December 5, 2018

Saskatoon city hall looks at measures to prevent bird deaths from collisions with buildings

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The City of Saskatoon could consider ways to prevent birds from fatally striking tall and mid-sized buildings.

A city council committee meeting on Tuesday featured a report detailing the possibility of design measures to address bird deaths.

Mayor Charlie Clark said concern over bird deaths was raised in relation to the building of a three-tower project at River Landing, which is expected to include Saskatchewan’s tallest building.

“The heat from that issue has died down, but the work is still really important,” Clark told council’s environment, utilities and corporate services committee.

The committee endorsed the report, which suggests Toronto’s Green Standard building policy contains the most effective measures to address bird strikes.

They include decals on existing windows, special reflective windows to deter birds and reduced lighting at night, the report says.

The report adds that 90 per cent of bird deaths occur because of collisions with houses. Buildings with fewer than 12 storeys account for just under 10 per cent.

Buildings 12 storeys and taller, like the ones under construction at River Landing, are responsible for about one per cent of bird collision deaths. However, the buildings feature largely glass exteriors.

The report acknowledges a lack of detailed information about bird strikes and deaths in Saskatoon, but cites 150 bird deaths from window collisions in 2017, according to Living Skies Wildlife Rehabilitation.

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