Chimney swifts, a vanishing bird species that historically inhabited hollow old-growth trees, have adapted to urban environments by nesting in chimneys after the deforestation of their natural habitats. However, a new challenge has emerged for these birds as many chimneys are now being sealed, demolished, or retrofitted with materials that are unsuitable for the swifts due to modern heating technologies and regulations.
Efforts to protect chimney swifts are conflicting with initiatives to address the housing shortage for humans in some regions. Municipal councils in Leamington, Ont., and Toronto-based affordable housing provider WoodGreen have encountered this dilemma as they faced higher costs and complexities in their housing projects due to the presence of nesting swifts.
In Leamington, a plan to demolish a school for affordable housing was stalled because the school’s chimney served as a nesting site for swifts, necessitating a $640,000 budget to construct a new habitat for the birds. While some questioned the expenses involved, conservationists argue that finding innovative solutions benefits both the birds and the community.
Chimney swifts, known for their unique high-pitched calls while hunting insects, have experienced a drastic population decline of 90% since the 1970s, mainly due to insect scarcity and habitat loss. These birds are protected under species-at-risk laws, requiring property owners to secure permits before altering chimneys where swifts nest.
WoodGreen, faced with swifts nesting in a century-old church in Toronto, incorporated their habitat needs into a redevelopment project for affordable senior housing. By restoring and uncapping a deteriorating chimney on the property, WoodGreen not only provided a new habitat for the birds but also demonstrated a harmonious coexistence between wildlife conservation and human needs.
The challenges encountered by Leamington and WoodGreen underscore the importance of balancing biodiversity conservation with housing demands. While funding uncertainties persist for bird habitat restoration programs, the shared benefits of protecting species like chimney swifts, which contribute to pest control and urban biodiversity, highlight the need for collaborative solutions to address both environmental and housing crises.