Burloak Regional Waterfront Park Master Plan

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Halton Region, the City of Burlington and the Town of Oakville are working together on the Burloak Waterfront Park master plan. The master plan was approved by Regional Council in April 2014. Implementation of the plan consists of a number of construction phases.

Construction Update

Work has started again in Burloak Waterfront Park. This spring and summer, you will see work being done on:

Main waterfront pathway paving
East lookout and shade pavilion
Demonstration garden and trellis
Window to the lake small parking area in the east end
Gateway Plaza at end of Burloak Drive
Lower promenade
native trees and shrubs planting

The west parking lot is open but the parking lot near the playground is closed during construction.This work should be done by the end of this year, 2019.

Now finished

Things you can enjoy that were completed during Phase 1 2017 and Phase 2 2018 construction:

Four metre-wide accessible waterfront pathway
Main gazebo and plaza with bench seating
Pedestrian guardrail
Invasive tree and shrub species removal
West Lookout
Picnic concrete pads
Native trees and shrubs

Invasive vs. Native Species

Why are Invasive Tree and Shrub Species being removed?

This project includes removing invasive tree and shrub species. These trees and shrubs are species that do not naturally grow in this area so they disrupt the natural environment and can take over from native species that are meant to be growing here. Removing these species that don't naturally grow here is needed to help restore and protect the natural ecosystem along our Lake Ontario shoreline.

What Are Invasive Tree And Shrub Species?

An invasive tree and shrub species does not occur naturally in a specific location. They can grow out of control and take over an area which causes harm to the environment. These introduced species may be introduced into our eco-system on purpose, through horticultural uses, or accidentally from elsewhere in the world. Since they have no natural predators or controls, invasive species can kill, crowd out or otherwise destroy trees and shrubs that grow here naturally.

Why do Native Species Matter?

Native plants are those that occur naturally in a geographic region without any help from us, humans. They are an important part of the natural ecosystem, which we all depend on, including animals and people.

What Trees And Shrubs Are Being Removed?

The invasive tree and shrub species at Burloak Park are primarily Norway Maples and Siberian Elms. These species have a harmful effect on the ability for native tree species to take hold, grow and flourish. Removing these invasive trees is critical for the ecological restoration of the shoreline, including the function this area plays as a resting area for many migratory birds.

What You Will See

The majority of the trees being removed are located close to or within the shoreline. However for the naturalization efforts to be a success, it will also be necessary to remove some of the larger canopy trees near the centre of the park.