City of Hamilton is preparing to re-home birds located at the Aviary

HAMILTON, ON – The City of Hamilton is preparing to find new homes for all birds currently residing in Hamilton’s Aviary. Located at Churchill Park in Westdale, the Aviary is presently home to 65 birds, but has been “closed” for many years – meaning no new birds are accepted and no birds are bred there.

The building housing the birds has now reached a state of decline where minor repairs can no longer meet the standards required to keep the birds healthy and safe. OSPCA Orders recently issued to the City address the poor living arrangements and require action.

Historically, The Aviary has been maintained by a volunteer group known as the Friends of the Aviary. On October 16, 2017, a group of volunteers presented to the Public Works Committee and asked for some time to look for potential options to deal with the issues at the Aviary. The group has been given time to develop a plan on how they propose to move forward and be formally recognized as a volunteer organization in the future. Given the facility requires significant repairs that likely should not be completed with the birds remaining in the building, the City’s Animal Services section – in consultation with a veterinarian – is preparing to find new homes for all birds, if necessary.

Residents interested in supporting the Aviary should connect with the Friends of the Aviary group.

“I love birds, and I’ve enjoyed visiting the Hamilton Aviary with my family for many years. Right now, I’m concerned about the safety and future health of the birds because their current home does not meet their needs. In light of the OSPCA orders and the birds’ need for a healthy life, we need to take steps for the birds’ protection.” - Ward 1 Councillor Aidan Johnson, City of Hamilton, City Council Representative on the Hamilton-Burlington SPCA Board

Quick facts

• The Aviary is located in a converted house within Churchill Park. The move to this location was made 21 years ago and it was always intended to be a temporary home for the birds.
• A new Aviary building was considered as part of the Gage Park Master Plan, however funding for the building was not approved.
• The converted house has received basic maintenance over the years but has reached a point where such repairs are frequent, costly, and insufficient to address the overall decline of the structure and mice infestation.
• The City has consulted with the OSPCA regarding how best to respect the health and welfare of the birds during a transition out of the Aviary, and has been advised on where to seek further information if/when the re-homing plan is initiated.