Etobicoke Creek Wetlands Enhancement Project

Project Overview

The City of Brampton, in collaboration with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, is improving wetland habitat and connectivity along Etobicoke Creek from Conservation Drive Park to Loafers Lake Park. Funding for this project is provided in part by the Government of Ontario's Wetland Conservation Partnership Program.

The Etobicoke Creek Wetlands Enhancement Project will add new features at Loafers Lake including improved shoreline and wetland habitat, viewing platforms, a bio-swale and trail realignment. Planting of native tree species and new grading to improve water retention will also be undertaken throughout the project area.

Protecting, enhancing, and restoring wetlands is a part of the City's Natural Heritage and Environmental Management Strategy (NHEMS). Wetlands are vital ecosystems that provide essential services offering flood control, water filtration, and habitat for wildlife. In June 2021, Brampton City Council endorsed the Brampton Lake Enhancement Strategy, a recommendation plan to revitalize Brampton's lakes, including the iconic Loafers Lake, into premier citywide destinations with rich recreational and environmental opportunities.

Project Objectives

Enhance wetland ecosystems
Improve water quality and aquatic and shoreline habitat at Loafers Lake
Fight climate change and reduce flood risk
Increase community awareness of wetlands
Provide stewardship opportunities

Project Timeline

March 2024 - December 2024

March: Open house, permitting & approvals, detailed design
April: Detailed design, closure of Loafers Lake, construction mobilization
May-September: Construction, restoration planting
Fall: Construction demobilization, project unveil
Winter: Project complete

Closure of Loafers Lake

Loafers Lake and the portion of the Etobicoke Creek Trail wrapping around the lake will be partially closed during construction starting the first week of April 2024. Closure of the lake is required to stage and operate large construction equipment. See below for the closure map.
Paul Palleschi Recreation Centre and its main parking lot, splash pad and rotary garden will remain open during the project.
Access to Loafers Lake Park from the Paul Palleschi Recreation Centre will be partially open through the existing pedestrian trail.
The sports field and playground at Loafers Lake Park will remain open during the project.

Access & Detour Maps

Showing a Map of Wetland Conservation Partner Program: Brampton Partner Location. This map shows Conservation Drive Park and Loafers Lake Park as part of the program. Also included are legends showing the project boundary, Proposed Wetland Enhancement Areas, and Community Planting Projects.

Project Activities

Tree Removals, Protections and Plantings
Select trees surrounding the shoreline of Loafers Lake will be removed to accommodate restoration works (construction activities). Trees deemed in poor health, deceased, invasive or growing out of the gabion baskets will be removed.
Invasive species like Buckthorn and Norway Maple will be removed along the shoreline.
All trees that can be protected from construction works will be in accordance to City standards
The majority of trees removed within the project area will be repurposed and incorporated into wildlife habitat (e.g. turtle basking logs).
Over 6,700 plants (trees, shrubs and aquatics) will be planted through the 4 project areas.
Loafers Lake
- Grading around the Lake perimeter to improve wetland vegetation and habitat, and remove failing infrastructure such as gabion baskets
- Invasive species management and native species planting
- Installation of wetland habitat features (basking logs and nesting areas.)
- Replacement of the existing water control structure
- Installation of post and paddle fencing to protect sensitive riparian areas, viewing platforms and seating, and a bioswale draining into wetland
- North-shore trail re-alignment to protect the shoreline and installation of 1 eco-passage under the trail re-alignment
- Installation of educational signage around lake.
Loafers Lake Park
- Grading to improve wetland storage vegetation and habitat
- Removal of invasive species and replanting with native species
- Installation of wetland structural habitat features
Conservation Drive Park
- Grading to improve wetland storage vegetation and habitat
- Removal of invasive species and replanting with native species
- Installation of wetland structural habitat features
- Berm repairs at previously restored wetland to improve storage capacity and resiliency
- Community planting event to add tree and shrub cover to the riparian edge of a wetland

Community Engagement & Education

This project serves as a key opportunity to engage and educate the community about the importance of wetland ecology and the crucial role local habitats play in urban environments.

Let's Talk Wetland Habitat - Open House Series

On March 13th, 20th, and 21st, City staff held an open house at the Paul Palleschi Recreation Centre. Over 100 attendees had the opportunity to learn about wetlands and the project activities planned for 2024.

Open House Presentation Slides (Large file)
Open House Presentation Slides (without concepts)
Loafers Lake Design Concept
Loafers Lake Park Restoration Plan
Conservation Dr. Park Restoration Plan

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Document Library

What is a Wetland?

Learn about how wetlands work, their benefits, and where they can be found in Brampton.

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Get Involved

Looking to get involved with the Etobicoke Creek Wetlands Enhancement Project or make a difference in Brampton? Check out our available opportunities.