Dear Honoured Donor,

I have long owed you a personal thanks for your generous donation and an update on the PIBO Bird Centre Project. As you know, Pelee Island is a crucial pinch-point for bird migration during spring and fall, and the banding data we provide to the North American migration monitoring network helps us determine which species are in danger. This new Bird Centre will be a game-changer for PIBO. It will provide housing for our hardworking research staff, volunteers, and potential partners – housing that will not have black mould and snakes in the bathroom, as our previous building did. It will also contain a much-needed space for public education and outreach. Thanks to your support, this Pelee Island Bird Observatory Centre is no longer a dream but a fast-approaching reality.

We have the building – which started life as a 1928 liquor store – and have done the work preparatory to the full renovation. We have the design, we have Glos Architecture and Engineering onboard, but we needed to wait for the building p

ermit. And wait. And wait. And wait. For five months we were left hanging, awaiting approvals that always seemed just around the corner.

At last, the permit has come through, complete with the necessary septic system specifications. With this challenge behind us, we can now forge ahead: issuing tenders, selecting contractors, and finalizing the renovation budget. We couldn’t have reached this stage without your generosity and your belief in this project. I’m also delighted to report that we’ve raised about two-thirds of the funds required, and have enough on hand to start full construction this spring—just as soon as the ferry is back in action.

To keep you connected with our progress, we’ll continue to provide updates. On behalf of the PIBO Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers, I wish you a joyful holiday season.

Happy Holidays! 
With warm regards,

Margaret Atwood
Honourary Chair, Pelee Island Bird Observatory