Improving Ecological Corridors in City View Park
City of Burlington
By Nick Pirzas, Supervisor, Landscape Architecture Parks Design & Construction Engineering Services
29 November, 2023
City View Park is nestled within the Niagara Escarpment in Burlington, Ontario. In the initial stages of the master plan process, conformance to the Niagara Escarpment Master plan was required resulting in the park taking on a more natural design approach rather that a more traditional campus style concept. To date three play fields, a parking lot system and a pavilion have been constructed within the park. An additional two baseball diamonds and additional parking are anticipated for constructed in 2025.
A map of the approved master plan showing the ecological restoration zone highlighted in red.
The park includes a 7-hectare area that is designated as an ecological restoration zone along the southeastern boundary. The initial restoration in this area took place in 2010 which included native caliper tree planting. Invasive removals and the installation of perimeter page wire fencing along the perimeter also took place at this time. Additional restoration took place in 2011 which included the installation of native shrubs, a wildflower seed mix, and large seeded tree nuts.
This photo was taken in 2011 a year after the native caliper trees were planted.
This photo was taken in 2012 showcasing the native seed mix planted the year prior.
The Ecological Corridors Pilot Program has allowed the City of Burlington the opportunity to further investigate the success of the restoration works that took place more than a decade ago. In the Spring of 2023, the City hired the consultant Aboud and Associates to conduct site visits of the ecological corridor to assess and evaluate the success of the restoration planting. As part of the assessment, the consultant provided the City with the following information:
The condition of the existing vegetation,
A comprehensive inventory of all existing vegetation including invasive species,
Mapping representing areas of opportunity for additional planting including a list of recommended species, and
Tree protection, maintenance requirements and any other improvements as deemed necessary.
An example of the mapping provided representing high, moderate and low opportunity zones for enhancement planting.
Following the completion of the assessment by Aboud and Associates, the City then hired the contractor All the Best Paving to install 60 native trees and 200 native shrubs in some of the recommended areas as outlined in the priority mapping. The planting took place in late September 2023 and was completed in early October 2023. The planting is minimal in comparison to the opportunity areas shown in the assessment, but the mapping will provide direction for any future funding or planting initiatives that may arise.
One of the many new planting areas completed in the Fall of 2023.