Paletta Mansion and Lakefront Park

Paletta Mansion

Paletta Lakefront Park is located on the shores of Lake Ontario adjacent to Shoreacres Creek.

The 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 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. The MacKays originally used the estate as their summer home.

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 gatehouse has been magnificently restored as The Art and Environment Study Centre. The centre boasts a welcome centre, a community gallery space and a studio loft. Currently, selected prints of world renowned environmental artist Robert Bateman are on display. The loft, an open concept studio space, provides a classroom venue for an array of program activities.