Fred Peters, representing Friends of Swan Lake Park (FOSLP), provided a presentation on the proposed rehabilitation objectives and measures for Swan Lake and Swan Lake Park. Mr. Peters indicated that FOSLP is aiming to raise $60,000 to hire a consultant for a technical study by raising $15,000 from residents and corporations, $30,000 from the Lions Club, and requested that the City contribute $15,000 to this fundraising goal.
Ali Asgary and Satinder Brar, York University, presented on the Swan Lake Citizen Science Lab and the Centre International de Formation des Autorites / Acteurs Locaux (CIFAL). A drone program was proposed to collect visual inspections of the lake, which could be interpreted using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and produce water quality reports and story maps. No funding was requested from the City; however, it was indicated that York could use space in a community center.
Peter Miller, deputant, resident of Amica Swan Lake, expressed support for improvements of the trail system surrounding Swan Lake to ensure opportunity for use from members of the public, including those with disabilities. Mr. Miller expressed support for the proposals of Friends of Swan Lake Park and the work being proposed by York University.
William Dewberry, deputant, and past president of the Markham Lion's Club, outlined the work done by the Markham Lion's Club with respect to Swan Lake Park. Mr. Dewberry suggested that there may be additional funding available from Lion's Club International to go toward enhancing Swan Lake and improvement of the water quality.
Pamela Nitert, representing Amica Swan Lake, expressed support and endorsement for the proposal by Friends of Swan Lake Park, reiterating the importance of accessibility and the recreational nodes to ensure full enjoyment of the area by members of the public and residents of Amica Swan Lake. Ms. Nitert advised that Amica Swan Lake is working with Friends of Swan Lake Park to understand what they can do to assist with further fundraising. Emily Hess, General Manager of AMICA Swan Lake, expressed appreciation for the water quality improvement at Swan Lake since 2016.
The Sub-Committee provided the following feedback:
- Sought clarification on the pH levels indicated of 8.4 to 9.3, asking if this is within normal range. Dr. Tammy Karst-Riddoch noted that a pH of 7 is considered neutral, which would not be expected for natural freshwater systems. Dr. Karst-Riddoch explained that Swan Lake has a higher pH as a result of algae, which has improved after chemical treatments were undertaken to reduce algae. Questions about color and Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) were discussed. DOC in water is not harmful, and color is not a measure of water quality degradation. It is being measured to identify trends.
- Asked if extensive testing needs to continue on the lake given the improvements in water quality. Dr. Karst-Riddoch explained that maintenance of water quality is important for sustainability long term, noting that the City would undertake a review of the lake management plan for Swan Lake next year to evaluate what efforts could be more staggered and what should be continued on a regular basis. Dr. Karst-Riddoch also indicated that as a shallow urban lake, Swan Lake will always need some level of maintenance.
- Sought clarification from Friends of Swan Lake Park on the requested $15,000, given the City's existing commitment and investment into the project. Mr. Peters explained that additional funding from the City could assist Friends of Swan Lake Park in retaining technical support needed for their work going forward, with additional funding which may be contributed by the Lion's Club. The Sub-Committee indicated that the City is investing in technical studies, and there are other ways for collaboration with residents.
- Asked about the costing of lookouts surrounding the lake. David Plant, Senior Manager, Parks, Horticulture & Forestry, advised that Staff have engaged the TRCA with respect to shoreline improvements, noting that Staff have not recommended adopting viewing nodes at this time due to cost and with consideration for City-wide equity. Mr. Plant explained that two viewing nodes would have an estimated cost of $600,000 to $700,000 and that Operations has taken the position that the City instead pursue shoreline goose exclusion fencing which is related to water quality improvement and has received Council approval.
- The Chair indicated that he would like to have a public meeting in the next three months to allow for further discussions of FOSLP’s ideas, and to have feedback from staff.
The Sub-Committee thanked Friends of Swan Lake Park for their work over the years and thanked York University for the presentation of the CIFAL proposal.