The Park Improvement Survey was completed by 367 residents primarily from the Greensborough area in early March 2021.
The respondents stated their appreciation for proximity to a naturalized site and provided perspective on a number of topics including their vision for additional park amenities. There are numerous detailed comments and a variety of community perspectives outlined in the report but there were three dominant themes:
- Residents endorse Markham’s current designation of Swan Lake Park as a “Natural Spaces, Wildlife Places” park. The park is a cherished nature preserve within a very active urban centre with 86% citing their enjoyment of walking the pathways to enjoy a few moments with nature. Local bird watchers have recorded 139 different species in Swan Lake Park. This compares to 153 at the much larger Milne Conservation area and 116 at Toogood Pond. 91% of respondents would like to see programs that support the habitat for aquatic and land based wildlife.
- Swan Lake is dying, many fish have died, and plants cannot survive in the salty, murky water. The lake contains bacteria that can be harmful to animals and humans. Only 9% of the respondents supported Markham staff’s interim objective of maintaining the current poor hypereutrophic level of water quality while just 16% supported their 2020 recommended long term objective of a slightly improved eutrophic level. 82% supported the Friends of Swan Lake Park’s recommended but more challenging goal for improved water quality at the mesotrophic level.
- Both the lake and park are in need of restoration. Residents are looking to Council to commit to restoration of the lake and park. 95% supported the estimated $2 million investment in long term sustainable solutions backed by an ongoing Stewardship Plan.
Residents Vote for Restoration Backed By a Long Term Stewardship Plan
Click on the link below to read the full report summarizing Markham residents’ views on the future of Swan Lake and Swan Lake Park. Our thanks to all of the respondents for sharing their views.