Barrie has once again earned the title of a Bird Friendly City from Nature Canada. The award highlights the city’s commitment to protecting local bird populations and their habitats.
“As a city, we continue to work towards reducing threats to birds by collaborating with local organizations on events and initiatives to help protect our feathered friends."
Mayor Alex Nuttall
This recertification, which lasts for two years, acknowledges Barrie’s proactive approach to bird conservation, which includes a mix of education, local engagement, and green policies. And it reflects the community's ongoing efforts to create a more sustainable and welcoming environment for birds.
What makes Barrie bird friendly?
So, what exactly does it mean for Barrie to be a Bird Friendly City? Well, it’s not just about pretty birdwatching spots. It’s about actively making the city a better place for birds in every way possible.
Barrie’s efforts include:
- Tackling climate change, which poses a significant threat to bird populations.
- Raising awareness through educational campaigns about the importance of protecting birds.
- Creating opportunities for residents to get involved in bird conservation.
- Celebrating events like World Migratory Bird Day, which reminds us of the global challenges birds face each year.
Through these efforts, Barrie is making it easier for residents to connect with nature and contribute to the protection of the birds that live and migrate through the city.
Meet Barrie’s new official bird
One exciting development for Barrie’s bird-friendly journey was the selection of its very own official city bird.
In the spring of 2024, Barrie residents voted to choose their favorite bird through an online poll. The Belted Kingfisher emerged as the winner and was officially named the city’s bird on World Migratory Bird Day, May 11, 2024.
The Belted Kingfisher is a fitting choice for Barrie, as it’s often spotted around Kempenfelt Bay, where it hunts for fish with a unique skill set. Known for its loud, rattling call and striking appearance, the kingfisher is a tough and resourceful bird that makes it a perfect representation of Barrie’s vibrant and determined spirit.
With its sharp vision and ability to dive for fish, the Belted Kingfisher is not just a beautiful bird ... it's a resilient one, capable of thriving in a variety of environments.
Barrie’s commitment to nature
Barrie isn’t the only city in Canada with this Bird Friendly designation. There are now 30 municipalities across the country that have earned the title. Nature Canada’s Bird Friendly City program is designed to encourage cities to take active steps to protect birds, from creating bird-safe habitats to reducing the impact of urban development.
For Barrie, this means continuing to address environmental challenges, such as habitat loss and climate change, while also building more awareness about how residents can help. From organizing bird conservation events to creating spaces where birds can safely thrive, Barrie is proving that cities can play a significant role in protecting local wildlife.
Looking ahead: What’s next for Barrie?
While this Bird Friendly certification is a great achievement, Barrie isn’t stopping here. The city will continue to push forward with its efforts to create a more sustainable environment for birds, from preserving natural habitats to encouraging more community involvement in bird conservation. It’s clear that Barrie sees the value in working together to protect the wildlife that shares its urban spaces.
For anyone interested in learning more or getting involved, there are plenty of opportunities to contribute to the city’s bird-friendly initiatives. Whether it’s through participating in events, learning about local bird species, or supporting green policies, residents have many ways to make a difference.
Barrie’s continued Bird Friendly certification is a reminder that even in busy cities, there’s room to make space for nature. As the city works to protect local wildlife, it’s also inspiring other municipalities to take similar steps in their own communities. With its blend of education, engagement, and proactive conservation efforts, Barrie is setting a great example of what it means to be a bird-friendly city.
For more information on Barrie’s Bird Friendly City status, and how you can get involved, visit barrie.ca/BirdFriendlyCity.
