Thousands of migratory birds make stopovers every spring and summer at the Toronto Islands as they travel throughout the continent. Now, one Toronto group wants the islands to become a full-fledged sanctuary.

The Toronto Field Naturalists is pushing for an official “Bird Sanctuary” designation for one of the city’s main summer destinations.

They’re counting on community support to gain the backing of city council, though the title is bestowed by Environment and Climate Change Canada under the Migratory Birds Convention Act.

“Other places that have received this designation tend to be isolated,” said Anne Purvis, a longtime Toronto birder and board member of the group. “Toronto Islands is in a unique position to add an extra layer of protection against any damage on the natural habitat for these birds.”

The group is collecting signatures through an online petition, and its members will go before the city’s Parks and Environment Committee this Thursday. Councillor Joe Cressy is tabling a motion to support their request.

The official designation would better protect the birds and their habitat. Stricter regulations prohibit the theft, harm or destruction of the birds’ nests or eggs, backed up with fines under the Migratory Birds Act. Closer management of the area means improvements to infrastructure such as signage to limit damage.

There are more than 90 migratory bird sanctuaries across Canada, with only nine in Ontario and none in the Toronto area. The most recent is on Eleanor Island, a small rocky area in Lake Muskoka, which was designated in 1971.

Purvis said some of the most popular migratory birds such as hummingbirds, songbirds and birds of prey travel to Central and South America during winter months and return in summer for their mating season. That’s when they need extra protection as they “fatten up and refuel” for the next trip, she said.

“There are some areas on the Toronto Islands that have become degraded over time as habitat,” she said. “What we’re hoping is that the designation will focus the attention of local environmental groups on fixing that habitat and keeping an eye on it.”

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Correction – January 18, 2018: This article was edited from a previous version that mistakenly said the Ontario Ministry of Environment and Climate Change is in charge of the Migratory Birds Act.