Toronto Launches “Lights Out Toronto” Campaign to Protect Migratory Birds This Spring

Toronto — As millions of birds pass through Toronto during their spring migration, the City has officially launched its annual “Lights Out Toronto” campaign to reduce bird fatalities caused by building collisions.

Running from April 1 to May 31, the campaign urges residents and businesses to dim the city skyline by turning off non-essential nighttime lighting in both residential and commercial buildings. The initiative, which will run again during fall migration (September 1 to October 31), is a critical part of Toronto’s broader strategy to protect migratory bird species whose routes cut across urban centres like the GTA.

Each year, an estimated 25 million birds die across Canada due to collisions with windows—many of which occur in metropolitan areas like Toronto, where tall, glass-covered buildings and bright lights confuse migrating birds flying at night.

Twice a year, in the fall and spring, migratory birds cross through Toronto. They are prone to colliding with buildings as they navigate through urban environments, often drawn by city lights, leading to fatal collisions.
Do your part to save the birds: https://t.co/CFZTRvT6R7 pic.twitter.com/jZOOmBE4D8

— City of Toronto 🇨🇦 (@cityoftoronto) April 15, 2025

“By turning off lights that aren’t required for safety or security, Toronto can lead the way in creating safer skies for migratory birds,” the City stated in the release.

Residents and businesses are encouraged to:

• Turn off interior lighting at night, especially on upper floors

• Use blinds or curtains if lights must remain on

• Switch off exterior decorative lighting, pot lights, and flood lights

• Reduce atrium lighting and avoid strobe lighting

• Install motion sensors and automatic lighting controls where possible

Toronto was North America’s first city to implement bird-protection standards in building design. Policies like bird-friendly glass and lighting strategies are now part of the City’s commitment to sustainable urban development and biodiversity protection.

More information and tips on how to help birds during migration are available on the City’s website:
🔗 Lights Out: Protecting Migratory Birds
🔗 Birds of Toronto Biodiversity Guide

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