TORONTO AND REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY ACQUIRES SWAN LAKE
Oct 08, 2008
(TORONTO – October 8, 2008) As part of their mission to protect source water, Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA) has purchased a 50-acre site for over $3 million dollars. The property is located within the Oak Ridges Moraine, one of Ontario's most complex and largest glacial remnants. The purchase represents one of the most ecologically valuable acquisitions of private property by TRCA and adds to the more than 1,800 acres of connected greenspace, owned by the province and TRCA in the Town of Richmond Hill.
The Region of York, Town of Richmond Hill, City of Toronto, Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation, Ducks Unlimited Canada and The EJLB Foundation all provided funding to TRCA, to protect the vital features and functions of this property.
The 50-acre property, known as Swan Lake, is a critical ecosystem that is home to the headwaters of the Humber River and Rouge River and plays an important role in protecting the GTA’s drinking water. It is also part of the Jefferson Forest Environmentally Sensitive Area and is designated by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources as a provincially significant Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI). Swan Lake contains mature upland forest, significant wetland and bog complexes and an undisturbed kettle lake which connects with other publicly held properties, including TRCA’s Lake St. George Field Centre. TRCA will be developing a management plan for this area that will include passive recreation trails and education programs.
Event: Conservation milestone at Swan Lake recognizing the successful partnership between Toronto and Region Conservation, York Region, the Town of Richmond Hill, the City of Toronto, the Oak Ridges Moraine Foundation and Ducks Unlimited Canada and The EJLB Foundation.
Date: Friday, October 10, 1 pm.
Where: Swan Lake at 1229 Bethesda Sideroad in Richmond Hill
Who: Event invitees include representatives from the partnership organizations, local and regional politicians and the local MP and MPP.
About Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA):
With over 50 years of experience, Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA) helps people understand, enjoy and look after the natural environment. Our vision is for The Living City®—a cleaner, greener and healthier place to live, for you today and for your children tomorrow. For more information, call 416-661-6600 or visit us at www.trca.on.ca
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For media information and registration, contact:
Brown & Cohen Communications & Public Affairs Inc. 416-484-1132
Rowena Calpito ext. 4 rowena@brown-cohen.com Kendra Dubyk ext. 5 kendra@brown-cohen.com
