Gatineau loves birds; it is the 41^st city to be named bird-friendly

Jude Osmond

Nature Canada has officially certified Gatineau as a bird-friendly city. A press conference was held on May 7 to announce the certification.

This is Canada's 41st city to be recognized as bird-friendly, and the most recent addition to the group. Nature Canada brought a map showing the bird-friendly cities and the birds that represent them. During the spring season last year, more than 4,000 people voted to name the bird that would represent Gatineau and the one chosen was the Woodpecker.

The Woodpecker was deemed a very important bird for the city because it is present year-round and plays a big part in biodiversity.

Julie Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature, and Mayor Maude Marquis-Bissonnette both stated that this was an honour for the city's outdoor spaces and wildlife, and that they would continue to work together.

According to Nature Canada’s website, one of the core reasons the department launched the Bird-Friendly City initiative was because bird populations had declined by more than 25 per cent over the last 50 years. In 2019, they began recognizing cities that keep urban areas safer and healthier for birds.

Gatineau was recognized as one of the cities that consistently educate the public about birds, hosting events such as the Christmas Bird Watch, World Migratory Bird Day, and more.