Conservationists express concerns over the City of Winnipeg’s potential rollback of a development bylaw aimed at reducing fatal bird strikes on windows, less than a year after its implementation.
The City of Winnipeg has announced a public hearing scheduled for December 18 to discuss eliminating the requirements for bird-friendly windows in certain developments along major corridors and near malls.
Kevin Fraser, a University of Manitoba associate professor specializing in bird migration and ecology, expressed surprise at the proposed changes, labeling them as a regressive step for bird conservation efforts.
The city recently issued a notice outlining proposed revisions to the “Malls and Corridors zoning bylaw,” including the removal of bird-friendly window mandates. These requirements typically involve incorporating features like patterned films, decals, or coatings to mitigate bird collisions with windows.
Studies from Environment and Climate Change Canada indicate that millions of migratory birds in Canada perish annually due to window strikes, with residential homes accounting for a significant portion of these fatalities.
City council had previously endorsed bird-friendly guidelines developed by the Canadian Standards Association, focusing on measures like glazes and decals on windows within specific zones. However, the proposed amendments are driven by industry feedback citing challenges in compliance and increased costs associated with the bird-friendly requirements.
The Urban Development Institute of Manitoba, representing developers across various sectors, raised concerns about the efficacy and practicality of bird-safe measures, emphasizing other influential factors contributing to bird strikes beyond window coatings.
While industry voices question the effectiveness of bird-safe window treatments, wildlife experts and conservation groups advocate for the importance of such interventions in reducing bird mortality rates. Studies have shown that certain window modifications can significantly decrease collision risks for birds during migration.
Supporters of bird-friendly initiatives stress the need for continued education within the construction industry to ensure compliance with standards aimed at safeguarding migratory bird populations. They also highlight the legal obligations under federal laws to protect endangered and threatened bird species from human-induced harm.
As discussions unfold regarding the potential revision of the bird-friendly bylaw in Winnipeg, stakeholders emphasize the importance of balancing development needs with environmental conservation efforts to mitigate the adverse impact on bird populations.