SWAN LAKE PARK WILDLIFE
Preserving the Biodiversity of Swan Lake Park
Swan Lake Park is one of the most biodiverse areas in Markham, but it is under stress from the increasing urbanization of the area. The challenge is to preserve the biodiversity while accommodating the increase in visitors to the park.
Markham is in the process of approving the Mt. Joy redevelopment plan along Markham Road, which will include several large condo complexes housing over 25,000 new residents. The increased population is expected to add to the number of visitors to Swan Lake Park.
Milne Dam Conservation Park and Toogood Pond Park, the only other parks in Markham containing large bodies of water, are classified by Markham as Natural Heritage Lands. As such, greater financial resources are available for their care than for Swan Lake Park which is classified as a “Community Park” within “Other Greenway Lands”.
Natural Heritage status is given to areas that contain natural features and serve as corridors for natural migration. Most of Swan Lake Park is categorized as “Natural Spaces, Wildlife Places”, meaning no mowing or spraying and “letting nature do its thing”.
Swan Lake Park is approximately 14 hectares in size. At 5.4 hectares, Swan Lake is the second largest of the three major water bodies in Markham.
|
Size of Park |
Size of Water Body |
Bird Species |
|
| Milne Dam Conservation Park | 123 ha | 21 ha | 190 |
| Swan Lake Park | 14 ha | 5.4 ha | 179 |
| Toogood Pond Park | 33 ha | 3.0 ha | 130 |
Though one of the smaller parks in Markham, Swan Lake Park has the fourth largest number of bird species reported in 12 areas within Markham based on reported sightings on ebird.org on May 25, 2025.
Ebird.org is a website where bird watchers can record their sightings. It is supported by Cornell University in New York State and by Birds Canada.
In June 2025, 313 area residents responded to a Friends of Swan Lake Park’s (“FOSLP”) questionnaire about their views on the status of Swan Lake Park. They were asked about their concerns, if any, on the impact of increased urbanization on the biodiversity of Swan Lake Park. The community response to FOSLP’s questionnaire:
- 93% indicated they are concerned about the loss of birds and biodiversity
- 95% believe Markham should be doing more to preserve the bird and wildlife habitat
Our Recommended Actions to Support Biodiversity Throughout Markham
- Develop an integrated Natural Asset strategy that reflects the interconnected terrestrial, water and human elements
- Develop an expanded Citizen Engagement model for use throughout the city by:
- leveraging the activities of the Swan Lake Citizen Science Lab
- endorsing Swan Lake Park as a pilot project for an invasive species management program comparable to the Toronto Nature Stewards’ program
- Adopt action plans to preserve bird populations outlined in the State of the Birds report
- Undertake to have Markham recognized as the next “Bird Friendly” city
Our Recommended Actions for Swan Lake and Swan Lake Park
- Designate Swan Lake and Swan Lake Park as Natural Heritage Assets
- Extend the naturalized areas in Swan Lake Park
- Develop a nesting support program for the wildlife within the park
- Engage environmental consultants to develop recommendations for a program to stabilize and enhance the habitat for all wildlife species.
- Accelerate the aquatic habitat program during the next phase of the water quality program
Support human interaction in the park by approving shoreline enhancements such as recreational nodes and other features such as Forest Therapy trails.