According to a new City Hall report, the City of Thorold is undertaking several new projects at Mel Swart Lake Gibson Conservation Park.
To better protect and value the natural beauty of the park situated on the shore of Lake Gibson, the city is looking to do a study that will map out a Lake Gibson Corridor Conservation Zone.
“The property surrounding Lake Gibson contains significant and unique environmental and ecological features that require protection and preservation policies that ensure sustainability and enjoyment by the public in perpetuity,” reads the report.
This year, after a request from the Lake Gibson Corridor Preservation Task Group, City Council approved $150,000 in the 2022 budget to realize the study. A request for tenders will go out later this year.
Another proposal the city is considering is designating Mel Swart Park as an IDA International Dark Sky Park (IDSP).
An IDSP is a land possessing an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, and cultural heritage.
The City Hall report states that there are a few challenges associated with this designation.
“Access to the park at night also introduces new safety and security risks,” the report reads. “More research and funding is needed before this initiative can be advanced to the point of implementation.”
A third project being considered for the park is the installation of osprey nest boxes.
“The addition of Osprey Nest Boxes to Mel Swart Park will provide an excellent opportunity for bird watching enthusiasts,” reads the report.
Each nest box will cost an approximate $1000 but the city says it needs to do more research to verify the best locations for these boxes.
Then there is also the proposed Indigenous Healing Garden at the park, which will cost between $65,000 and $75,000 to realize.
The garden won’t be going into the park anytime soon, as the full funding for the project will have to be discussed by the new city council during its 2023 budget deliberations.
With these four initiatives the city seems to be making a concerted effort to protect and safekeep one of its rich natural areas.
