as a bird friendly city. Criteria Complete or Undertaken to Complete? Confirmed by Scoring Committee as having met Standard? SECTION 1is : THREAT REDUCTION THREAT REDUCTION DESCRIPTION Regulatory and educational measures taken to help control and reduce populations of cats roaming at large: (A) Coordinated efforts directed at cat owners to reduce the number of owned cats outside such as ed- ucational campaigns, licensing and no -roam bylaws. SCORING INDICATORS One point for a no -roam bylaw (i.e. owned cats not allowed to roam at large), one point for evidence of en- forcement of the bylaw, and one point for an educational campaign targeting residents to make them aware of the bylaw. High-level certification requires proof of a no -roam bylaw all three indicators. Points Awarded (for completion by Nature Canada) THREAT REDUCTION DESCRIPTION Within the municipality, there is an active strategy to reduce populations of unowned (feral) cats and miti- gate their threat to birds (e.g. removing feral colonies from areas of high bird importance); SCORING INDICATORS One point for evidence of active, municipal -wide strate- gies and actions that demonstrate progress on reducing the population of unowned cats. A second point for proof of efforts to remove feral cats from important bird habitats where they present increased risk to birds. An ex- ample would include relocating feral cats to areas such as a cat sanctuary, where they do not pose risks to wildlife. Points Awarded (for completion by Nature Canada) THREAT REDUCTION DESCRIPTION (QThe Bird Team and/ municipality either has, or is a partner in programs/ projects to estimate the number and/or distribution of cats outdoors so that progress on reducing the populations of outdoor cats can be tracked overtime. SCORING INDICATORS One point for proof of implementation of a cat counting / estimating protocol to establish baseline numbers or to compare with baseline numbers. Data collected from shelters that demonstrate trends showing fewer cats over time is acceptable. *** Note that this criterion does not apply to municipali- ties in Nunavut, the Northwest Territories or the Yukon. Points Awarded (for completion by Nature Canada) THREAT REDUCTION DESCRIPTION Demonstrate that your municipality is taking measures to reduce window collisions by: (A) Developing and implementing bird friendly design standards/CSA Bird Friendly Building Design standard for new construction SCORING INDICATORS Proof of each action required. (A) One point if a municipality has a bird -friendly build- ing design standard that is a guideline, and two points if the standard is a requirement. *Note High-level status requires that a municipality have, at least, a guideline. Points Awarded (for completion by Nature Canada) THREAT REDUCTION DESCRIPTION (B) Assessing and mitigating risk to birds from existing and proposed municipal buildings. SCORING INDICATORS One point if individuals or a group monitors window collisions, and/or assess risk by using , or a similar program. Points Awarded (for completion by Nature Canada) THREAT REDUCTION DESCRIPTION (C) Informing and educating property owners and tenants of existing buildings (including home owners) of measures they can take to mitigate bird collision risk. SCORING INDICATORS One point for evidence of educational campaigns focused on the broad public or specific neighbourhoods. Points Awarded (for completion by Nature Canada) THREAT REDUCTION DESCRIPTION (D) Establishing a baseline and maintaining a data- base of the number of residences or buildings with treated windows in the city to demonstrate progress over time. SCORING INDICATORS Provide evidence of an active database on treated win- dows. Points Awarded (for completion by Nature Canada) THREAT REDUCTION DESCRIPTION (A) Municipality has a light pollution reduction strate- gy for existing and planned neighbourhoods. SCORING INDICATORS One point upon evidence of a municipal strategy or policy (including guidance or standards) to reduce light pollution. Points Awarded (for completion by Nature Canada) THREAT REDUCTION DESCRIPTION (B) Municipality actively implements light pollution reduction strategy from point sources, such as retrofit- ting standard streetlights with downward directional, wildlife -friendly LED lighting that is 3000K or less, or make communication tower lighting and other facility lighting wildlife -friendly. One point for proof of implementation of a program to reduce light pollution from point sources Points Awarded (for completion by Nature Canada) THREAT REDUCTION DESCRIPTION (C) Outreach campaign for residents and businesses to reduce external lighting that attracts nocturnal migrants such as"Lights out Toronto" SCORING INDICATORS One point for proof of educational and outreach cam- paigns to reduce light attraction during migration periods. Points Awarded (for completion by Nature Canada) THREAT REDUCTION DESCRIPTION Municipality has a policy and bylaw to reduce or elimi- nate use of pesticides known to directly or indirectly harm birds on public and private lands including: (A)Restricting or banning use of cosmetic pesticides (e.g. broad -leaded plant control); SCORING INDICATORS One point with proof of a municipal policy and bylaw that bans cosmetic use of pesticides (including herbicides), and evidence of its enforcement. Points Awarded (for completion by Nature Canada) THREAT REDUCTION DESCRIPTION (B) Restricting or banning use pesticides to control insects or rodents that are important food sources for birds (e.g. neonicotinoids, Bti for mosquito or midge control, rodenticides). SCORING INDICATORS One point with proof of a policy and bylaw that specifi- cally bans or severely restricts uses of neonicotinoids, Bti and rodenticides. Points Awarded (for completion by Nature Canada) THREAT REDUCTION DESCRIPTION Municipality has effective regulatory or non -regulato- ry measures that result in a reduction of plastic waste generated and the elimination of plastic pollution in local ecosystems such as shorelines and riversides. SCORING INDICATORS Provide proof of regulatory (e.g. a municipal bylaw) and voluntary measures such as banning single use plastics, shopping bags, plastic straws, or actions to remove plas- tic pollution from local ecosystems. Points Awarded (for completion by Nature Canada) THREAT REDUCTION DESCRIPTION Measures in place to reduce bird collisions with vehi- cles such as lower speed limits when passing through important bird habitat, and measures to reduce the number of vehicles on the roads (such as a good pub- lic transit system and cycling infrastructure). SCORING INDICATORS Provide proof of measures to protect birds from vehicle collisions. For example, at locations where a busy road cuts through a wildlife corridor, evidence of mitigation would include lower speed limits, signage about wildlife crossing, or proof of engineered solutions such as wildlife underpasses or overpasses. Points Awarded (for completion by Nature Canada) THREAT REDUCTION DESCRIPTION Municipality has policy and practices to prohibit or mitigate disturbance of birds from humans or their pets at natural areas or important bird habitat (e.g., leash bylaw, no-go zones certain times of year). SCORING INDICATORS Provide proof of policy and examples of implementation such as signage at important bird habitat (e.g. a natural area, wetland or known migratory stopover site) or evi- dence of a bylaw in place. Points Awarded (for completion by Nature Canada) SCORING ENTRY 10 points from at least 3 categories. INTERMEDIATE 13 points from at least 5 categories including at least 2 categories worth 3 or more. HIGH 16 points or more. Must include at least 3 points in categories 1 and 2. Must have no roam bylaw (cats), and bird friendly building guidelines for high level. Page 53 of 411s25 SECTION 2.0 HABITAT PROTECTION, RESTORATION, AND CLIMATE RESILIENCY HABITAT PROTECTION, RESTORATION, AND CLIMATE RESILIENCY DESCRIPTION SCORING INDICATORS Natural areas within the municipal bound- Provide proof of the policy. To maintain this criterion, the munici- aries are protected within the Municipal pality must document the size of the area protected, and demon - Official Plan and there is a commitment strate a commitment to increase in this area over time. Any munici- to increase this area. Plan distinguishes pal plan that includes protection of natural area spaces will receive between natural areas and other types of one point. Additional points are based on: municipal space such as recreational parks. a) evidence of implementation, and b), whether there are ambitious targets to increase the number and size of the protected areas. One point is deducted if there are current or recent (within last year) examples of large-scale habitat destruction, or clear examples of"urban sprawl:"'Urban sprawl" in this sense is when natural areas on the city's periphery are converted to urban uses such as residen- tial, institutional or commercial areas. Points Awarded (for completion by Nature Canada) HABITAT PROTECTION, RESTORATION, AND CLIMATE RESILIENCY DESCRIPTION SCORING INDICATORS Municipality has an official strategy Provide proof of the strategy and its implementation. The strategy to to protect and restore the biological protect and restore biological diversity can be part of the protected diversity in its parks and natural areas. areas plan, or vice versa, but must specifically identify protection of The strategy can include measures such biological diversity as a goal. One point for having an official biodiver- as promoting connectivity between sity conservation strategy or goal (adopted by Council). Two points if natural areas, buffering core biodiversity the strategy or goal has targets and metrics for success and evidence of hotspots from harmful human activities, implementation. Three points for municipalities that meet the previous increasing the number of protected two tests as well as using monitoring to track changes to biodiversity areas, and bird monitoring within mu- and use results for adaptive management (e.g. bird monitoring in city nicipal limits to assess the success of the owned natural areas). strategy. One point is deducted upon evidence of current or very recent (within one year) activities that damage biodiversity such as loss or degra- dation of important habitat for wildlife, or contamination of wildlife habitat by toxic chemicals. Points Awarded (for completion by Nature Canada) HABITAT PROTECTION, RESTORATION, AND CLIMATE RESILIENCY DESCRIPTION SCORING INDICATORS Muicipality has a climate change adaptation strategy Provide proof of the strategy and its implementation. that includes specific measures including nature- One point if the City has an official strategy to address based climate solutions. Examples of this include the impacts of climate change and reduce the wetland creation to absorb and retain floodwater, or municipality's climate impact. A second point if nature - planting trees to create shade and lower the surface air based climate solutions are an important part of the temperature. strategy. A third point if there are active examples of wetland restoration projects and/ or large-scale projects to mitigate the urban heat island through planting of trees and other vegetation that favour use by birds. Points Awarded (for completion by Nature Canada) HABITAT PROTECTION, RESTORATION, AND CLIMATE RESILIENCY DESCRIPTION Municipality has a habitat management strategy based on ecological and climate considerations. These include: (A) increasing the number of trees and area of the urban forest canopy. SCORING INDICATORS Provide proof of implementation of the strategy and each action. One point per action. Evidence for a. includes inventories of trees and plans for increasing their numbers. Points Awarded (for completion by Nature Canada) HABITAT PROTECTION, RESTORATION, AND CLIMATE RESILIENCY DESCRIPTION Leaving snags standing in cases where public safety is not jeopardized; SCORING INDICATORS One point for snag retention based on evidence such as policy statements or evidence within management plans for natural areas. Points Awarded (for completion by Nature Canada) HABITAT PROTECTION, RESTORATION, AND CLIMATE RESILIENCY DESCRIPTION SCORING INDICATORS (C) Protecting trees on private and public lands; Refers to a tree bylaw that protects trees as a public value from private landowners cutting them down without permits. Points Awarded (for completion by Nature Canada) HABITAT PROTECTION, RESTORATION, AND CLIMATE RESILIENCY DESCRIPTION (D) Prohibiting active vegetation management during breeding season on municipal lands, including forests, storm -water management facilities, and easements. SCORING INDICATORS A point by demonstrating that municipal employees involved in active habitat management do not harm breeding birds or their habitat. Points Awarded (for completion by Nature Canada) HABITAT PROTECTION, RESTORATION, AND CLIMATE RESILIENCY DESCRIPTION Municipality has an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) within or adjacent to its boundaries. A local partnership promotes the protection and stewardship of this area. SCORING INDICATORS One point if there is one or more nearby IBAs and the Bird Team can provide the names of the IBAs and at least one IBA caretaker group or individual. Points Awarded (for completion by Nature Canada) HABITAT PROTECTION, RESTORATION, AND CLIMATE RESILIENCY DESCRIPTION Municipality promotes the importance of planting na- tive flora appropriate for the ecoregion on municipal lands, especially where new development is occurring through development and landscaping guidelines and standards in areas near natural features. Subdi- vision permits should include conditions protecting existing natural habitat and promote use of native vegetation, and include measures to discourage ille- gal disposal of yard waste (a source of invasive exotic plants) in natural areas. SCORING INDICATORS One point for evidence that the municipality promotes the use of site -appropriate native flora in landscaping for its own properties and for development landscaping standards for subdivision permits. Points Awarded (for completion by Nature Canada) HABITAT PROTECTION, RESTORATION, AND CLIMATE RESILIENCY DESCRIPTION Demonstrate widespread community participation in initiatives to encourage native plant habitat that sup- ports native birds and pollinators on private property, to increase the urban tree canopy on private land, and to support other"green infrastructure" initiatives to address climate change. SCORING INDICATORS One point if you provide evidence supporting "wide- spread community participation" in at least one initiative or program that encourages increasing wildlife habitat on private land. This could include membership in a program like Bee City for example. Points Awarded (for completion by Nature Canada) HABITAT PROTECTION, RESTORATION, AND CLIMATE RESILIENCY DESCRIPTION Implementation of stewardship projects to increase or improve breeding or stopover habitat for bird species that are of high conservation priority species from your Bird Conservation Region Plan. Example species include Species at Risk (e.g. Chimney Swift) and other aerial insectivores, Eastern Meadowlark and other grassland birds, shorebirds, and birds requiring old growth forest conditions. Example actions include providing housing (e.g., maintained Purple Martin housing), and maintaining bird -friendly hay produc- tion, and managing municipal forests to promote old growth conditions. SCORING INDICATORS A point is awarded if there are active stewardship recov- ery projects (can be led by individuals or groups in the community) such as those suggested in the criterion description. Two points if there are more than two active projects for different species or groups of species. For in- formation on Bird Conservation Regions and their priority species, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-cli- mate-change/services/migratory-bird-conservation/ regions-strategies.html Points Awarded (for completion by Nature Canada) SCORING ENTRY 9 points from at least 3 categories. INTERMEDIATE 12 points from at least 4 categories. HIGH 15 points from at least 6 categories including at least 1 point from categories 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 and 2.4. 38 Page 66 of 441 SECTION 3.0 COMMUNITY OUTREACH/ EDUCATION COMMUNITY OUTREACH/ EDUCATION DESCRIPTION There are educational programs and activities for children and youth about birds and nature in the municipality. (A) A significant percentage of local schools and other educational organizations (e.g. Scouts Canada, Earth Rangers, 4-H) provide stu- dents with opportunities to connect with nature, enjoy birds and learn how to help them. Local school boards, conservation author- ity, or municipality, has facilities/staffing to support outdoor/envi- ronmental education, including opportunities to observe birds SCORING INDICATORS Provide a description of the programs and the names of the organizations or institu- tions that offer them. One point if there are local education facil- ities and institutions that offer children or youth programming on nature appreciation and bird observation. Points Awarded (for completion by Nature Canada) COMMUNITY OUTREACH/ EDUCATION DESCRIPTION Educational programs include specific elements designed to engage children and youth who could be considered underprivileged, racialized or recent arrivals to Canada. SCORING INDICATORS One point if there are specific bird -related nature pro- grams for recent arrivals to Canada, underprivileged, marginalized or racialized children, youth or families. Points Awarded (for completion by Nature Canada) COMMUNITY OUTREACH/ EDUCATION DESCRIPTION SCORING INDICATORS At least one school does a specific bird-relatedpro- One point if at least one school or organization does a gram such asi specific bird -related programs for children and youth, • : • : • •. . ' - or curriculum from such as Christmas bird count for kids, Global Bird Rescue, -. and save bird lives I or curriculum from Keep cats safe and save bird lives. Points Awarded (for completion by Nature Canada) COMMUNITY OUTREACH/ EDUCATION DESCRIPTION College, CEGEP, and University campuses have adopt- ed practices that actively reduce threats to birds or establish habitat that benefits birds. Implementation of practices should include or be driven by student committees or groups. SCORING INDICATORS One point is awarded based on evidence that institutions that have policies and practices to benefit birds including names of institutions, the programs that they participate in (e.g. Bird Safe, Bee City), as well as an example of a recent action and evidence of student involvement. Points Awarded (for completion by Nature Canada) COMMUNITY OUTREACH/ EDUCATION DESCRIPTION Bird Team partners (including Municipality) provide public access to resources (web links, brochures etc.) that encourage and inform the public of ways to help birds. For example: 1) the benefit to birds from native plant gardening or establishment of natural habitat patches on their property in support of birds and/or pollinators (e.g. backyard habitat program), 2) best practices in feeding birds that mitigate risks from feeding (e.g. predation at feeder, contamination from pathogens, etc). SCORING INDICATORS One point if you can provide evidence of the digital or paper resources, as well as evidence of public interest and knowledge of them (e.g. social media activity). Points Awarded (for completion by Nature Canada) COMMUNITY OUTREACH/ EDUCATION DESCRIPTION Municipality and Bird City partners install demonstra- tions or displays in public areas that educate citizens on the benefits of bird friendly actions and encourage engagement (benefits of dark sky lighting, window modifications etc.) SCORING INDICATORS One point based on proof of installations (e.g. photo- graphic evidence, or news stories.) Points Awarded (for completion by Nature Canada) COMMUNITY OUTREACH/ EDUCATION DESCRIPTION There is at least one birding location within your city or town that has infrastructure to facilitate the obser- vation and appreciation of birds (e.g. signs, panels, observation tower, and trails). This facility is publicly accessible for people without a car (serviced by public transit and/or bicycle and pedestrian trails) and is ac- cessible to people with disabilities or who are mobility impaired. Information on birding areas should be easily available. SCORING INDICATORS One point based on evidence of a local birding area that is publicly accessible, a brief description of the infrastruc- tures (e.g. trails, observation tower), and how the area can be accessed by someone without a car or with disabilities. Points Awarded (for completion by Nature Canada) COMMUNITY OUTREACH/ EDUCATION DESCRIPTION Businesses in your area promote bird friendly prac- tices (e.g. sell or offer bird friendly coffee, no single use plastics, treat their windows with feather -friendly markers, etc.), and reflect these values in their supply chains. These businesses are recognized on partner websites. SCORING INDICATORS To receive a point, you must name the businesses and describe what bird -friendly practices they have. These practices must include the sale of bird -friendly products, and demonstrated bird -friendly business practices (e.g. window treatments, low carbon footprint, plastic bag policy, etc.). For one point, for cities under 100,000 resi- dents, there must be at least 2 businesses. For cities from 100,000 to 500,000 there must be at least 3 businesses. For cities between 500,000 and 1,000,000, there must be at least 4 businesses. For cities over 1 million, there must be 5 or more businesses. For two points there needs to be double the previous numbers of bird -friendly businesses, based on population size. Points Awarded (for completion by Nature Canada) COMMUNITY OUTREACH/ EDUCATION DESCRIPTION You have a "City Bird" species that was selected through a public engagement process. SCORING INDICATORS You must provide proof that a campaign to select a "City Bird" is underway or has been successfully completed, evidence of community engagement, the name of the "City Bird"species, and proof that it is officially the"City Bird"through Council support/recognition. Points Awarded (for completion by Nature Canada) COMMUNITY OUTREACH/ EDUCATION DESCRIPTION SCORING INDICATORS There are active participatory science programs to To receive one point, provide a list of bird -related partici- monitor birds in your municipality including patory science programs in your city and describe the lev- ..: . . Ir. el of public interest and engagement of target audiences. "which ,osecond point for communities in which more than three monitor birds on areas that include of these programs are practiced. You must demonstrate public land. Public participation in these programs is widespread community involvement. promoted on local media. Demonstrate efforts to en- gage members of the public could be considered un- derprivileged, racialized or recent arrivals to Canada. Points Awarded (for completion by Nature Canada) SCORING ALL LEVELS MUST DO 3.1 ENTRY 7 points from at least 3 categories. INTERMEDIATE 9 points from at least 5 categories. HIGH 11 points from at least 7 categories. 50 Page 78 of 441 CURRENT AS OF: Page 79 of 44j I w BIRD FRIENDLY CITY Page 80 of 441 city _ Kitchener city councillors hear presentation on becoming `bird friendly' A female Anna's hummingbird rests on a feeder in Vancouver, B.C., Friday, Jan. 12, 2024, amid a cold snap in southern British Columbia. A wildlife rescue group says dozens of hummingbirds have been turned in suffering cold weather injuries in recent days. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ian Young By Josh Goeree Posted Jan 21, 2024 08:28:19 AM. Last Updated Jan 25, 2024 07:30:07 AM- A presentation made to the City of Kitchener's Climate Change and Environment Committee on Wednesday pitched ideas to make the city "bird friendly." Dr. Jennifer Clary -Lemon, a professor in the Department of English at the University of Waterloo who studies rhetoric, investigates the relationship of birds and humans and how they persuade each other how to live together, specifically looking at how at -risk species of birds use infrastructure to nest. 'Bird Friendly Cities' take actions into reducing threats posed to local bird populations. The certification process is completed by Nature Canada, who said North American bird populations have declined by 25 per cent over the last 50 years, equalling almost three billion birds. Specific species such as grassland birds and aerial insectivore birds have declined by 57 per cent and 59 per cent, respectively. Clary -Lemon said she's pushing for more change into helping local bird populations after researching alongside other bird enthusiasts. "By working with 'bird people,' it really made me more aware of the plight of at -risk species of birds, particularly in Ontario, and the kinds of things that Ontarians will do because they love these creatures," said Clary -Lemon. Successful 'Bird Friendly Cities' must meet seven requirements, including formal municipal support, the establishment of a 'bird team', and completing annual reports. Actions that have been taken by'bird friendly' cities include light pollution strategies, outreach programs, and reduction in pesticide use. Guelph, Hamilton, London, Toronto and 24 other municipalities across Canada have been certified 'bird friendly' by Nature Canada. The next steps are for Clary -Lemon to make a presentation to the full city council. 0 Submit a Correction -k Accessibility Feedback Page 81 of 441