Paletta Lakefront Park
Take a step back in time and experience the majesty of the Paletta Mansion, circa 1930, set on a 6.4 hectare estate. Purchased by the City in 1990, this picturesque park with mature trees is located on the south side of Lakeshore Road, between Appleby and Walkers Line. It has been called the "Jewel in the Crown" of the Burlington Waterfront.
The Park Grounds
The park is divided into two very distinct units: the estate lands, which are formal and landscaped, and the valley walls and flood plain of Shoreacres Creek, which are in a natural state.
The grounds design reflect estate planning of the 1930's. Designed by Arthur H. Sharpe, the integrity of the historic fabric provides a unique opportunity for historic landscape interpretation. Of significance, is a formal allee of mature sugar maples which lead from the entrance gate to the lake and separates the mansion from a series of three gardens.
Come stroll down the "Dofasco Shoreacres Creek Discovery Trail" which links to the Waterfront Trail along the western half of the park and catch a glimpse of the caretaker's gatehouse, a converted barn/stable and a dollhouse, once used for children's tea parties. Smell the aroma of flowers from the formal gardens or feel the cool breeze off the lake as you stand along the cobble beach. The open lawn provides a great place to set up your picnic, as you watch the sailboats along the horizon. The flood plain of Shoreacres Creek is one of the only areas left in natural vegetation along the Halton shoreline of Lake Ontario. Several regionally rare plant species are found on site. As well, the property provides nesting and a stop-over habitat for an extremely high diversity of bird species. The "Discovery Walk" will lead you to many interesting interpretative signs, where you can learn about the birds, mammals, fish, trees and fauna that live in this rich environment. Listen to the orchestra of bird songs or be inspired by the breathtaking views of the lake, as you stop to take a photograph or begin your watercolour painting from the bridge or a park bench. Come and experience nature, heritage and recreation at it's best!
The Estate Mansion
The estate mansion is a stone-clad, three storey building with approximately 1,000 m2 (11,000 ft2). It was designed by Stewart McPhie and built in 1931 in the avant garde movement of housing of the 30's (lead by prominent architect Frank Lloyd Wright). As Burlington's millennium project, the Mansion has been completely restored for community use and private functions.
The History
Once owned by Laura Secord (granted to her in 1809 by the Crown), the property had numerous owners until it was purchased in 1912, by a prominent Cyrus Albert Birge. On Birge's death the estate passed to his daughter, who built the mansion. History & Heritage
Step off the Waterfront Trail from Lakeshore Road and become part of the past, present and future of Burlington's heritage.
For more information visit the Paletta Lakefront Park and Mansion pages.
For further information on the restoration of this beautiful waterfront park e-mail us.
If you are interested in receiving our Bi Annual Newsletter, please contact Dorothy Olah at 905-632-7809 ext. 3 or by email.