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

Have your say and fill out the Feedback Form.

Document Library

What is a Wetland?

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

Learn More

Get Involved

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

Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this project happening? When will this project be done?
In 2019, Council requested the development of the Lake Enhancement Strategy, which was subsequently passed in 2021. This strategy focuses on improving four key Brampton lakes, including Loafers Lake, to create a harmonious blend of natural and urban elements. Historic issues such as water quality and algae growth have diminished public perception and community engagement around Loafers Lake. It is essential to preserve and enhance the lake's natural features to maintain its unique charm and continue providing benefits to park visitors and the broader community.
To execute the strategy, particularly to enhance the Loafers Lake's shoreline, the City sought funding through the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks Wetland Conservation Partners Program (WCPP). With this funding the City aims to enhance wetland function and improve connectivity within the Etobicoke Creek watershed, specifically targeting Loafers Lake and adjacent wetlands. Adhering to the WCPP's requirements for project completion by December 2024, the City is committed to implementing all proposed activities with support from the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.
How will existing wildlife be protected during this project?
The City, TRCA and the Heart Lake Turtle Troopers are working in partnership to ensure that the existing turle population within the project area is protected from construction activities. The TRCA will be undertaking all construction activities and will utilize its standard protocols for wildlife protection in accordance to all permitting requirements.
To join the Heart Lake Turtle Troopers, click here.
Why is Loafers Lake planned to be closed starting in April 2024?
Loafers Lake is scheduled to be closed to the public starting April 2nd, 2024. There will be a temporary access route available, click here to view the route.
While every effort will be made to maintain access to the lake where feasible, ensuring public safety remains our top concern. Heavy duty construction equipement such as excavators, front end-loaders, rock trucks and dump trucks as well as materials for construction will be staged around the Lake.
This closure is also necessary to meet project timeline requirements from the MECP to be complete by December 2024. Detour routes will be clearly mapped around Loafers Lake Park for visitors. You can find the detour routes available here.
What work is happening at 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.
Why has the water level at Loafers Lake dropped?
The water level at Loafers Lake has been temporarily lowered to facilitate the restoration of the eroding shoreline. This process requires the use of construction equipment to grade the lake's edge and to plant native species. It's important to note that the lake is not being drained; rather, this temporary lowering is necessary to accommodate the restoration work. Once the shoreline has been restored in 2024, the water level will rise again.
Why is the north shoreline trail at Loafers Lake going to be relocated?
Due to erosion and safety concerns, the north shoreline trail must be relocated. The proposed re-alignment minimizes disruption to mature trees, addresses invasive vegetation, and is the most feasible.
Will this project have any impact on the Paul Palleschi Recreation Centre?
This project will have no impact on programming inside the recreation centre. However, part of the southeast parking lot will be closed starting in April 2024. The rotary garden and splash pad remain open year-round.
Will the any other trails within the project area be closed?
Apart from trail wrapping around the perimeter of Loafers Lake, no other trails will be closed. Temporary disruptions may occur during wetland enhancement activities at Conservation Dr. Park and Loafers Lake Park, but these will be brief.
How can I get involved with this project?
- Follow @bramgrowgreen on Instagram and Facebook to view project updates
- Join the Grow Green Network to receive email updates on the project
- Join the Heart Lake Turtle Troopers to support Brampton's turtle population - especially at Loafers Lake Park and Conservation Drive Park
- City staff are planning a tree planting event for this year, check back soon for details.
- View the open house slides and fill out the feedback survey linked on this page.

Snapshots of Nature: Loafers Lake

Heart Lake Turtle Trooper at Loafers Lake

It's a Special Time at Loafers Lake, 2018

View in Web Browser

/EN/residents/GrowGreen/_layouts/15/VisioWebAccess/VisioWebAccess.aspx?listguid={ListId}&itemid={ItemId}&DefaultItemOpen=1

0x0

0x1

FileType

vdw

255

View in Web Browser

/EN/residents/GrowGreen/_layouts/15/VisioWebAccess/VisioWebAccess.aspx?listguid={ListId}&itemid={ItemId}&DefaultItemOpen=1

0x0

0x1

FileType

vsdx

255

View in Web Browser

/EN/residents/GrowGreen/_layouts/15/VisioWebAccess/VisioWebAccess.aspx?listguid={ListId}&itemid={ItemId}&DefaultItemOpen=1

0x0

0x1

FileType

vsdm

255

Compliance Details

javascript:if (typeof CalloutManager !== 'undefined' && Boolean(CalloutManager) && Boolean(CalloutManager.closeAll)) CalloutManager.closeAll(); commonShowModalDialog('{SiteUrl}'+ '/_layouts/15/itemexpiration.aspx' +'?ID={ItemId}&List={ListId}', 'center:1;dialogHeight:500px;dialogWidth:500px;resizable:yes;status:no;location:no;menubar:no;help:no', function GotoPageAfterClose(pageid){if(pageid == 'hold') {STSNavigate(unescape(decodeURI('{SiteUrl}'))+ '/_layouts/15/hold.aspx' +'?ID={ItemId}&List={ListId}'); return false;} if(pageid == 'audit') {STSNavigate(unescape(decodeURI('{SiteUrl}'))+ '/_layouts/15/Reporting.aspx' +'?Category=Auditing&backtype=item&ID={ItemId}&List={ListId}'); return false;} if(pageid == 'config') {STSNavigate(unescape(decodeURI('{SiteUrl}'))+ '/_layouts/15/expirationconfig.aspx' +'?ID={ItemId}&List={ListId}'); return false;} if(pageid == 'tag') {STSNavigate(unescape(decodeURI('{SiteUrl}'))+ '/_layouts/15/Hold.aspx' +'?Tag=true&ID={ItemId}&List={ListId}'); return false;}}, null);

0x0

0x1

ContentType

0x01

898

Edit in Browser

/_layouts/15/images/icxddoc.gif?rev=44

/EN/residents/GrowGreen/_layouts/15/formserver.aspx?XsnLocation={ItemUrl}&OpenIn=Browser&Source={Source}

0x0

0x1

FileType

xsn

255

Edit in Browser

/_layouts/15/images/icxddoc.gif?rev=44

/EN/residents/GrowGreen/_layouts/15/formserver.aspx?XmlLocation={ItemUrl}&OpenIn=Browser&Source={Source}

0x0

0x1

ProgId

InfoPath.Document

255

Edit in Browser

/_layouts/15/images/icxddoc.gif?rev=44

/EN/residents/GrowGreen/_layouts/15/formserver.aspx?XmlLocation={ItemUrl}&OpenIn=Browser&Source={Source}

0x0

0x1

ProgId

InfoPath.Document.2

255

Edit in Browser

/_layouts/15/images/icxddoc.gif?rev=44

/EN/residents/GrowGreen/_layouts/15/formserver.aspx?XmlLocation={ItemUrl}&OpenIn=Browser&Source={Source}

0x0

0x1

ProgId

InfoPath.Document.3

255

Edit in Browser

/_layouts/15/images/icxddoc.gif?rev=44

/EN/residents/GrowGreen/_layouts/15/formserver.aspx?XmlLocation={ItemUrl}&OpenIn=Browser&Source={Source}

0x0

0x1

ProgId

InfoPath.Document.4

255

View in Browser

javascript:(function(){var a=document.createElement('a');a.href=SPClientTemplates.Utility.ReplaceUrlTokens('~site/_layouts/15/xlviewer.aspx?id={ItemUrl}&DefaultItemOpen=1');GoToLinkOrDialogNewWindow(a)})()

0x0

0x1

FileType

xlsx

255

View in Browser

0x0

0x1

FileType

xlsm

255

View in Browser

0x0

0x1

FileType

xlsb

255

View in Browser

0x0

0x1

FileType

ods

255

Document Set Version History

/_layouts/15/images/versions.gif?rev=44

javascript:SP.UI.ModalDialog.ShowPopupDialog('{SiteUrl}'+ '/_layouts/15/DocSetVersions.aspx' + '?List={ListId}&ID={ItemId}')

0x0

ContentType

0x0120D520

330

Send To other location

/_layouts/15/images/sendOtherLoc.gif?rev=44

javascript:GoToPage('{SiteUrl}' + '/_layouts/15/docsetsend.aspx' + '?List={ListId}&ID={ItemId}')

0x0

ContentType

0x0120D520

350

Have a Question about this Project? Let's Connect

Karley Cianchino
Supervisor, Wetlands & Environmental Projects
Karley.cianchino@brampton.ca

Government of Ontario Logo TRCA Logo

Project Overview

Project Objectives

Project Timeline

March 2024 - December 2024

Closure of Loafers Lake

Access & Detour Maps

Project Activities

Community Engagement & Education

​​​Let's Talk Wetland Habitat - Open House Series

​Document Library

What is a Wetland?

Get Involved

Frequently Asked Questions

Snapshots of Nature: Loafers Lake

Have a Question about this Project? Let's Connect

Let's Talk Wetland Habitat - Open House Series

Document Library