In April 2022, Markham staff outlined a proposed plan to redesign Swan Lake’s shoreline that will substantially improve Swan Lake Park and provide some important environmental benefits.
The design goals of the project, undertaken by staff from the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, includes reducing the appeal of the park area as a nesting habitat for geese, the removal of the invasive phragmites reeds and to open and improve accessibility to the lake for residents. Next stage is for Markham staff to develop a formal project plan and to obtain Council’s approval and funding for the 3–5 year project.
The Friends of Swan Lake are supportive of the proposed plan but are seeking better viewing and water access along the western shoreline. We have requested:
- That planned viewing nodes incorporate benches whenever possible and sources of shade.
- That a new viewing area, such as a gazebo or deck be added along the western shoreline
- That an additional recreation node be added along the south-western shoreline
- That more benches be added along the pathways along the western and southern shorelines
- That construction incorporates the rerouting of the existing stormwater flows from the Amica property, into the shoreline project to minimize disruption on the Amica property.
The following chart illustrates the scope of the current project and the areas proposed changes.
Specific proposals include:
E1: Children’s Playground
There is an existing viewing node near the children’s playground area with benches. This overlooks the outlet from the North Channel and what is to be become wetlands under the TRCA project. Viewing is obstructed by a large tree and other brush so as a minimum this area would require some clearing to restore its usefulness. It is also a potential area for an extended viewing platform or gazebo.
E2: Near Butterfly Patio.
The original concept of the butterfly patio was that it would serve as a gathering spot and shelter within that section of the park but that has not materialized.
The area near the butterfly patio on the south-west corner provides an excellent viewing opportunity for the entire southern end of the lake to the residents of Williamson Road. The shoreline is elevated in this area so some structural support would be required but the addition of a gazebo or viewing platform would open the western shoreline for area residents.
R: Near Townhomes
There is a natural decline down to the water’s edge along the pathway near the townhomes on the south-west corner of the park and near the park entrance from the townhomes. Work would be required to turn this into a safe pathway, but it would serve as a possible location for either a water level viewing dock comparable to the existing dock or a recreational node as per the TRCA designs.