RICHMOND HILL – In effort to protect birds from urban hazards, Council has endorsed mandatory Bird-Safe Design Standards for new private and public buildings in Richmond Hill, effective immediately. 

According to Birds Canada, approximately 25 million migratory birds die as a direct result of collisions with buildings in Canada each year. To help reduce this threat, all new buildings, including future City facilities will be required to have bird-safe window treatments in strategic locations, which will allow birds to see the glass and avoid flying into it.

Council also directed staff to develop a Bird-Safe Retrofit Assessment Program to evaluate and prioritize existing City-owned buildings, determine budgetary needs for bird-safe design retrofits, and report back at a future meeting.

In addition, if approved in the 2025 Capital budget, the City will undertake a Bird-Safe Retrofit Pilot Project at the Richmond Hill Public Library Central Branch. This facility has been identified as an ideal location for a pilot due to its windowed façade. Retrofitting this well-used, community hub will also be an opportunity to engage residents and business owners on how they can participate in bird conservation.

For more information, visit RichmondHill.ca/Birds.

Quotes

“I’m proud of our efforts to build a sustainable community where both humans and wildlife can thrive. Birds play an essential role in maintaining healthy and resilient ecosystems and these design standards will go a long way in protecting them.” - Mayor David West

Quick Facts

• Richmond Hill is proud to be recognized as a ‘Bird Friendly City’ by Nature Canada for our efforts to reduce threats to birds, protect and restore their habitat, and engage the community in education and awareness.
• The City’s previous bird-safe design guidelines were voluntary, resulting in low builder participation.
• The new Bird-Safe Design Standards follow the most up-to-date, science-based standards, which provide builders with instructions and specifications on window treatment area, treatment types and visual markers or patterns.