FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, February 21, 2020

Markham, ON – Today, the Friends of Swan Lake Park, a group of Markham residents committed to saving Swan Lake and Swan Lake Park, announced the official launch of its new website www.friendsofswanlakepark.ca and its first public meeting on March 9, 2020 to discuss the issues in the Park.

Swan Lake Park, 25 Swan Park Road in Markham, is located north of 16th Avenue, midway between Markham Road and 9th Line. The Park is home to over 90 species of birds and mammals. Swan Lake is dying, most fish have died, and plants cannot survive in the murky water. The Lake contains bacteria that can be harmful to animals and humans and seven invasive plant species are overtaking the Park.

Fred Peters, spokesperson for Friends of Swan Lake Park, says the group is working with Markham and other government agencies to develop a sustainable plan that addresses all essential elements within Swan Lake Park.

The Mission of the Friends of Swan Lake Park is to encourage Markham, in its role as Steward of Swan Lake Park, to immediately address the poor water quality issues in Swan Lake, to establish a comprehensive Environmental Plan for the Lake and Park that addresses all environmental issues and to establish a Stewardship Policy for the Lake and Park that includes a sustainable Restoration Program and a monitoring framework that will trigger timely remedial responses in the future.

Friends of Swan Lake Park are endeavouring to raise $5,000 through GoFundMe to support its activities, including a planned 50th Anniversary Celebration of Earth Day on Saturday April 18th in Swan Lake Park. Contributions can be made at www.gofundme.com/f/help-save-swan-lake-park

The group is hosting its first public meeting on March 9th from 7:00 – 8:30 pm at the Swan Club, 100 Lakeside Vista Way, Markham in Swan Lake Village. The meeting is titled “Back-to-the-Future” to emphasize the need to restore the Lake and Park to their original health. Brenda Librecz, Markham Commissioner of Community and Fire Services and other Markham elected representatives will be in attendance. Former broadcaster Lloyd Robertson will serve as Moderator.

Seating for the March 9th meeting is limited so those interested in attending are asked to preregister by sending an email to events@friendsofswanlakepark.ca.

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For more information contact:
Fred Peters – (416) 460-7090 contact@friendsofswanlakepark.ca
Website: www.friendsofswanlakepark.ca