About Paletta Lakefront Park
Paletta Lakefront Park has four heritage buildings (the Mansion, the Orientation Centre and Loft, the Art and Environment Study Centre, and the Dollhouse) on the property.
The park is great for walking and enjoying the waterfront and is available for ALL of Burlington to enjoy! The Paletta Mansion is available for rent for corporate and social functions.
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History and Heritage
The property's mansion ranks among the finest representations of great estate homes designed and built in Burlington in the two decades between 1912 and 1932, and was the last of its kind and quality to be built in Burlington.
Edythe Merriam MacKay built the sprawling estate in 1930 with the fortune left to her by her father, renowned industrialist Cyrus Albert Birge. Birge's company, Canadian Screw Company was one of the five merged in 1910 to form steel giant Stelco. Burlington and Hamilton have a strong connection dating back to the early 1900's, when Burlington was the summer destination for many affluent citizens of Hamilton. The MacKays originally used the estate as their summer home.
The mansion stands on an exquisite 14 acre lakefront property rightly called "the jewel in the crown" of the Burlington waterfront. The land's history dates back 200 years when King George III granted this track of land to celebrated Canadian, Laura Secord.
Located at the mouth of Shoreacres Creek, on one of the most desirable residential spots on the lakeshore between Hamilton and Burlington, the mansion commands a breathtaking view of Lake Ontario. Sailors passing by the estate claim it is one of the most magnificent sites along the shore between Toronto and Niagara.
The site features three other buildings: a gatehouse built circa 1912: a dollhouse, the only known heritage children's playhouse in Burlington: and one of the last remaining stables in urban Burlington. Combined, these elements create an experience where visitors can step back in time.
Paletta Mansion
The mansion is an 11,000 square foot house designed by Stewart Thomson McPhie, in association with Lyon Sommerville (1886-1965). Built of local limestone, the mansion has many formal design elements. Classical influences can be seen in the Tuscan columns on the east and south elevations and the scroll pediment above the west entrance. The mansion is almost a square in design, a descendant of Edwardian simplicity.
Restoration began on the mansion in April 2000 and was completed in December 2000. The three floors of the mansion were upgraded to modern standards, while maintaining the historic charm and character of its features: the grand hall and staircase, the seven fireplaces located throughout the house, hardwood floor and the decorative interior details.
Dofasco Shoreacres Creek Discovery Trail
Discover a world apart. A truly diverse and magnificent walk and adventure for your mind.
This 14 acre heritage park is a unique blend of open spaces, wetlands, waterfront nature trails and pathways, which provide access to the lakeshore and panoramic views of Lake Ontario.
The 10 acre Discovery Trail features a flood plain that is one of the only natural areas of its kind remaining along the Halton shoreline of Lake Ontario. The wetland area on the park attracts migratory birds because of the protection, cover and food supply provided. The site also attracts and shelters rare species of birds who inadvertently venture off course.
Rare plant species also exist on the park site as well as a variety of mammals, reptiles, amphibians and fish. The wildlife existence is significant, emphasizing the continued commitment to preserve the natural habitat and landscape of this parksite.
Orientation Centre & Tim Horton's Learning Loft
The two storey barn and stable, situated on the northwest corner of the park, was built primarily for recreational equestrian use.
The stable, now identified as the Orientation Centre, houses story boards which provides visitors with a history of the park and its evolution.
The Dollhouse
The property features a "dollhouse", a children's playhouse, which came equipped with electricity and running water. The dollhouse is the only known heritage children's playhouse in Burlington. The Burlington Professional Firefighters Association, as a millennium gift to the city has restored it.