Authorize Bird Friendly City certification application

Councillor Votes

Full Resolution Text

That Council approve the recommendations outlined in Report IPSIM22-018, dated June 20, 2022, of the Interim Commissioner of Infrastructure and Planning Services as follows: a)That the Report be received for information; and b)That the Council approve the following resolution: Whereas the goal of Bird Friendly City certification is to provide local partners with a clear standard to measure the impact and progress needed to make the City of Peterborough safe for birds; and Whereas the certification standard is a tool that allows for an independent assessment of key issues by establishing benchmarks and allowing for measurement of progress over time and comparison with other cities; and Whereas birds throughout Canada and North America have experienced dramatic declines due to habitat loss, window strikes, climate change, and the spread of diseases and invasive species, with serious implications for the future health of our ecosystems; and Whereas through certification, the City of Peterborough and its residents have the opportunity to reduce human-related threats to birds; and Whereas supporting bird-friendly initiatives fosters environmental awareness and sustainability and increases interactions and engagement for habitat protection, restoration, and climate resiliency; and Whereas by becoming a Bird Friendly City, the City of Peterborough can highlight initiatives already in place and further engage local communities in education and awareness of successful coexistence strategies with birds; and Whereas community bird friendly initiatives are to be undertaken and led by the Bird Friendly Peterborough team; and Whereas the Bird Friendly Peterborough team will propose any corporate bird friendly initiatives within municipal jurisdiction through a City staff liaison for consideration through the annual Budget process; Now, therefore, be it resolved: That the Bird Friendly Peterborough team be authorized to submit the certification application to Nature Canada to designate the City of Peterborough as a Bird Friendly City; and That the City of Peterborough accepts the designation and commits to the entry- level standards of the Bird Friendly City program.