February 6, 2006—The City Council in Toronto has unanimously adopted a resolution that will protect migratory birds through controlling light from buildings, public education, and bird rescue. For all new buildings in Toronto, the resolution specifies “that the needs of migratory birds be incorporated into the Site Plan Review process with respect to facilities for lighting, including floodlighting, glass and other bird-friendly design features.”
The Fatal Light Awareness Program (FLAP), a Toronto-based charitable organization, has been working to address the issue of bird collisions with structures since 1993. It was the first organization of its kind in the world; similar organizations have since sprung up in Chicago and New York.
FLAP conservatively estimates 1 to 10 birds are killed at every structure each year. With 940,000 structures in Toronto, one quickly realizes why collision with structures is the leading cause of death to migratory birds.
FLAP, the City of Toronto and others have formed a partnership known as Lights Out Toronto. This April, in time for spring migration, the Lights Out Toronto partnership will launch a public awareness campaign on how Torontonians can prevent the deaths of thousands of migratory birds by simple acts like turning lights off. This will also greatly reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions and save millions of dollars each year.
For the full report, visit the city’s Web site.
