Calgary has once again earned official recognition for its efforts to protect avian populations within its urban landscape. Nature Canada, a leading national conservation organization, announced in late November that it has recertified Calgary as a "bird-friendly city." This marks the third time Calgary has received this designation, making it the first city in Canada to achieve the feat three times since its initial certification in 2021.
A Recognition of Ongoing Efforts
The recertification signifies that Calgary has met or exceeded a set of standards aimed at safeguarding bird populations. According to Nature Canada's criteria, these standards encompass reducing threats to birds, protecting and restoring natural habitats, increasing climate resiliency, and actively educating the public on ecological importance.
Sara Jordan-McLachlan, a representative of the local advocacy group Bird Friendly Calgary, stated that the renewal validates the city's proactive measures. "The recertification kind of reaffirms we are doing things that support birds in the urban habitat," she said. Initiatives cited include Calgary's responsible pet ownership bylaw, various habitat restoration projects, and ongoing public education and outreach programs.
Areas for Improvement and Urban Challenges
Despite the positive recognition, Jordan-McLachlan was quick to emphasize that significant work remains, especially as Calgary continues to expand to accommodate a rapidly growing population. She pointed to window collisions as a major and preventable threat, responsible for an untold number of migratory bird deaths annually during spring and fall migrations.
"We definitely could put a bigger focus on window strike mitigation, not only in retrofitting but also in new builds, so bringing that into building design guidelines," she advised. Another critical area is light pollution. Artificial light at night can disorient birds, disrupting their flight patterns. While Bird Friendly Calgary hasn't formally proposed a "lights-out" bylaw to city council, the group has spent years educating downtown office workers and high-rise residents about the importance of turning off lights at night.
Future Opportunities for Conservation
With a new city council elected in October 2025, Jordan-McLachlan sees a fresh opportunity to advocate for stronger bird-protection policies. Beyond city-wide measures, localized efforts are also underway. Jordan-McLachlan, who is also a member of the Weaselhead Glenmore Park Preservation Society, noted that the group is collaborating with the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada's Calgary chapter. Their goal is to secure a nocturnal sanctuary status for the Weaselhead Flats, a move that would protect the area's dark skies and benefit nocturnal wildlife. A similar designation already exists for the Ann and Sandy Cross Conservation Area south of the city.
The recertification serves as both a badge of honor and a reminder. It confirms Calgary is on a positive path, creating a safer urban environment for its approximately 200 bird species. Yet, as conservationists argue, embracing more rigorous building standards and light mitigation could ensure the city truly becomes a national leader in urban avian conservation.
