Toronto 
A long-standing spring tradition in Stratford is changing this year as the city alters how its swans return to the water.
Credit: City of Stratford
The City of Stratford has cancelled its annual swan parade, an event that typically takes place on the first Sunday of April.
For more than three decades, the parade drew crowds of hundreds, sometimes thousands, who gathered to watch the birds waddle along Morenz Drive toward Lake Victoria. The procession was often accompanied by a pipe band.
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City officials say the decision was made to prioritize the well-being of the swans. In a statement, the city explained it is taking a different approach to the seasonal release.
“At the direction of the Board of Park Management, the birds will now be returned to Lake Victoria from their winter quarters as soon as it’s appropriate,” the city said.
“The determination will be made each year based on factors like water levels, weather and mating patterns. The goal is to reduce the stress on the swans as much as possible as they make their seasonal return to the open water.”
The city added that updates will be provided for residents who still want to watch the birds return to the river.
The swans are owned by the City of Stratford and cared for by its Community Services Department. Each year between November and March, the birds stay in winter quarters located behind the William Allman Arena before being released back into the Avon River area as temperatures rise.
The city’s swans also have an unusual lineage. Many are descendants of a pair gifted to Ottawa from Queen Elizabeth II’s royal herd to mark Canada’s Centennial anniversary.
While the Swan Parade may not return this spring, Stratford is planning to host Doors Open Stratford in April, giving residents and visitors a chance to explore notable local buildings and heritage sites that are normally closed to the public. The event offers guided access to historic spaces and community landmarks, highlighting the city’s architecture, culture and history through special tours and exhibits.
