Norton Place Park

Norton Place Park's woodlands and wetlands have undergone significant changes from deforestation in the 19th century to recovery in the mid-20th century. The impacts of urbanization in the surrounding area over recent decades led to the introduction of invasive species and increased flooding. The City of Brampton is dedicated to protecting and improving the biodiversity and ecosystem function of Norton Place Park as outlined in the Lake Enhancement Strategy, passed by Council in 2021.

Developed in collaboration with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), the Norton Place Park Forest Restoration and Management Plan identifies key actions that will improve forest health, wildlife habitat, drainage, and park use.

The Plan seeks to achieve the following goals:

Enhance natural heritage through forest/wetland restoration
Improve species diversity, and re-establish forest cover suitable to site conditions
Understand site hydrology and implement improvements
Reduce human impacts to natural areas

Restoration Activities

Norton Place Park offers a wetland, woodland, and lake, that serves as critical habitat for animals and vegetation and is a popular recreational space for the Brampton community.

Beginning in 2024, the City and TRCA will begin restoration work in this park. Please note that during active restoration works, trails within the park will be temporarily closed for public access. Refer to the Restoration Map for trail access. Restoration activities include:

Remove Common Buckthorn, Manitoba Maple, Phragmites, and other invasive species to ensure native trees can thrive
Plant native trees and shrubs
Improve waterflow and drainage including removal of barriers for fish passage
Improve park use management, including removal of informal trail, mulching of formal trails and new wayfinding signage
Enhance wildlife habitats

Restoration Map

Norton Place Park Map with Legend

Which invasive species are found in Norton Place Park?: Common buckthorn is by far the most prevalent invasive species in the park. Phragmites are also found in some patches across the park, including the open wetland. Manitoba maple can also be found at the park. The City will use various techniques to manage these invasive species.
Will this project impact access to Norton Place Park?: Starting in 2024, park users will experience brief periods of restricted access to the formal woodland trail to facilitate the safe execution of restoration work.
The restoration of Norton Place Park involves the closure of the previously formal section of the woodland trail that leads to the currently disconnected and unsound boardwalk, and the removal of the old boardwalk. Access to the parking lot, boardwalk path, concrete path around the lake, playground, picnic tables, and gazebo will remain open for the community's enjoyment.
Why is the City undertaking this work?: The City of Brampton initiated the Norton Place Park Forest Restoration and Management Plan to protect and improve the biodiversity and ecosystem function of our natural heritage system. The City of Brampton recognizes the challenges currently facing this park that for years provided tremendous recreation and nature appreciation opportunities for nearby residents and businesses. The plan implementation will help minimize further degradation of the woodland by improving biodiversity and resiliency, improving site drainage, and managing the behavior of park users.

Contact Us

Karley Cianchino
Environmental Project Specialist
Karley.Cianchino@brampton.ca

Danny Moro
Senior Project Manager, Ecosystem Management (TRCA)
danny.moro@trca.ca