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

The Town of Oakville created an artificial nesting wall for Bank Swallows in 2024 and will monitor performance of the artificial habitat wall and document the occupancy in collaboration with Conservation Halton.

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), Oakville has taken several actions. An innovative artificial habitat for Bank Swallows has been created at South Shell Park. Long-term research and monitoring programs have been initiated. 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.

Icon of a bird.

Bank Swallows: A threatened species

These small birds, now classified as "threatened," nest in sand banks. Their population is decreasing due to factors like habitat loss, flooding, erosion, and fewer insects to feed on. 

Learn more about Bank Swallows on the Government of Ontario's website.

Innovative artificial habitat

In the fall of 2024, the town completed construction of a 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
Artificial nesting wall habitat for Bank Swallows with 275 burrows, located at South Shell Park.

Artificial nesting wall habitat for Bank Swallows with 275 burrows, in South Shell Park.

Planned activities with Conservation Halton

Research study at South Shell Park

  • The town will begin the first year of a 10-year research study to evaluate the effectiveness of artificial nesting habitats for Bank Swallows. The study will focus on a concrete compensation wall at South Shell Park, monitoring it for nesting activity and overall condition. The goal is to assess the suitability and success of the artificial wall as a nesting environment for Bank Swallows.

Monitoring Bank Swallow colony at Shorewood Promenade

  • The town will continue to monitor the existing Bank Swallow colony over the next three years at Shorewood Promenade 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 support the Bank Swallow population, the town will enhance wetland habitat at Riverview Park. This project aims to improve roosting and foraging areas by promoting native vegetation, removing invasive species, and planting new native plants. Work will begin in May 2025 
Environment

Contact

For more information, contact Service Oakville at 905-845-6601 or email service@oakville.ca.

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