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The City of Brampton, in collaboration with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, has successfully completed the restoration Loafers Lake Wetland as part of the Etobicoke Creek Wetlands Enhancement program funded through the Government of Ontario's Wetland Conservation Partnership Program.

The Loafers Lake Wetland restoration includes new features like improved shoreline and wetland habitat, viewing platforms, a bio-swale and trail realignment. In addition to providing upgraded community amenities, this project supports wildlife in the lake through fish-cribs, dedicated turtle nesting beaches, duck boxes and an eco-passage for safe wildlife passage under the trail system.

​Wetlands are vital ecosystems that provide essential services offering flood control, water filtration, and habitat for wildlife. The City of Brampton is proud to support communities and wildlife through these improvements and will continue to use Loafers Lake as amenity for environmental learning into the future.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​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 Paul Palleschi 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 has addded new features at Loafer's Lake including improved shoreline and wetland habitat, viewing platforms, a bio-swale and trail realignment.

Protecting, enhancing, and restoring wetlands is a part of the City's Natural Heritage and Environmental Management Strateg​y (NHEMS). Wetlands are vital ecosystems that provide essential services offering flood control, water filtration, and habitat for wildlife. In J​une 2021, Brampton City Council endorsed the Brampton Lake Enhancement Strategy, a recommendation plan to revitalize Brampton's lakes, including the iconic Loafer's 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 Loafer's Lake
  • Fight climate change and reduce flood risk
  • Increase co​mmunity awareness of wetlands
  • Provide stewardship opportuni​t​ies

Project Timeline

Item Status: Past

​​Open house, permitting & approvals, detailed design​

Item Status: Past

Detailed design, closure of Loafers Lake, construction mobilization​

Item Status: Past

Construction, restoration planting​

Item Status: Past

Construction demobilization, project unveil

Item Status: Current

Project complete​

Additional Project Information

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.

  • 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 trai​l 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 is scheduled to be closed to the public starting April 2nd, 2024. There will be a temporary access route available.

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 aroun​d 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.

This project will have no impact on programming inside the re​creation 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.

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 requiremen​ts.

Join the Heart Lake Turtle Troopers

There are many ways to get involved:

  • 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.

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