HELP SAVE SWAN LAKE PARK

WELCOME!

Over 30 years, Swan Lake Park has evolved from an inactive, obscure gravel pit to the centre piece of the thriving Greensborough community.

Described by ecologists as a “constructed wetland”, Swan Lake Park is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, but this wildlife is threatened by the increasing urbanization of the area and the poor water conditions in Swan Lake.

The Friends of Swan Lake Park (“FOSLP”) is focused on the development of a sustainable environmental program for Swan Lake and Swan Lake Park.

Three Critical Issues

FOSLP is focused on three critical issues related to the rehabilitation Swan Lake and preserving the biodiversity of Swan Lake Park.

1. Having Markham recognize the ecological significance of Swan Lake and Swan Lake Park by:
   1. Designating Swan Lake and Swan Lake Park as Natural Heritage Network Lands giving the park the same environmental protection status as Milne Dam Conservation Park and Toogood Pond Park.
   2. Designating Swan Lake Park as a “City-wide Special Purpose Park” and recognizing the need for investments to support its critical role in the community.
2. Developing stewardship programs to preserve and sustain the biodiversity of Swan Lake Park while minimizing the impact of the increasing urbanization on the wildlife in the park.
3. Sustaining a comprehensive water quality program that addresses all of the issues in Swan Lake and reduces Swan Lake’s stormwater management role.

You can help by becoming a “Steward” of Swan Lake Park – help maintain the plants in the park and protect our turtles.

Learn more about these critical programs

• Read about FOSLP’s Stewardship Activities
• Read FOSLP’s Biodiversity Report (June 2025)
• Read FOSLP’s Submission to Reclassify Swan Lake and Swan Lake Park (June 2025)
• Swan Lake’s Phase 2 Water Quality Program
• Read about Markham’s recognition of FOSLP’s community efforts

Thank you to Our Financial Contributors and Volunteers

Over the past two years, FOSLP was fortunate in raising $40,000: a $25,000 grant from Hydro One and $15,000 from our corporate sponsors UA Local 46 – Plumbers and Fitters, CaTech, Walker Parker Real Estate and Amica Swan Lake.. These funds enabled us to hire aquatic biologists from R.J. Burnside and Associates (“Burnside”) and Natural Resource Solutions Inc. (“NRSI”) to provide their objective professional perspective for the development of the Phase 2 water quality plan. In 2026, FOSLP received a $2,000 grant from Park People to support our summer community park events.

Two Ways You Can Help

We are always looking for volunteers to support our rehabilitation efforts. If interested in helping to preserve Swan Lake Park, please register at Volunteer – Friends of Swan Lake Park

It takes $3,000 – $5,000 per year to support our programs. Please help by etransferring funds to treasurerfoslp@gmail.com. All donations appreciated.

Thank you to all the volunteers and individual donors that have supported our efforts since inception.

A Bird’s Eye View of Swan Lake Park

Take a drone tour of Swan Lake Park courtesy of Thomas Yee   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSIHpgpMz44