HomeMy WebLinkAboutDSD-2024-480 - Becoming a Bird Friendly City and World Migratory Bird DayStaff Report
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Development Services Department www.kitchener.ca
REPORT TO: Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee
DATE OF MEETING: December 2, 2024
SUBMITTED BY: Rosa Bustamante, Director, Planning and Housing Policy and
City Planner, 519-783-8929
PREPARED BY: Carrie Musselman, Senior Environmental Planner, 519-783-
8940
WARD(S) INVOLVED: All Ward(s)
DATE OF REPORT:
REPORT NO.:
October 30, 2024
DSD -2024-480
SUBJECT: Becoming a Bird Friendly City and World Migratory Bird Day
RECOMMENDATION:
That Council endorse becoming certified as Bird Friendly by Nature Canada; and
That staff be directed to undertake activities to uphold the Bird Friendly City status,
participate on a community-based Bird Team, and contribute to an annual report card
on activities related to the City's Bird Friendly City status; and
That World Migratory Bird Day be proclaimed on an annual basis on the second
Saturday of May; and further,
That the proclamation be posted on the City's website and staff be directed to
promote the proclamation, and support a World Migratory Bird Day event, as
appropriate.
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS:
• The purpose of this report is to receive Council endorsement to become a Bird Friendly
City.
• The key finding of this report are that becoming a Bird Friendly City means the city will
be issued a certificate, be recognized for its contributions made to reverse bird
population decline and will have access to a network of other cities and a community
of people with shared values.
• There are no financial implications to the recommendations in this report.
• Community engagement included this report posted online as part of the Committee
agenda, consultation with the community-based Bird Team, and with the Climate
Change and Environment Committee.
*** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. ***
Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance.
Page 18 of 76
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 through
Ontario Nature. 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. "
The request was presented in report DSD -2024-081 at the February 26, 2024, Planning and
Strategic Initiatives Committee, and resolved... "That staff be directed to investigate the
benefits and feasibility of Kitchener becoming a `Bird Friendly City' including any resource
and budgetary considerations as outlined in Development Services Department report DSD -
2024 -081."
REPORT:
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 community-based Bird Team has been created to oversee and lead these
initiatives.
Benefits of Kitchener becoming a `Bird Friendly City.'
• Certification
o Is a badge of honor and a source of community pride. It tells the world that
Kitchener does things to help birds and reverse their decline.
o Kitchener will be issued a Bird Friendly City Certificate, to recognize the
contributions made to reverse bird population declines.
o Certification provides a rigorous standard to measure impact and progress of
our work, while providing flexibility.
Networking with other cities
o As a Bird Friendly City, Kitchener will have access to a network of other cities
and a community of people with shared values.
Ecotourism
o Certified bird cities can use their status to attract visitors and promote bird -
based ecotourism.
• Kitchener advantages.
o Kitchener will have access to feather friendly products and discounts, potential
access to small grants, potential to infuse biodiversity considerations into
green infrastructure projects, and tools to address key issues.
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`Bird Friendly City' Standards, Criteria or Actions (Certification)
The standard consists 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 Nature Canada believes to be the most
important elements of a Bird Friendly City:
Section 1 — Threat Reduction
• Reduce threats to birds through educational and regulatory measures to create more
opportunities for birds to survive and thrive.
Section 2 - Habitat Protection, Restoration, and Climate Resiliency
• Factor in the well-being of birds and communities when planning urban development
projects to ensure that habitat conservation and restoration are prioritized.
Section 3 - Community Outreach / Education.
• Officially recognizing and celebrating days like World Migratory Bird Day allowing
communities to celebrate birds and the diverse places they call home.
Once the application is completed it is submitted to Nature Canada. Nature Canada staff
and external reviewers from their National Advisory Panel will review the application and
inform the Bird Friendly City (BFC) Bird Team of the decision/status.
There are three levels of Bird Friendly City status:
• Entry: The minimum, approx. 50% of the possible points within each category.
• Intermediate: achieving from 65% to 80% of possible points.
• High: achieving 80% or more of possible points.
All cities and towns that meet the standard will have some common elements, such as:
• Hosting a World Migratory Bird Day event in their community,
• Having a community-based Bird Team, and
• Promoting their status on their website.
Feasibility of Kitchener becoming a `Bird Friendly City.'
Bird Friendly Application
This spring, members of the BFC Bird Team reached out to staff to collect information that
would support how criteria in the Bird Friendly City Application from the Nature Canada is
met.
Staff from across the organization (By-law Enforcement, Planning, and Forestry and Natural
Areas Management) worked with members of the BFC Bird Team, providing information,
specifically for Sections 1.1 - 1.7 (Threat Reduction), as well as Sections 2.1 - 2.8 (Habitat
Protection, Restoration, and Climate Resiliency) of the application. Minimal staff time was
necessary to support completion of the Bird Friendly Application.
Community Based Bird Friendly City (BFC) Bird Team
The BFC Bird Team's mission is to campaign for implementing bird friendly actions in their
respective City to create safer urban environments for birds. The BFC Bird Team will seek
to complete its mission by:
Page 20 of 76
• addressing and mitigating key threats to birds in their city,
• protecting and restoring natural habitat and increasing climate resiliency in their city,
and
• conducting community outreach and education.
Members are to have a strong interest in working towards helping their city become bird
friendly and reside and/or have a working connection to the city. Two members are to be
liaisons, one municipal the other from Nature Canada.
Once supported by Council, it is recommended that the City's Natural Area Project Manager
become the Municipal Liaison to the BFC Bird Team. They will be the communicating bridge
between the local BFC Bird Team and the municipality, highlight important considerations
and context of the BFC Bird Team's efforts, assist with identifying champions and allies, and
if/when necessary, recruit municipal representatives on the BFC Bird Team.
Currently the BFC Bird Team has representatives from Nature Canada, Feather Friendly,
Rare Charitable Research Reserve, Birds Canada, University of Waterloo, Waterloo Region
Nature, and private citizens who are interested in taking on a large role on the BFC
initiative.
BFC Bird Team continues to build the team and public presence (website, social media,
presentations) as well as document all the bird friendly measures undertaken as part of the
Bird Friendly Application for Consideration (Appendix A). Once achieved, the BFC Bird
Team will work to maintain the certification, which must be renewed every 2 years.
World Migratory Bird Day
Every year Nature Canada and their partners work alongside nature organizations across
the country to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day. World Migratory Bird Day is celebrated
the second Saturday of May each year. This time of year, is the peak of spring migration in
southern Canada, marking a celebration as Canadians re -discover their feathered friends in
their communities.
World Migratory Bird Day is a time to discover the wonderful birds that join us every spring
and celebrate the impressive journey they've endured after many months beyond our
borders! Forestry and Natural Areas staff have indicated that celebrating World Migratory
Bird Day aligns with and could be incorporated into existing events or programing.
Promoting their status on the Municipal website.
If the city qualifies as a Bird Friendly City, we will receive a certificate from Nature Canada
and information for a press release to announce our new status. We would need to provide
a one paragraph description about our city for Nature Canada's Bird Friendly City website
and the city would need to identify its Bird Friendly City status on our website.
Resource and budgetary considerations
In many cases, actions to meet a criterion are community-based (not municipal). For those
actions that are municipal, the program allows cities to choose what matters they would like
to work on.
Page 21 of 76
Although, there is no cost for Bird Friendly City certification, going forward, some costs may
occur for staff required to liaison with the BFC Bird Team or to assist with World Migratory
Bird Day, those costs could be considered part of ongoing efforts to support environmental
initiatives.
Bird Friendly City Application
An initial application was submitted by the BFC Bird Team in September. During the
application review process, it was found that the application was two points shy to meet
Entry Level Status. An application with revisions and additional information was resubmitted
on October 30, 2024 (Appendix A).
On November 8th it was shared with staff that after reviewing all the additional information
provided by the BFC Bird Team, Nature Canada granted Kitchener Bird Friendly City
Certification. Nature Canada will be celebrating the now 30 Bird Friendly Cities, Towns and
Villages across the county with a national press release on November 18th.
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.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
INFORM — This report has been posted to the City's website with the agenda in advance of
the committee meeting.
CONSULT — The original request was presented at the January 18, 2024, CCEC meeting;
further, the request was summarized, and direction given to staff to investigate the benefits
and feasibility of Kitchener becoming a `Bird Friendly City' at the February 26, 2024,
Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee. An update on the Bird Friendly City work will
be shared with the CCEC on November 21, 2024.
PREVIOUS REPORTS/AUTHORITIES:
• DSD -2024-081 Kitchener Becoming a Bird Friendly City
REVIEWED BY: Gloria MacNeil, Director, By law Enforcement.
Rachel Voros, Natural Area Project Manager
Natalie Goss, Manager, Policy & Research
APPROVED BY: Justin Readman, General Manager, Development Services
ATTACHMENTS:
• Attachment A — Revised Bird Friendly Application
Page 22 of 76
BIRD FRIENDLY
APPLICATION FOR CONSIDERATION
Scoring and Evaluation Rubric Version 2.0 June, 2023
m
CITY REPRESENTED:
DATE OF SUBMISSION:
BIRD FRIENDLY
CITY
Page 23 of 76
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 24 of 76
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.
M-1 - ESTABLISHMENT OF BIRD TEAM
HOW CRITERIA IS MET
First Name Last Name Organization (if applicable) email address
Jennifer Clary -Lemon, University of Waterloo, jclarylemon@uwaterloo.ca (co -Chair)
David Gascoigne, Waterloo Region Nature, davidmgascoigne@gmail.com
Paul Groleau, Feather Friendly, pgroleau@featherfriendly.com
Natasha Barlow, Birds Canada, nbarlow@birdscanada.org
Bob Williams, r.j.williams044@gmail.com
Roderick Hornby, Waterloo Region Nature (Teens), Roderickhornbyphotography@gmail.com
Victoria Lamont ,University of Waterloo, vlamont@uwaterloo.ca
Meredith Blunt, Independent Artist, meredith.blunt@gmail.com (co -Chair)
Marcel O'Gorman, University of Waterloo Critical Media Lab, marcel@uwaterloo.ca
Ethan Gosnell, University of Waterloo (undergrad), egosnell@uwaterloo.ca
Yu -Ting Chen, University of Waterloo (grad), yu-ting.chen I @uwaterloo.ca
Roger Suffling, U of Waterloo/Waterloo Region Nature, resuffli@uwaterloo.ca
Kathy Mortimer, Waterloo Region Nature, kathy.mortimer@speedymail.org
Keira McManus, University of Waterloo/ UW -Society for Ecological Restoration,
k4mcmanus@uwaterlo o. ca
Amanda Armstrong University of Waterloo/ UW -Society for Ecological Restoration,
am2armst@uwaterloo.ca
Istafa Sufi, rare Charitable Research Reserve, istafa.sufi@raresites.org
Gabriel Evans -Cook, Birds Canada, gevanscook@birdscanada.org
Page 26 of 79
M-2: INDIGENOUS PEOPLES, LAND AND INCLUSION
HOW CRITERIA IS MET
The Kitchener Bird Team acts in a consultative manner with both Municipal partners and rare Charitable
Research Reserve, both of which have existing contact with local First Nations (we have two Bird Team
members that are employed by rare). Local Indigenous groups that they work with include: White Owl
Native Ancestry, Crow Shield Lodge, and Wisahtewinowak. Both rare and the municipality also consult with
Six Nations of the Grand River and Mississaugas of the Credit River First Nation. Because we do not wish to
create more labour for First Nations individuals, who often bear high brunt of community service loads such
as these, we are relying on our partners as our connection to First Nations. In every initiative, we plan on
connecting with First Nations using these existing partnerships.
Page 27 of 76
M-3: FORMAL MUNICIPAL SUPPORT
HOW CRITERIA IS MET
We have presented at the City of Kitchener's Committee on Climate Change and the Environment (CECC),
who voted to allow city staff to investigate the feasibility of the City of Kitchener to become a Bird Friendly
City (see https://www.kitchener.ca/en/news/key-decisions-of-kitchener-council-march-18-2024.aspx). This
is the first step in preparing for a council resolution. City staff have been helping research and complete the
certification materials as a result. Once the BFC application has been submitted, we will return to the CECC
with our certification packet with a request that they support a council resolution (this is currently on the
September CCEC agenda), with the intention of getting on the October Council agenda. Thus we should
have a Council resolution within the first year of certification.
Page 28 of 7�
MANDATORY CRITERIA
DESCRIPTION
Once your municipality has been accorded Bird
Friendly City status, the Bird Team must provide an
annual report card on activities related to your Bird
Friendly City status. Download Report cards from
the Bird Friendly City 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?
�l�l�►I►[1:11111 i�CEel :Y&1.1[:T1a11.1 �
Although this is not yet needed, we have ongoing activities that celebrate World Migratory Bird day: 1) we have
held an event with Princess Cinemas here:
https://www.princesscinemas.com/movie/world-migratory-bird-day-purple-haze-waterloo; 2) the City of
Kitchener hosted a Tree Planting Event here
https://www.eventbrite. ca/e/tree-planting-for-world-migratory-bird-day-tickets-899315114717?
aff=oddtdtcreator.
Page 30 of 7�
M-6: PROGRAM VISIBILITY
HOW CRITERIA IS MET
We have established a website presence through affiliation with Waterloo Region Nature at
www.bfck.waterlooregionnature.ca. The City of Kitchener has agreed to link to this website once we are a
certified BFC. We also have a BFC Kitchener Facebook page
(https://www.facebook.com/people/Bird-Friendly-Kitchener/61560111744082/), Instagram
(https://www.instagram.com/birdfriendlykitchener/), and designated email address
(birdfriendlykitchener@gmail.com).
Page 31 of 76
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 application
or dropping a certification level.
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
1.1 (A) OWNED CATS
HOW CRITERIA IS MET
10
The City of Kitchener has a chapter in its municipal code related to the regulation of animals. Within
Article 2 a pair of clauses state, "No owner of an animal shall allow his/ her animal to run at large," and, "An
animal shall be deemed to be running at large when it is found not under the effective control of an adult
person and not under leash, unless the animal is on the lands of a person who has given prior consent to it
being unleashed."
Regulations are posted on the City's website (Chapter 408 - Animals - Regulation (kitchener.ca,
https://lf.kitchener.ca/WebLinkExt/DocView.aspx?dbid=0&id=1497603&cr=1).
The Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo and Stratford Perth is contracted by the City of Kitchener to
provide animal by-law and animal control services (https://kwsphumane.ca/municipal-animal-services),
among others, most notably confined stray cat removal. Humane Society officers are municipal law
enforcement officers empowered to enforce municipal animal by-laws and may issue offence notices for
by-law violations.
Page 34 of 76
1.1 (B) UNOWNED CATS
HOW CRITERIA IS MET
In an effort to control feral and stray cat populations within our community, the Kitchener -Waterloo
Humane Society offers the Trap -Neuter -Return (TNR) Program. Anyone may bring a trapped cat to the
Kitchener centre and pay $45 for sterilization, vaccination, microchip implanting, and ear tipping. Cats are
then returned to their trapping location rather than relocated.
The Humane Society tracks statistics related to participation in sterilization programs. Annual sterilizations
performed at the Kitchener centre (includes cats trapped in adjacent Waterloo) have trended upward as data
has been made available. The Kitchen Waterloo Stratford Perth Humane Society and Kitchener's Director of
ByLaw services have provided the following information and numbers.
02020-470
02021-466
02022-589
02023-595
The RTF (Return to Field) program is for feral cats that are brought in as strays. If the finder who brought
them in is willing to take responsibility for them, KWSPHS will do the same services as TNR and Barn
Buddy programs, with the understanding that cats are returned to the environment/neighbourhood from
where they came. This caretaker is responsible for ensuring that they are fed (either by them, or by other
community members, as these are often what we refer to as "community cats").
KWSPHS provides a Barn Buddy program, which is specifically for found cats and cats already in their care.
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Page 35 of 7§
1.1 (C) MONITORING OF ROAMING CATS
HOW CRITERIA IS MET
The Kitchen Waterloo Stratford Perth Humane Society and Kitchener's Director of ByLaw services have
provided the following information.
Humane Society has seen a significant decrease in the number of stray cats coming into the shelter over the
past few years. This may be attributed to partnerships with cat rescue groups, fosters and barn buddys, as
well as trap, neuter, release programs in Kitchener.
The KWSPHS provides the following services to manage roaming cats and mitigating their threat.
https://kwsphumane.ca/community-cats-program, including the TNR, Trap rental, and winterized cat
shelters.
KWSPHS provides an accessible spay -neuter clinic for cat owners facing financial limitations. All surgeries
are performed by licensed veterinarians and registered veterinary technicians. The public, rescue groups and
other shelters are welcome, regardless of geography or income. The spay -neuter clinics provide an
alternative so people do not feel tempted to improperly use the TNR, which is reserved for feral and farm
cats.
The City of Kitchener is currently updating their Neighbourhood ByLaw guide document, which is a
publicly available (via the website and in physical form at city hall) pamphlet, and includes basic
information for the animals at -large bylaws
12
Page 36 of 76
1.2 (A) WINDOW COLLISIONS - NEW CONSTRUCTION
HOW CRITERIA IS MET
The City of Kitchener's Urban Design Manual is a guiding document and vision for design. An Urban
Design Report, when required to accompany a Development Application will reference applicable
guidelines.
Per the Design for Wildlife subsection of Section 01.2.3 (Design for Sustainability) of the Urban Design
Manual, the first 12 metres from the ground should be designed to prevent bird strikes by limiting the
potential for reflection of trees and sky through material choice and detailing. Where glazing is prominent
on the first 12 metres of a building, the Urban Design Manual requests consideration of the use of
treatments which can be applied to the glass surface, creating visual markers for birds. Further, Section
01.2.3 guides designers to use awnings, canopies, recessions, projections, and other architectural
interventions to disrupt the reflection of trees and sky in ground floor windows.
Likewise, a subsection entitled Bird Friendly Design under Section 09.3.5 Design for Sustainability within
the Site Design for Tall Buildings chapter relays that daytime bird strikes generally occur from ground level
to tree top level, while migratory birds are attracted at night to tall structures that are excessively lit. This
subsection implores for design of tall buildings to minimize bird collisions with glass by avoiding untreated
reflective glass or clear glass that reflects trees and sky. Glass should have visual markers and any reflection
should be muted within the first 12 metres of building height and lighting should be located and managed to
reduce reflections that may cause confusion for migratory birds.
The City of Kitchener Urban Design Manual can be downloaded at
https://www.kitchener.ca/en/development- and- construction/urban- design. aspx
Page 37 of 7§
1.2 (B) WINDOW COLLISIONS - EXISTING AND PROPOSED MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS
HOW CRITERIA IS MET
14
The City of Kitchener does not currently assess or mitigate risk to birds from existing and proposed
municipal buildings. The Bird Friendly City team has begun monitoring window collisions using a
customizing reporting tool on the Anecdata platform (BFCK Bird -Window Collision and Building
Treatment Survey I Anecdata, https://www.anecdata.org/projects/view/1314) that follows the Fatal Light
Awareness Program's (FLAP) protocol. Once collected, we will relay data to the Global Bird Collision
Mapper to help FLAP better understand where and to what degree collisions occur.
Page 38 of 76
1.2 (C) WINDOW COLLISIONS - EDUCATION OF PROPERTY OWNERS
HOW CRITERIA IS MET
The City of Kitchener does not currently inform/educate property owners and tenants of existing buildings
of measures they can take to mitigate bird collision risk.
Page 39 of 7§
1.2 (D) TREATED WINDOWS - BASELINE DATA
HOW CRITERIA IS MET
16
The Bird Friendly City team has created a database to establish a baseline of the number of buildings with
treated windows following the FLAP's Bird -Friendly Building Survey protocol and using the same platform
and customized reporting tool as our window collision data collection (BFCK Bird -Window Collision and
Building Treatment Survey I Anecdata, https://www.anecdata.org/projects/view/1314). As with collisions,
once collected, we will relay data to FLAP and Nature Canada to help them gather data on bird -friendly
building designs and retrofits around the world.
Page 40 of 76
1.3 (A) LIGHT POLLUTION - REDUCTION STRATEGY (MIGRATION)
HOW CRITERIA IS MET
The City of Kitchener's Urban Design Manual is a guiding document and vision for design. An Urban
Design Report, when required to accompany a Development Application will reference applicable
guidelines. As noted in the Manual, a wide array of birds and wildlife share our urban environment, and
their needs should be appropriately considered when designing for Kitchener so that they may continue to
thrive. All site and landscape design should conserve, enhance and promote biodiversity of all forms and at
all scales.
Per the Design for Wildlife subsection of Section 01.2.3 (Design for Sustainability) of the City of Kitchener
Urban Design Manual, all development is to meet a Dark Sky compliant standard by using full cut-off
fixtures with no uplighting (UO). A Dark Sky standard improves the well-being, health, and safety of wildlife
by reducing light pollution. The Manual requests that designers reduce light pollution from reflections and
glare by orienting and placing fixtures in such a way as to project light only on non -reflective surfaces. As
migratory birds move through cities at night, this section further requests consideration of automated
lighting to reduce unnecessary interior light and lessen migratory bird strikes. Any architectural lighting at
the top of buildings is to have an automated timer -shut-off to preserve dark skies.
The City of Kitchener Urban Design Manual can be downloaded at
https://www.kitchener.ca/en/development- and- construction/urban- design. aspx
Page 41 of 7,9
1.3 (B) LIGHT POLLUTION - NEW DEVELOPMENTS / RETROFIT
HOW CRITERIA IS MET
The City of Kitchener's Development Manual outlines the City's current engineering requirements,
guidelines, specifications and standards, which guide the design and construction of public infrastructure. It
also outlines the expectations and requirements for obtaining engineering approvals associated with
development applications with specific regard to Site Plans and Plans of Subdivision.
The City of Kitchener requires the use of full cutoff luminaries that direct no light above the horizontal
plane.
In conversation with Sandro Bassanese (Sandro.bassanese@kitchener.ca, Site Plan Manager) and Steve
Ventros (steve.vrentzos@kitchener.ca, Director of Bylaw), new developments must have a Lighting Plan that
adheres to Dark Sky compliant lighting. This site lighting plan becomes part for life of the property through
site plan approval in perpetuity. Lights must be installed and approved by both a lighting engineer and a city
inspection officer before the letter of credit is returned to the owner of the property. This means that an
owner of a property will not receive money put into the project unless compliance is approved at two levels.
Per Section H, Streetlighting, streetlighting design within the City of Kitchener is completed by
Kitchener -Wilmot Hydro with the exception of Ornamental Streetlighting Design. The specifications for
standard streetlighting equipment for the City of Kitchener include Leotek Electronics' GreenCobra Junior
Series part numbers: GCJO-15H-MV-WW-2R-GY-700-PCR7-CR,
GCJ1-20H-MV-WW-2R-GY-580-PCR7-CR or approved equivalent (see
https://Ieotek.com/wp-content/uploads/GCJ_H-Series_Specification-Sheet_ 10 -17 -22 -Updated- I .pdf);
where WW stands for 3000K colour temperature. The GreenCobra Junior series are downward facing,
elkiArL-rl T RT) liahtina nrnrTnrtc (CPP httnc•//1PntPlr rnm/arPPnrnlhra/arih
18
Page 42 of 76
1.3 (C) LIGHT POLLUTION - OUTREACH CAMPAIGN
HOW CRITERIA IS MET
BFC Kitchener has developed a public website with information regarding light pollution and bird health at
https://bfck.waterlooregionnature.ca/help-kitcheners-birds/. This is an educational webpage available to
anyone who searches for light pollution and the city of Kitchener. The BFC Kitchener webpage made
front-page news October 11, 2024 in the waterloo Region Record
(https://www.therecord. com/news/waterloo-region/contest-to-name-kitchener-s-official-bird-takes-flight/a
rticle_4d6aaf61-ea85-5bca-8f01-8166ac5aed4f.html) and is a first point of public outreach for BFC
Kitchener.
This website contains:
*a 2023 light pollution map of the Kitchener area
*a simple graphic from FLAP Canada that explains how light pollution affects birds and a graphic of street
light options with varying levels of light pollution
*an explanation of how light pollution affects migrating birds
*a list of 7 actions that citizens can take to help stop light pollution
*a link to Dark Sky International, a recognized worldwide authority on light pollution
Page 43 of 7,�
1.4 (A) PESTICIDE USE - COSMETIC PESTICIDES
HOW CRITERIA IS MET
20
Per the Cosmetic Pesticides Ban Act, pesticides cannot be used for cosmetic purposes in Ontario on lawns,
vegetable and ornamental gardens, patios, driveways, and in parks and school yards. There are no
exceptions for pest infestations (insects, fungi or weeds) in these areas, as lower risk pesticides, biopesticides
and alternatives to pesticides exist. More than 250 pesticide products are banned for sale and over 95
pesticide ingredients are banned for cosmetic uses.
While cemeteries are listed as an excepted entity to allow the use of pesticides for cosmetic purposes as of
the effective date of amending regulation 134/20, the City of Kitchener was quoted in a 2020 City of
Hamilton staff report that pesticides for general turf maintenance in cemeteries were not recommended per
the City's Integrated Pest Management program. The Natural Areas Project Manager with the City's Parks
& Cemeteries Department subsequently relayed that Kitchener does not use herbicides for cosmetic
purposes. They selectively employ land management and restoration techniques that include the
application of herbicides when supporting the management and eradication of aggressive and harmful
invasive species such as Giant Hogweed and Buckthorn, which requires permission from exemption to the
Ontario Pesticide Act.
Page 44 of 76
1.4 (B) PESTICIDE USE - INSECT PESTICIDES
HOW CRITERIA IS MET
The City of Kitchener does not currently have a chapter in municipal code that specifically bans the sale
and/or use of neonicotinoid insecticides, Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, or chemical rodent control.
Page 45 of 72?
1.5 PLASTICS
HOW CRITERIA IS MET
22
The Community Clean-up Program, coordinated through the City of Kitchener's LoveMyHood program
encourages neighbours to come together for a common cause — removing litter from our parks, trails, and
open spaces (https://www.lovemyhood.ca/en/cool-ideas/community-clean-ups.aspx).
Groups may register their community clean-up and the City of Kitchener will provide free supplies,
including gloves and garbage bags available for pick up at one of 14 community centres. After the clean-up
event, groups may call the City to request pick up of bagged litter.
Waterloo Region Nature, of which Bird Friendly City Kitchener is a member organization, has conducted
numerous Earth Day -themed clean up efforts in the City. Examples include action in the Laurentian
Wetlands (https://waterlooregionnature.ca/2023/04/16/laurentian-wetland-cleanup-2023/) as well as along
the Iron Horse Trail and in several other local parks in partnership with EPAM Systems Canada.
REEP Green Solutions hosts a yearly "Zero Waste Challenge" in which residents commit to 7, 14, or 30 days
of fitting all of their single -use waste in a mason jar. This encourages citizens to reduce plastic waste and
learn about their consumption habits (https://reepgreen.ca/zwc/).
The City of Kitchener is committed to reducing plastic waste through recycling programs, as well as
adhering to the current federal ban on single -use plastics (see
https://kitchener.ctvnews.ca/k-w-businesses- adapting- as- single -use -plastic -bans -take- effect- 1.6202477;
https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo- region/ban-on- single -use-plastics -has- started -with -no -visible -b
enefits-yet/article_7622f747-cc55-56cc-b561-64a53b676aad.html). Currently the following plastics recycling
is in nlara fnr rnrrant nlactire in rirrnlatinn-
Page 46 of 76
1.6 COLLISIONS WITH VEHICLES
HOW CRITERIA IS MET
Kitchener is a leader in reducing the number of vehicle trips taken versus active transportation modes such
as walking, cycling, and public transportation. Designated a Silver Bicycle Friendly Community by the
Share the Road Cycling Coalition (see https://sharetheroad.ca/current-bfc-award-winners/), Kitchener's
Cycling and Trails Master Plan was approved in 2020 and has since won awards (see
https://kitchener.citynews. ca/2021 /07/06lkitcheners-cyclingtrails-master-plan-wins-planning-award-39336
97/) for its community-based approach to active transportation and trail planning. The Cycling and Trails
Master Plan focuses on creating a city-wide network of cycling routes and trails that is comfortable for
people of All Ages and Abilities.
From 2017 to 2022, the largest increase in mobility infrastructure has been the active transportation and
trails network (https://pub-kitchener.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=12959). Sidewalks
and walkways increased by 55 kilometres, multi -use trails by 25 km, roadway parallel multi -use paths by 41
km, and protected bike lanes by 12 km. The downtown cycling grid, comprised of protected bicycle lanes,
has transformed how people move around by making it safe, comfortable and convenient to bike. The
network connects to popular trails like the Iron Horse Trail, Spur Line Trail and the Trans Canada Trail. Its
development grid has resulted in a 164 percent increase in ridership (see
https://www.kitchener.ca/en/roads-and-cycling/bike-infrastructure.aspx), with 54,781 cycling trips in the
first seven months of 2023. Recently upgraded trails include the Henry Sturm Trail, Wilson Park Trail,
Traynor Trail, and Shoemaker Greenway Trail. The new Cherry Park Trail connects the Iron Horse Trail
with the future regional central transit hub (and current light rail station). The Iron Horse Trail continues
to grow in use, with an average of 2,894 daily users in June 2023, compared to 819 in June 2016, an increase
of 270 percent. On the busiest day in June 2023, there were 4,923 people walking, rolling and cycling at the
thraa rnnntar lnrntinne
Page 47 of 72�
1.7 HABITAT DISTURBANCE
HOW CRITERIA IS MET
Kitchener municipal code prohibits owners from allowing animals to run at large, defined as found not
under the effective control of an adult person and not under leash, unless the animal is on the lands of a
person who has given prior consent to it being unleashed (Chapter 408 - Animals - Regulation
(kitchener.ca), https://lf.kitchener.ca/WebLinkExt/DocView.aspx?dbid=0&id=1497603&cr=1). A separate
section of municipal code specifically extends these restrictions to dogs and defines a maximum leash length
of 2.4 metres (Chapter 421 - Dog - Responsible Ownership (kitchener.ca),
https://lf.kitchener.ca/WebLinkExt/DocView.aspx?dbid=0&id=2024521 &page=l &cr=1).
The City of Kitchener's Official Plan (Section 7.C.2; see
https://www.kitchener.ca/en/resourcesGeneral/Documents/DSD_PLAN_City_of Kitchener_Official_Plan_
2014.pdf) establishes policies for protection of its Natural Heritage System, currently comprised of 7,087
hectares of natural heritage features that maintain local and regional biological, hydrological, ecological and
geological diversity and functions, support viable populations of indigenous species, and sustain local
ecosystems. Policies within the Official Plan pertaining to the Natural Heritage System are intended to
maintain, restore, or improve the diversity, connectivity, and ecological functions of the city's natural
heritage features. Land uses and activities that do not achieve these ends to the satisfaction of the City,
Region, Grand River Conservation Authority, and/or Province will be prohibited or generally not
supported, as appropriate. Per the Official Plan, the City will, in conjunction with other interested groups
and agencies, seek opportunities to acquire, manage and maintain Significant Wildlife Habitat areas. The
City also commits to continued identification of ecological restoration areas through technical study, private
land stewardship, and conservation/restoration/land securement programs of public agencies. Supporting
policies within the Official Plan include Watershed Planning and the protection of associated ecological
fiinrtinnc
24
Page 48 of 76
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 49 of 72( z5
SECTION 2.0
HABITAT
PROTECTION,
RESTORATION,
AND CLIMATE
RESILIENCY
2.1 NATURAL AREAS PROTECTION
HOW CRITERIA IS MET
As of April 12, 2022, Ontario Nature and the City of Kitchener were pleased to announce that 20 properties
(585 hectares) in Kitchener's Natural Heritage System qualified as protected areas, contributing to Canada's
target to conserve 25 percent of lands and waters by 2025 (see
https://ontarionature.org/news-release/kitchener-protected-areas/). These sites are among the first
municipal conservation lands in Ontario confirmed to be managed to the national standards for protected
and conserved areas.
Qualified protected areas in Kitchener include:
Borden Wetland
Briarfield Park
Homer Watson Park
Huron Natural Area
Idlewood Park
Lackner Woods
Lakeside Park
Laurentian Wetland
Springmount Park-Idlewood Creek
Steckle Woods Tilt's Bush
Topper Woods
Brigadoon Woods
Carisbrook Drive Natural Area
nnnn Cnnth rr,-A-
Page 51 of 72�
2.2 BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY
HOW CRITERIA IS MET
The City of Kitchener has a Sustainable Urban Forest Strategy (see
https://www.kitchener.ca/en/resourcesGeneral/Documents/INS_PARKS_Urban_Forest_Strategy.pdf ). This
Plan has five goal areas:
1) PLAN first: the cornerstone of a sustainable and resilient urban forest;
2) ENGAGE often and widely: building critical community support, collaboration and stewardship;
3) MAINTAIN proactively: increasing health, longevity and resiliency;
4) PROTECT prudently: maintaining and maximizing what we already have;
5) PLANT correctly and deliberately: ensuring future generations have a vibrant and resilient tree canopy.
Metrics regarding this Strategy are ongoing. You can see an example of Kitchener's Sustainable Urban
Forest Report Card, which examines 28 targets from a prior forestry program that map on to the Sustainable
Urban Forestry Strategy, here:
https://www.kitchener.ca/en/resourcesGeneral/Documents/INS_PARKS_Sustainable_Urban_Forest_Repor
t_Card.pdf
28
Page 52 of 76
2.3 CLIMATE CHANGE RESILIENCE
HOW CRITERIA IS MET
The City of Kitchener has a municipal Committee on Climate Change and the Environment (previously the
"Environmental Committee"; see
https://www.kitchener.ca/en/council- and -city- administration/advisory- committees - and -boards. aspx#Clima
te- change- and -environment- committee) , which advocates positions that reduce the municipality's climate
impact and forwards those positions to City Council.
The City also maintains a Corporate Climate Action Plan for all municipally -owned property ( see
https://www.kitchener.ca/en/resourcesGeneral/Documents/DSD_Kitcheners_Corporate_Climate_Action_P
lan.pdf ). This Action plan is developing a regional flood plan in collaboration with the Grand River
Conservation Authority; expanding existing Stormwater management plans (inclusive of habitat expansion
and increased credits in the Habitat Bank with the Idlewood Creek Restoration Project; see
https://www.stantec.com/en/projects/canada-projects/i/idlewood-creek-dam-removal); advocating for tree
preservation that considers future climate conditions, and for increasing "tree shade in urban areas and
positioned to help mitigate flooding, wind and heat in open spaces and grounds of facilities."
As mentioned in section 2.1, the City is currently restoring Strasberg Creek
(https://www.engagewr.ca/northstrasburgcreek), and Schneider, and Shoemaker Creeks
(https://www.engagewr.ca/schneidercreekea). They are also upgrading Cherry Park stormwater features
(https://www.engagewr.ca/cherrypark). Prior wetland restoration projects include Filsinger Park
(https://www.fivessr.com/portfolio/fish-habitat-bank-city-of-kitchener-on) and Balzer Creek.
The City of Kitchener's tree planting programs depend on the urban Tree Canopy Report, which includes
haat idnnrl mnnnin[r nc nn inrlirntnr of cit,- calartinn CPP nnnPc r._(. of
Page 53 of 72q
2.4 (A) HABITAT MANAGEMENT STRATEGY
HOW CRITERIA IS MET
30
Based on the City of Kitchener's Urban Forest Strategy, in January 2022, city council approved a tree canopy
target of 30% in each ward by 2050 and a target of 33% across Kitchener by 2070. This targeted approach to
growing the tree canopy over time will involve new tree planting, as well as increasing the maintenance of
existing trees. (see https://www.kitchener.ca/en/strategic-plans-and-projects/urban-forest-strategy.aspx)
The City of Kitchener maintains an urban forest map that tracks upcoming and ongoing forestry work
around the city. This includes a street tree inventory (see
https://open-kitchenergis. opendata. arcgis.com/datasets/tree-inventory/explore?location=43.436669%
2C -80.470356%2C13.00), as well as an ongoing community-based consultation for determining increases
and tree canopy targets for specific neighbourhoods (https://www.engagewr.ca/treecanopytarget). One such
outcome of this consultation and collected inventory data is increasing community tree canopy in the
Chandler Mowat neighbourhood (see https://www.engagewr.ca/CommunityCanopyChandler).
Page 54 of 76
2.4 (B) SNAG PROTECTION
HOW CRITERIA IS MET
While a number of Environmental Impact Assessments for development of sites within Kitchener city limits
do address the existence of snags, particularly as they relate to maintaining healthy habitat for Species at
Risk, the city of Kitchener has no official policy statement regarding snags or snag protection.
Page 55 of 73?
2.4 (C) PROTECTION OF TREES
HOW CRITERIA IS MET
As shown in the following table, the City of Kitchener has bylaws set in place for the protection and
maintenance of trees on city property. Trees on private property are also protected from being cutdown
without permits. The Director of Enforcement is responsible for overseeing enforcement by delegates
through inspections made by entering the property at any reasonable time and persons or corporations
found to violate Chapter 692 is liable to a fine.
Bylaw Protection
Quote
Citation
City property upkeep
'The Deparlyri is hereby authoritil ne requested to do all acts nacosaary to
City eT K"oner Bytawa (Municipal Coda)
and maintanance or
provide for Ina planting, Care and maintenance of all trees on City property."
Mcdon 10- Property Maintenal
trees-
Chapter 69aTrees Bylaw
Al11de 22
protection against
' No porn— shat:
City of Fiitcnaner Ilyls x (Municipal Cado)
damages M trees by
a) deface. Cul, pollard, it rause Compaction to or otherwise damage br
sedlbn In property klalntsnanLe
clylians or construction
stroy
deand trea or pan thereof;
Chapter 69ail Tr�Bykaw
on city property.
b) damage, dastroy or remora any supporting past, stare or guard attached
to or around a this: or
c] cut down, root up or remove any tree or pan Ihersoi, wheller tiring or
dead"
.,,a a t
'Amy conbrartor. commission or corporation or any other organization, person or
it dual. hai a contract for pavirp streets, constructing sidewalks. or
excavating or doing any work cn City property, shall when aveitutilg such work or
centrad take all necessary slaps to awed inquiring any trae.-.'
Article 4-1
Protection against tract
"Injury to tf4as-prdNhited-wi6houl permit'
City of lGkllener BylaH (Muni[Ylal Code)
destruction on pubic
Secdon tri- Property Maintenance
property without a
Ardcla 22.1
Chapter 682 -Trees -Protection -Di
Permit.
Injury
'Spadfre Eaampr:ew
Land less man f acre
fiaad.ilseased-nazardair, Inas-emr d
Oam3gad-destroyed trees-cedfed
Tiee-willrin 5 metres of 000uplad buldng
TIBe-wilMin bislang ii;i
Small trees"
Aside 4-14.6
Enforcement for
'Inspedloill upon lel laity reasonable time'
City of Kitchener gytaws (Mur l Code)
protection of treas cit
Section to- Property millntenanca
private property
Aside 132
Chapter 692-Trees-Protection-gasill
include:
Injury
a) inspections
'Fina-foroontraventiaFparsan'
b) fres
Article 14-1
32
Page 56 of 76
2.4 (D) RESPONSIBLE VEGETATION MANAGEMENT
HOW CRITERIA IS MET
The City of Kitchener follows "Good Forestry Practices" by restricting the removal of vegetation when the
Director deems the damage would have a significant impact on the health of the vegetation community or
on wildlife habitat at the site or/and in proximity to the site (Bylaw Trees Protection Destruction Injury
692.8.3). Mitigation strategies include conditions on permits which can control the method and timing of
the damage to trees which can take into account nesting period for breeding birds (Bylaw Trees Protection
Destruction Injury 692.9.1). The Tree Management Policy of the City of Kitchener greatly recommends tree
removal and pruning completed during the winter months (Tree Management Policy- Appendix J)
https://www.kitchener.ca/en/bylaws-and-enforcement/municipal-code.aspx#6-Facility
https://www.kitchener.ca/enlresourcesGenerallDocuments/INS_OPS_Treemanagementpolicy.pdf
The City of Kitchener conducts an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) for proposed development in or in
proximity to a significant natural area or feature. Early consultation is in accordance with the Migratory
Birds Convention Act and Endangered Species Act which use breeding bird surveys to determine presence
and requires stoppage or/and mitigation strategies for protected bird species during breeding and nesting
periods.
https://www.kitchener.ca/en/water-and-environment/environmental-impact-study.aspx
Page 57 of 73�
2.5 IMPORTANT BIRD AREA NEARBY (IBA)
HOW CRITERIA IS MET
There are no IBAs in the region. However, some Locally Significant Wetlands and Woodlands were assessed
by the city in 2014. No development is permitted in these areas. Please see page 24 and 32-33 of
https://www.kitchener.ca/en/resourcesGeneral/Documents/DSD_PLAN_Natural_Heritage_Systems_Backg
round_Report.pdf
34
Page 58 of 76
2.6 NATIVE FLORA - MUNICIPAL LANDS
HOW CRITERIA IS MET
Kitchener promotes site -appropriate native flora in buffers, parks, and stormwater projects.
The City of Kitchener's Urban Design Manual (3.0) states in its "Landscaping and Site Furnishing Zone
Guidelines": #13, "Resilient and native tree species that are able to withstand an urban setting with minimal
maintenance are preferred." The Urban Design Manual 15.0 further states "The planting of aggressive
non-native species within or adjacent to woodlands or natural areas is discouraged in order to help
safeguard the long term ecological integrity of these areas." Section 14 of the Urban Design Manual contains
a list of trees and shrubs native to the Waterloo Region and a list of aggressive alien species which are not to
be planted in the vicinity of woodlands and natural areas.
In their "Design for Climate Change" section, the Urban Design Manual states, "Introduce green
infrastructure along existing and new public open spaces including; bioswales, groundwater infiltration
areas and permeable surface treatments; native planting species which enhance urban wildlife habitats;
energy efficient, human -scaled and wildlife friendly lighting fixtures and; locally sourced, recycled and
reusable materials."
The Urban Design Manual promotes the planting and maintenance of both native and non-native trees in
subdivisions; however, section M.2.10 "Species Diversity" states that "no one genus can exceed 20% of the
total planted trees" (157) in new subdivisions.
You can view links to these statements here:
Page 59 of 73�
2.7 NATIVE FLORA - PRIVATE PROPERTY
HOW CRITERIA IS MET
The city of Kitchener is officially a Bee City, committed to protecting pollinators across our community.
Pollinated plants provide a third of our food, and by planting native plants throughout Kitchener in
pollinator gardens, we can support our bee population that in turn support us. Please see
https://www.kitchener.ca/en/water-and-environment/pollinators.aspx
The City of Kitchener also partners with Reep Green Solutions, supporting their Backyard Tree Planting
Program (https://reepgreen.ca/trees/), and Rain Smart Neighbourhoods program
(https://reepgreen.ca/rain-smart/) .
36
Page 60 of 76
2.8 STOPOVER & NESTING HABITAT
HOW CRITERIA IS MET
1. At Sprucehaven, a family-owned farm has been consistently taking fields out of production and
committing themselves to various stewardship initiatives for bird species at risk. They provide 25 Eastern
bluebird and tree swallow boxes; have dedicated their barn completely to barn and cliff swallows; they've
converted 42 acres of soybean crop to native tall -grass prairie that has been now home to Vesper sparrows
and Savannah sparrows, and have had initial scouting activities by Eastern Meadowlarks and Bobolinks.
They've allowed public and educational outreach on their property, including field ecology classes for
regional universities and K-12 education, and work with local naturalist groups. Email owner Dave Westfall,
owner, at djwestfall@hotmail.com for more information.
2. At Handy Dog farm, owner Victoria Lamont has practiced sustainable haying practices on her hayfields,
cordoning off selections of fields to allow for bobolinks to nest. Email Victoria Lamont
<vlamont@uwaterloo.ca> for more details.
3. Adjacent to Sprucehaven, Jeff Grant and Peter Bissett have installed a bluebird trail on private property
with approximately 10 bluebird boxes. Email jeffgrantl3@gmail.com for more details.
4. At rare Charitable Research Reserve, two barn swallow structures have been set up as alternative nesting
habitats for the birds. The also host an interactive educational swallow structure on their property.
Page 61 of 739
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 62 of 76
SECTION 3.0
COMMUNITY
OUTREACH/
EDUCATION
3.1(A) CHILDREN AND YOUTH EDUCATION
HOW CRITERIA IS MET
Kitchener has a variety of organizations and school programs with nature and bird -focused outreach, which
are detailed below.
1) Waterloo Region Nature:
*Teens Club: https://waterlooregionnature.ca/teens/
WRN Teens is a club sponsored by Waterloo Region Nature to encourage kids ages 13+ to learn about the
environment while helping it. The club currently engages in weekly Saturday morning monitoring from
April to October at a farm just outside of Waterloo. We do about 20 weeks of monitoring salamanders, tree
frogs, snakes and nest boxes for Eastern Bluebirds, 2 hours each time, all of which qualify as high school
volunteer hours. Through involvement in these monitoring efforts, teens learn scientific procedures for data
collection while learning more about the species they are monitoring. The club is also involve in Saturday
afternoon work projects or learning projects once or twice a month at a various locations.
In the past year, Teens projects involving birds included an owl prowl, 2 birding outings, the Christmas Bird
Count for Kids (sponsored by rare Charitable Reserve Reserve), several invasive plant removals to improve
habitats, and about 16 weeks of nest box monitoring.
*Kids Club: https://waterlooregionnature.ca/kids/
WRN Kids is a club sponsored by Waterloo Region Nature to encourage kids ages 7-12 to enjoy nature.
During the 2022-2023 season WRN Kids went on a butterfly hike, a nature scavenger hunt, a birding hike,
and an archaeology hike which included a demonstration of how to knap stone tools. WRN Kids
participated in the Christmas Bird Count for Kids, went on an owl prowl, hand -fed Chickadees and built
e11ll PlfPre Carina lhrnnaht a nrPrlatnr_nrpv IT -AMP Partlh rlav aarlhaaP r IPannn -Aram a nnnrl etnrw
Points Awarded
(for completionby .•.
40 Page 64 of 76
3.1 (B) CHILDREN AND YOUTH EDUCATION
HOW CRITERIA IS MET
Ontario Nature Youth Circle for Mother Earth
(https://ontarionature.org/programs/nature-guardians/ycme/)
The Youth Circle for Mother Earth project aims to create and support a cross cultural network of young
Indigenous and non -Indigenous environmental leaders looking to honour their responsibilities and
relationship with Mother Earth. The project is led by the Indigenous Environmental Institute at Trent
University, Plenty Canada, Walpole Island Land Trust, and Ontario Nature.
rare Every Child Outdoors (ECO) program
ECO camps subsidize underpriviledged youth/families to be able to attend camp, sometimes these youth are
from marginalized or racialized families. ECO Camps feature bird specific programming, bird watching and
bird specific presentations from researchers at rare or community organizations (e.g. Eastern logger -head
shrike presentation by Helmi Hess from Wildlife Preservation Canada, raptor specific presentations from
Wild Ontario).
The rare Charitable Research Reserve provides transportation and program subsidies to many schools
across Kitchener (or Waterloo Region as a whole), including 6 visits each from alternative education
programs from the WRDSB like U -Turn Cambridge, U -Turn Waterloo, New Dawn, Elev8 etc. Many of the
programs youth from these programs attend includes specific bird related programs (One station in
Animals in Motion program (KG -Gr 2), many guided hikes feature bird education on ospreys, bald eagles
and other birds).
Page 65 of 7�
3.1 (C) CHILDREN AND YOUTH EDUCATION
Keep cats safe and save bird lives
I
HOW CRITERIA IS MET
42
Waterloo Region District Schoolboard (WRDSB) hosts virtual activities for Winter Bird Count and
Backyard Bird count for WRDSB students. They provide tutorials on e -bird and identifying key birdspecies
in Kitchener. The Winter Bird Count is hosted in December to Janurary (see
https://schools.wrdsb.ca/environmental-education/citizen-science/winter-bird-count/). The Backyard Bird
count is a five day event and open to all ages of students in April.
The WRDSB has outdoor and environmental education centers. This includes the Huron Natural Area,
Blair Outdoor Education Center, Laurel Creek Outdoor Education Centre, and Wrigley Corners. Please
refer to the following table for more detailed information.
Huron Natural
Areaa
Blair
Laurel Creak
• Growth and
• Winter Birds:
• Winter Birds:
Change in
Habitats and
Habitat and
Animals (Gr.
Communities
Communities
2)
(Gr. 4)
(Gr. 4)
• nature hikes
• students
• students
looking for
learn about
loam about
animals
birds,
birds,
including
habitats,
habitats,
birds
structural
structural
adaptations
adaptations
during a hike
during a hike
Page 66 of 76
3.2 COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY CAMPUSES
HOW CRITERIA IS MET
The University of Waterloo Society for Ecological Restoration has a bird -window collision monitoring
volunteer program that surveys the campus for bird -window collisions. These surveys contribute to bird
collision mortality data collection. In April 2024 a glass walkway between Student Life Centre and Math and
Computing building was retrofitted with bird -safe window markers. There are plans to continue mitigating
risks to birds on campus and updating the building code standards. UW -SER also hosts birding hikes on
and off campus. (Supporting material: instagram @seruwaterloo)
In addition, the University of Waterloo Animal Rights Society displayed posters on preventing bird -window
collisions on the 2023 Clubs Day.
The University of Waterloo Sustainability Office also hosted a BioBlitz and led a guided bird walk on May 6,
2024.
The University of Waterloo currently convenes a "Bird Friendly Campus" group, consisting of members
from the University's Office of Sustainability, Birds Canada, the Department of Biology, the Faculty of
Environment, and the co-chair of the BFC Kitchener Bird Team. They seek to make safer bird spaces on
campus, and are currently working with Birds Canada on a campus native plant garden space to attract
aerial insecrtivores. Contact Jennifer Clary -Lemon jclarylemon@uwaterloo.ca or Trevor M. Swerdfager
trevor.swerdfager@uwaterloo.ca for more information.
Page 67 of 74�
3.3 COMMUNICATING BEST PRACTICES TO HELP BIRD
HOW CRITERIA IS MET
The City of Kitchener offers Bee City Events that coordinate with bird -friendly events: see
https://beecitycanada.org/celebrating-bee-cities-kitchener-and-waterloo/
The rare Charitable Research Reserve also engages bird monitoring surveys for the Eramosa Corridor to
capture data on bird migration during the spring and fall months. In the spring, this started April 5th for 6
weekends until June 23rd. In the fall, this will begin on August 16 and go until November 3rd. This is a
volunteer driven research network with all data contributed to eBird. You can find record of this event here:
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/raresites_nationalvolunteerweek-activity-7186045789381496832-zmSQ/
44
Page 68 of 76
3.4 PUBLIC INSTALLATIONS FOR EDUCATION
HOW CRITERIA IS MET
A public art installation titled Hirondelusia (https://cafka2l.cafka.org/critical-media-lab; see also
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FB-U7ujTCI8 for a description of installation piece) was "retired" to
rare charitable eco reserve, where it is now an educational structure to inform the public about barn swallow
mitigative habitats (see https://drive.google.com/file/d/ISPODQmDsnBOSjlDgZGzVawnT91HIIXAQ/view?
usp=drive link for a picture of its new home).
Two members of the bird team are working on bringing a swallow conservationist to the region to showcase
her work with creating clay cliff swallow nests as a public art intervention. You can read the email trail for
this conversation, which will result in a public art installation at the Clay and Glass Gallery in 2025, here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/ 1 n3 V1GNyMx-SDdHzXtjp5cYewd2NsUS90/view?usp=drive link)
Finally, you can observe bird -related art in a variety of municipal natural areas. You can view examples here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/ 1 QaAFm_UIE5Ed4pm-kiCXgpMmr7NLJEA6/view?usp=drive link
Page 69 of 74�
3.5 ACCESSIBLE BIRD -WATCHING LOCATION(S)
HOW CRITERIA IS MET
Huron Natural Area, free parking off Trillium Dr. GRT route #28 stops at the park entrance. Public
washrooms are available. Trails are a mix of asphalt, stone dust and natural surface. Trails are well marked
and colour-coded for easy navigation. One ground level viewing platform and two wooden boardwalks. A
huge number of bird -species can be spotted at HNA. It is one of the most popular birding spots in the city
and voted Waterloo Region Nature's top greenspace in the region.
Willow River (Victoria) Park in downtown Kitchener. Accessible for pedestrians, biking and by public
transit (routes #1, 20 and 204). Free parking is available off Jubilee St in two locations and one off Schneider
Ave. Public washrooms are available. The park's trails are asphalt and wide; they connect to the Iron
Horse/TransCanada Trail. Otis and Ophelia, the city's mascot mute swan pair, live at the park seasonally.
Birds spotted in the park range from common waterfowl to pileated woodpeckers and migrating warblers.
Lakeside Park is an urban greenspace in Kitchener. It is within a reasonable (under —2km) walking distance
of many neighbourhoods and accessible by several transit routes. Paved paths facilitate wheelchair travel. It
is connected to many water and greenway corridors throughout the city.
The Kitchener section of the Walter Bean Trail goes from Blair Road to Kiwanis Park. The trail continues
South into Cambridge and North through Waterloo. The trail mainly follows along the Grand River and,
except for a few sections, is very accessible.
The trail crosses the river, with the southernmost section being on the east side, the northern sections being
located on the west side of the river. The trail runs through Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge and
KitrhanPr is "rnnrl flint mora than 7Slrm linlrc tha City from nnrth to cnrnth nlnna tha rrnnrl RiXTPr NAnct of
46
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3.6 LOCAL BIRD FRIENDLY BUSINESSES
HOW CRITERIA IS MET
The following is a list of bird -friendly businesses, inclusive of their websites and activities:
Princess Cinemas, https://princesscinemas.com/
Hosted showing of "Purple Haze" (purple martin documentary) for World Migratory Bird Day
TWB Brewing https://www.twbbrewing.com/
Hosts Bird -Bingo nights and has offered to sponsor a "City Bird" beer upon BFC Certification
Wild Birds Unlimited https://www.facebook.com/WBUKitchener/
Marketing bird feed and other bird -related products in Kitchener
Ontario Seed Company https://www.oscseeds.com/contact/
Processing and marketing bird seed and feeder for many years. Plant in Kitchener, shop in Waterloo
Ontario Die International https://www.ontariodie.com/contact-us/
A manufacturing company with natural landscaping on site
Allied Real Estate Investment Trust https://alliedreit.com/properties/195-joseph-street/
Allied's mnnngers at 195 Tosenh St_ Kitchener worked to restore nn indnstrinl stack_ When the dnnger of the
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3.7 CITY BIRD
HOW CRITERIA IS MET
We are in the process of selecting a city bird (see October 11, 2024
https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/contest-to-name-kitchener-s-official-bird-takes-flight/ar
ticle_4d6aaf61-ea85-5bca-8f01-8166ac5aed4f.html). The election of a City Bird will be a public vote shared
through our social media platforms. We have been in touch with TWB Brewing, who has offered to create
and promote a "City Bird" beer with Kitchener's elected bird, once the initiative has passed Council.
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3.8 PARTICIPATORY SCIENCE TO MONITOR BIRDS
HOW CRITERIA IS MET
The municipality engages in local programs through Waterloo Region nature and rare Charitable Reserve
such as the Christmas Bird Count
(https://waterlooregionnature.ca/event/christmas-bird-count-2023-kitchener/), Great Backyard Bird Count
(https://waterlooregionnature.ca/2020/02/19/great-backyard-bird-count-2020/), Bioblitz
(https://ontarionature.org/event/rare-2024-bioblitz/;
https://waterlooregionnature.ca/event/sprucehaven-nature-inventory-blitz-8/), Swiftwatch, Outings to
which the public is welcome. (see rare's newsletter at
https://myemail-api.constantcontact.com/rare-eNews-for-Early-April.html?)
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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.
Points Awarded
(for completion by Nature Canada)
50 Page 74 of 76
CURRENT AS OF: September 4, 2024
Current as of July 2024
1. Jennifer Clary -Lemon, University of Waterloo, jclarylemon@uwaterloo.ca
2. David Gascoigne, Waterloo Region Nature, davidmgascoigne@gmail.com
3. Paul Groleau, Feather Friendly, pgroleau@featherfriendly.com
4. Natasha Barlow, Birds Canada, nbarlow@birdscanada.org
5. Bob Williams, r.j.williams044@gmail.com
6. Roderick Hornby, Waterloo Region Nature (Teens), roderickhornbyphotography@gmail.com
7. Victoria Lamont, University of Waterloo, vlamont@uwaterloo.ca
8. Meredith Blunt, Independent Artist meredith@birdnerd.art or meredith.blunt@gmail.com
9. Marcel O'Gorman, University of Waterloo Critical Media Lab, marcel@uwaterloo.ca
10. Ethan Gosnell, University of Waterloo (undergrad),egosnell@uwaterloo.ca
11. Yu -Ting Chen, University of Waterloo, yu-ting.chen 1 @uwaterloo.ca
12. Roger Suffling , U of Waterloo/Waterloo Region Nature, resuffli@uwaterloo.ca
13. Kathy Mortimer, Waterloo Region Nature, kathy.mortimer@speedymail.org
14. Keira McManus, University of Waterloo/ UW -SER, k4mcmanus@uwaterloo.ca
15. Amanda Armstrong, University of Waterloo/ UW -SER, am2armst@uwaterloo.ca
16. Istafa Sufi, rare Charitable Research Reserve, istafa.sufi@raresites.org
17. Gabriel Evans -Cook, Birds Canada, gevanscook@birdscanada.org
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I
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BIRD FRIENDLY
CITY
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