| PRESS RELEASE |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
$25,000 Hydro One grant provides critical support for the rehabilitation of Swan Lake and Swan Lake Park
Markham, September 2, 2025 – A $25,000 grant from Hydro One’s 2025 Energizing Life Community Fund will enable the Friends of Swan Lake Park (FOSLP) to engage senior environmental experts to identify the best path forward for the rehabilitation of Swan Lake and Swan Lake Park.
“Swan Lake Park is an environmental oasis in the midst of an intensifying urban center, and we are very grateful to Hydro One for supporting our efforts to sustain this ecologically diverse centerpiece in Markham,” said Fred Peters, Chair of Friends of Swan Lake Park.
Swan Lake Park, a municipal park in Markham, Ontario, is one of the most biodiverse areas in Markham.
Founded in 2019, FOSLP has focused its efforts on two interrelated rehabilitation projects:
- Swan Lake Water Quality Plan
In 2026, the City of Markham will undertake a review of the initial five-years of the water quality rehabilitation plan and establish goals and tasks for the next five years. The Hydro One grant will be used by FOSLP to engage aquatic biologists and other experts to assess the current aquatic habitat and provide guidance on the best options for a sustainable aquatic environment for Swan Lake.
- Park Habitat Rehabilitation Project
FOSLP recently released its report “Preserving the Biodiversity of Swan Lake Park” which details the bird, wildlife and plant species found in the park. The next step is to develop a strategy to preserve the existing species that are threatened by the increasing urbanization of the area.
“It’s inspiring to see the Friends of Swan Lake Park improve people’s well-being by fostering meaningful connections and providing essential resources,” said Bronwen Evans, Vice President, Sustainability, Communications and Marketing, Hydro One. “Our 2025 recipients are powerful agents of local change, and we are excited to partner with them through our Energizing Life Community Fund. Congratulations to the Friends of Swan Lake Park and thank you for your dedication to building a better and brighter future.”
In 2024, FOSLP identified the need to raise $60,000 to hire professional advisers to support the water quality review and provide guidance on the rehabilitation of the habitat in the park. The $25,000 grant from the Energizing Life Community Fund, combined with the $15,000 raised from other major contributors, enables FOSLP to engage professional advisers to advance both projects. FOSLP will continue to pursue other funding sources to ensure it has sufficient funds to secure professional guidance in 2026 to support the goal of preserving the species at risk.
Thank you, Hydro One for your support.
For more information contact:
Fred Peters 416-460-7090 or contact@friendsofswanlakepark.ca
More information on the Friends of Swan Lake Park and their activities is available at www.friendsofswanlakepark.ca