Take Action Burlington

City View Park is nestled within the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve in Burlington, Ontario. As such, the park’s master plan has a more natural design than typical city parks. To date three play fields, a parking lot system, and a pavilion that doesn’t use fossil fuels in its operation, have been constructed within the park. In 2025, two baseball diamonds and additional parking are planned.

City View Park Ecological Restoration Zone

City View Park includes a seven-hectare ecological restoration zone along the southeastern boundary. Restoration work began in 2010 with invasive species removal, native tree planting, and the installation of wire fencing along the perimeter. Work continued in 2011 with planting of native shrubs, a wildflower seed mix, and oak and hickory large seeded tree nuts.  

Ecological Corridors Pilot Program

One of the first initiatives funded by Parks Canada’s National Program for Ecological Corridors is the Cootes to Escarpment EcoPark System Ecological Corridors Pilot Program. As part of the Ecological Corridors Pilot Program, a $30,000 project was approved at City View Park.

In the Spring of 2023, a consultant was hired to assess and evaluate the success of the restoration work that took place more than 10 years ago. The assessment provided the following information:

• The condition of the existing vegetation,
• A comprehensive list of all existing vegetation including invasive species,
• Mapping showing areas of opportunity for more planting including a list of recommended species, and
• Tree protection, maintenance requirements and any other improvements as necessary.

In the Fall of 2023, a consultant planted 60 native trees and 200 native shrubs in some of the recommended areas outlined in the mapping. Although the area planted is small in comparison to the opportunity areas, the mapping will provide direction for any future funding or planting initiatives.

More about the Cootes to Escarpment EcoPark System

The EcoPark System is a voluntary alliance of nine government and not-for-profit agencies, including the City of Burlington, collaborating to protect, connect and enhance ecologically significant lands between the Niagara Escarpment and Cootes Paradise Marsh recognized for their biodiversity, cultural significance, and recreational value.

This post was modified from the original provided by Nick Pirzas, Supervisor, Landscape Architecture, City of Burlington, and published on the Cootes to Escarpment EcoPark System Blog. To learn more about the EcoPark System and sign up for their newsletter, visit https://cootestoescarpmentpark.ca/