South Shell Park Shoreline Rehabilitation

Shoreline repairs

The shoreline at South Shell Park was flagged as a high priority for repairs due to deterioration of existing shoreline protection following recent high lake level events which caused a section of armour stone wall to collapse. 

Repair work was undertaken to ensure long-term protection of the shoreline. The stone and mortar wall, concrete deck and recurve toe protection have been repaired. 

Construction timeline and impact

As of December 5, 2024, all construction at South Shell Park has concluded, including the construction of the Bank Swallow habitat wall, the process of backfilling, and all shoreline repairs. 

Construction began September 3, 2024, and was expected to last for four months. Timing work at the end of summer was necessary in order to meet in-water work environmental protection requirements. The park trail, playground and parking lot will be re-opened temporarily. The parking lot will be closed again preceding the resurfacing of the parking lot in spring 2025.

Long-term monitoring efforts will also be undertaken in collaboration with Conservation Halton in order to monitor the performance of the habitat wall and to document the occupancy of Bank Swallows. Tree replanting will occur at South Shell Park in spring 2025. 

Conservation efforts and habitat creation

As part of the shoreline stabilization work at Shorewood Promenade, the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) require the construction of an artificial habitat for Bank Swallows, a threatened bird species in Ontario.

South Shell Park was selected for this artificial habitat creation as it is located along Lake Ontario and Bank Swallows colonies have been found within a two kilometre radius of the park.

The town will create an artificial habitat to support these birds, using man-made materials to replicate their natural environment. Working with Conservation Halton, we will also conduct a long-term research study to monitor the artificial habitat's performance and document the occupancy of Bank Swallows. 

Parking lot reconstruction

As part of the project, the parking lot will undergo resurfacing after shoreline construction in spring 2025. 

Currently, the lot features permeable pavers - a green infrastructure - that allows rainwater absorption and reduces storm runoff. 

During the approximately one-month construction period, the parking lot will be closed. Depending on the timing of shoreline work completion and parking lot reconstruction, the parking lot may reopen during this gap of time.