Markham to be Honoured with Certificate of Bird-Friendliness
Even though the Greenprint, Markham’s Sustainability Plan isn’t formally adopted yet, there are a lot of great initiatives already underway that support the objectives and recommendations of the plan. One example of the work already underway that makes Markham a leader in supporting the ecosystem integrity of the community is Markham’s support of bird-friendly buildings. Tomorrow morning, Markham will be presented a certificate for bird-friendliness from FLAP. You are welcome to attend the meeting or listen live to the presentation starting at 9 am tomorrow morning. More information on the meeting can be found in the press release below and instructions on how to attend or listen live can be found at: http://www.markham.ca/markham/ccbs/indexfile/html/planning/agenda/pl110503.htm.
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Markham Takes Bold Steps to Protect Migratory Birds
Markham is the first municipality in Canada to successfully address one of the leading causes of bird mortality – collisions with buildings.
At 8100 Warden Avenue, a Town building, an opaque window film was applied to the glass solarium and mirrored walls where birds were striking during the day. Based on patrols of the building grounds, the Fatal Light Awareness Program (FLAP) estimates that over 100 birds a year would collide with the structure before the film was applied two years ago. The window application has put a stop to the collisions.
Markham Council recently approved $50,000 in its 2011 Budget to apply window treatments to the Markham Civic Centre at 101 Town Centre Blvd., and, if possible, the Angus Glen Community Centre. Recent improvements in window film design permit greater flexibility in the placement of the film thereby making it more cost-effective.
A noted ornithologist who has studied the issue of bird collisions with windows for over three decades estimates an average of 1 – 10 fatal bird strikes for every structure with windows. Millions of birds die annually across North America as a result of collisions with windows.
FLAP continues to support Markham Ward 1 Councillor Valerie Burke, Chair of the Environmental and Sustainability Committee, in her pioneering efforts to develop the Greenprint Sustainability Plan. The Greenprint, which will incorporate bird-friendly development guidelines, will have major environmental implications. Although not mandatory, it will provide an opportunity to engage the corporate community in wildlife protection.
Thanks to the enthusiastic efforts of Mayor Frank Scarpitti and members of Markham Council – in close collaboration with FLAP – Markham has become a role model for its own business community and for cities across Canada. Markham has provided a showcase for techniques that building owners and managers can use to ensure that their buildings are safe for birds.
On Tuesday, May 3, FLAP Executive Director Michael Mesure will honour Markham with a Certificate of Bird-Friendliness which recognizes the Town for its outstanding contribution to urban wildlife sustainability. The presentation will be made at the Markham Development Services Committee meeting.
For more information:
Michael Mesure, FLAP Executive Director 416-366-3527 cell: 905-649-9223 www.flap.org
