Gatineau takes flight toward bird-friendly city status

Tashi Farmilo

Gatineau has taken a significant step toward becoming a certified “Bird Friendly City”, with city council unanimously approving the initiative during its April 15 meeting. The decision launches the city’s formal application to Nature Canada’s national certification program, which encourages municipalities to reduce threats to birds, restore natural habitats, and engage the public in conservation. Gatineau hopes to receive its certification by September.

The move reflects growing recognition of the vital role birds play in both ecological health and community well-being. More than 300 species have been recorded in the Gatineau area, including woodpeckers, warblers, owls, and waterfowl. The Deschênes district in Aylmer ranks among Quebec’s top birdwatching locations, while nearby areas such as the wetlands of Masson-Angers, Lake Beauchamp, Lake Leamy, and Gatineau Park offer critical habitats for both resident and migratory birds.

Still, many species are under threat. Birds once common in the region—like the Eastern Meadowlark and Bank Swallow—are now in sharp decline. The peregrine falcon, a species at risk in Quebec, has only recently begun to recover in Gatineau Park after decades of struggle due to pesticide use and habitat loss.

Councillor Anik Des Marais introduced the motion during the April 15 session. As part of the city’s proclamation of May 10 as World Migratory Bird Day, she remarked, “Birds contribute to biodiversity and to the well-being of the population. It is important to continue raising awareness about coexistence, and the close links between biodiversity, the well-being of birds, and the well-being of people.”

The proclamation aligns with this year’s international theme: “Shared space — creating welcoming communities for birds.” The message is timely. Across North America, bird populations have declined by more than 25% over the past half-century. In cities, hazards like reflective windows, light pollution, and domestic cats continue to put pressure on bird populations—many of which rely on places like Gatineau during critical stages of migration.

The Club des ornithologues de l’Outaouais plans to launch a public consultation, inviting residents to help select an official emblematic bird for Gatineau—one more step in building a city that protects both its birds and the people who cherish them.