Lights Out Toronto: Protecting Migratory Birds

Birds play a crucial role in our ecosystem. But did you know that window collisions kill 16 to 42 million birds annually in Canada? Let’s make our city a safer place for them! 

During spring and fall, night-migrating birds are drawn into urban areas by city lights and often fatally collide with buildings. Businesses and residents are encouraged to turn off unnecessary lights during bird migration seasons (April to May and September to October) so we help ensure safe navigation for birds migrating through our city. 

Residents and businesses are encouraged to:  

  • Turn off exterior decorative lighting, pot lights and flood lights when not in use.   
  • Use Dark Sky compliant exterior lighting that is directed downward and that avoids light trespass beyond the necessary area.   
  • Turn off interior lighting at night when not in use.   
  • Close window coverings at night if lights must be kept on.   
  • Install automatic motion sensors and controls on lighting wherever possible.   
  • Learn how to use window treatments to make glass visible to birds.  

Learn more on the City’s Lights Out Toronto: Protecting Migratory Birds webpage. 

Latest posts

More than 130 residents participated in community safety meetings hosted by my office and Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) this spring in St. James Town and Moss Park. The meetings brought together residents, TCHC staff, Toronto Police Service, the City's Violence Intervention and Support Unit, Fred Victor, and Unison Health and Community Services to discuss local safety concerns and identify solutions.

Share this post

Take action

Sign up for Updates
Invite Me To Your Event
Priorities
Sign up to Volunteer