Bank Swallow Overall Benefit Project at South Shell Park, Shorewood Promenade and Riverview Park

Overall benefit project

In the fall of 2024, Oakville completed shoreline rehabilitation projects at Shorewood Promenade and South Shell Park to protect the shore from future erosion. To support these efforts, the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) mandated measures to provide an overall benefit to local species. Shorewood Promenade is home to Bank Swallows, which nest there annually during their breeding season.

To meet the requirements set by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP), we have taken several actions: 

• Created an innovative artificial habitat for Bank Swallows at South Shell Park. 
• Initiated long-term research and monitoring programs. 

Furthermore, in 2025, a hectare of wetland within Riverview Park will be restored to improve roosting and foraging habitats for the birds.

These projects are being carried out in partnership with Conservation Halton.

Innovative artificial habitat

In the fall of 2024, we completed construction of an artificial habitat for bank swallows at South Shell Park. Artificial habitats for Bank Swallows are designed to mimic the natural nesting environments these birds prefer, such as vertical banks and cliffs. 

Wall design highlights

• 18-meter-long concrete habitat structure
• 220 burrow holes for the birds to build their nests
• Each burrow hole is filled with sand and soil to mimic the natural materials Bank Swallows use in their nests

Planned activities with Conservation Halton

Research study at South Shell Park

• We are entering Year 2 of our 10 year research study at South Shell Park, focused on evaluating the effectiveness of an artificial concrete nesting wall designed to support Bank Swallow populations. Monitoring this spring will track nesting activity, wall usage, and the overall condition of the structure to better understand how well the artificial habitat functions over time.

Monitoring Bank Swallow colony at Shorewood Promenade

• Monitoring of the Bank Swallow colony at Shorewood Promenade continues into Year 2 of 3.
• This work helps to understand the impact of erosion control measures on the colony and assess future degradation or abandonment.

Wetland habitat enhancement at Riverview Park

• To further improve roosting and foraging habitat for Bank Swallows, wetland enhancement activities at Riverview Park will resume in 2026. Work will include:
  • Removal of invasive species through manual removal and approved herbicide treatments in accordance with Pesticide Act and Ontario Regulation 63/09
  • Additional planting of native wetland vegetation
  • Continued monitoring of the restoration work completed in summer 2025