Calgary has once again secured its status as a bird-friendly city, marking the third consecutive time the Alberta metropolis has received this prestigious environmental designation from Nature Canada. The official recertification was announced on Thursday, November 27, 2025, recognizing Calgary's ongoing commitment to protecting avian populations and creating safe urban habitats for birds.
Sustained Commitment to Avian Protection
The repeated certification demonstrates Calgary's consistent dedication to implementing policies and programs that benefit local and migratory bird species. Nature Canada's bird-friendly city program evaluates municipalities based on multiple criteria, including habitat protection, threat reduction, and community engagement in bird conservation efforts.
Calgary has maintained its bird-friendly status through various initiatives that address the challenges birds face in urban environments. The city's approach includes implementing measures to reduce window collisions, which claim millions of bird lives annually across North America. Building standards and public awareness campaigns have contributed significantly to this success story.
Comprehensive Urban Conservation Strategy
The city's bird-friendly designation reflects a multi-faceted conservation strategy that extends beyond simple habitat preservation. Calgary has integrated bird protection considerations into urban planning decisions, ensuring that new developments incorporate bird-safe design elements. This proactive approach has positioned Calgary as a leader in urban wildlife conservation among Canadian cities.
Community involvement has been crucial to maintaining the certification. Local organizations, bird-watching groups, and individual residents have participated in monitoring programs, habitat restoration projects, and educational initiatives. This collective effort demonstrates how municipalities can successfully balance urban growth with environmental stewardship.
National Recognition and Future Goals
Nature Canada's certification program aims to create safer environments for birds across the country, and Calgary's continued participation sets a strong example for other municipalities. The organization evaluates cities on their implementation of concrete actions that reduce threats to birds, such as limiting light pollution, protecting natural habitats, and promoting cat safety.
With this third recertification, Calgary reinforces its position as an environmentally conscious city that values biodiversity and sustainable development. The achievement comes as many bird species face increasing pressures from habitat loss, climate change, and urban expansion across Canada.
Looking forward, city officials have indicated plans to expand existing programs and introduce new measures to further enhance bird safety. The continued recognition from Nature Canada serves as both validation of current efforts and motivation for future conservation initiatives that benefit Calgary's feathered residents and the broader ecosystem.
