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Ontario Assembly Bill

Ontario Bill 145

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
October 31, 2023
Bird-Safe Windows Act, 2023
  • This is a law called Bill 145, which is about making changes to the Building Code Act in Ontario. The law is specifically about making windows safer for birds. It adds a new subsection to the Building Code Act that includes a standard for bird-friendly building design. The law will come into effect once it receives Royal Assent and is called the Bird-Safe Windows Act of 2023.
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SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • A steelman argument in favor of Bill 145 2023, also known as the Bird-Safe Windows Act, can be made as follows: Bird collisions with windows are a significant issue that poses a threat to bird populations. By amending the Building Code Act, 1992 to include the Canadian Standards Association Bird-Friendly Building Design Standard A460, this Act aims to address this problem by promoting the use of bird-safe windows in buildings. The inclusion of this standard in the Building Code Act will ensure that new buildings and renovations in Ontario adhere to bird-friendly design principles. This will require the use of materials and design features that help prevent bird collisions, such as patterned glass, window films, or external markers that make windows more visible to birds. By implementing bird-safe windows, this Act can help reduce bird mortality rates caused by collisions with buildings. This is particularly important during migration seasons when birds are more likely to collide with windows due to their increased activity and unfamiliarity with urban environments. Furthermore, the Bird-Safe Windows Act can contribute to the conservation of bird species and the overall biodiversity of Ontario. Birds play a crucial role in ecosystems, including pollination, seed dispersal, and insect control. By reducing bird collisions, this Act can help maintain healthy bird populations and preserve the ecological balance. In addition to the environmental benefits, the implementation of bird-safe windows can also have economic advantages. By preventing bird collisions, property owners can avoid potential damage to windows and costly repairs. Moreover, bird-friendly buildings can enhance the aesthetic appeal and market value of properties, attracting environmentally conscious tenants or buyers. Overall, the Bird-Safe Windows Act is a proactive measure that addresses a pressing environmental issue while promoting sustainable building practices. By incorporating bird-friendly design standards into the Building Code Act, Ontario can take a significant step towards protecting bird populations, preserving biodiversity, and promoting responsible urban development.

SteelmanSpren Against

  • Steelman Argument Opposing Bill 145 2023: While the intention behind Bill 145 2023, also known as the Bird-Safe Windows Act, may seem noble, it is important to consider the potential negative consequences and the infringement on individual property rights that this legislation may bring. Here are some right-wing anti-government talking points to consider: 1. Government Overreach: This bill represents yet another example of unnecessary government intervention in the private sector. By mandating the inclusion of the Canadian Standards Association Bird-Friendly Building Design Standard A460 in the Building Code Act, the government is imposing its own preferences and standards on property owners, limiting their freedom to make their own choices. 2. Burden on Property Owners: Requiring property owners to comply with specific bird-friendly window designs can be burdensome and costly. It may force property owners to invest in expensive modifications or replacements, which could be particularly challenging for small businesses or individuals with limited financial resources. 3. Lack of Scientific Consensus: The scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of bird-friendly window designs in reducing bird collisions is not conclusive. While it is important to protect wildlife, it is equally important to base policy decisions on sound scientific research. Without a clear consensus, it is premature for the government to mandate specific design standards. 4. Market Solutions: Instead of relying on government regulations, the market should be allowed to find innovative solutions to address bird collisions. By imposing a one-size-fits-all approach, the government stifles competition and inhibits the development of alternative, potentially more effective, and cost-efficient solutions. 5. Individual Responsibility: Property owners should have the freedom to decide how to design and maintain their buildings, including the choice of windows. It is the responsibility of individuals to balance their desire for aesthetics and functionality with the potential impact on wildlife. Mandating bird-safe windows undermines personal responsibility and shifts it onto the government. In conclusion, while the goal of protecting birds from collisions is important, Bill 145 2023 represents an unnecessary government intervention that infringes on property rights and limits individual freedom. Instead, the government should encourage voluntary initiatives, promote scientific research, and allow the market to find the most effective and efficient solutions to address this issue.

Assembly Debates

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
October 31, 2023