Good news! Markham Council and city staff have initiated a program to address the comprehensive needs of both Swan Lake and Swan lake Park.
You may have noticed a number of changes in the Park over the summer including the planting of 32 new trees near the windmill and the installation of “toxic algae” warnings around lake. We hope to get the fountain back once the water quality has improved.
Planning is underway on stabilizing water quality in the Lake, on implementing an enhanced goose management program and a number of efforts to “refresh” the environmental elements in the Park.
Markham has engaged the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (“TRCA”) to assist in a review that will address invasive species in the Park and possibly shoreline redesign that, while limiting Canada Geese access, will reopen overgrown viewing areas. The enhancement efforts are expected to take several years to complete.
Plans call for a dedicated pathway way along the Amica shoreline which will provide for a safe passageway around the lake. Several areas near the roundabout are in need of repair and the Friends of Swan Lake Park have asked the city to look for ways to improve the safety and accessibility at the roundabout in concert with the expected repair work.
Water Quality Improvement Program
The core challenge to restoring Swan Lake and Swan Lake Park is to improve and stabilize water quality. The dark green water and algae blooms on the surface are due to an excessive amount of phosphorus in the water. As part of a planned $200,000 program, sediments at the bottom of the lake will be tested in the fall of 2020 to help calculate the amount of the Phoslock required to eliminate the current phosphorus in the lake by a Phoslock application in early spring 2021.
The Friends of Swan Lake Park is encouraging staff to find ways to improve oxygen levels in the lake in support of both a robust aquatic life and a balanced fish management program.
In February 2021, Council is expected to approve a long term phosphorus management plan. Decisions on oxygen levels and fish management will likely require more time.
For Details on the Enhanced Goose Management Program Proposed for Swan Lake Click Here.