News Review Media – February 25, 2020
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 to discuss the issues in the Park.
Swan Lake Park is situated at 25 Swan Park Road in Markham, which is north of 16th Avenue, midway between Markham Road and 9th Line.
The Park, situated at 25 Swan Park Road, 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,” suggests the group.
Fred Peters, a 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.
A number of factors continue to contribute to the poor water quality in Swan Lake. In addition to the fact the lake has no natural circulation – it was created from an old quarry – the lake also has a very high level of phosphorous, caused mostly by waste produced by the high population of geese on the lake.
Controlling the Canada Goose population in Markham has been a challenge across the City, and is not unique to Markham. Some municipalities have implemented a program of culling geese as a means of controlling the goose population. While the practice of culling is effective relative to other measures, it is also controversial and often met with strong opposition from some conservation and animal rights groups.
