The City of Stratford says it's taking a different approach to its annual swan release going forward.
The event has been held the first weekend of April going back around 40 years, but at the direction of the Board of Park Management, the City says the birds will "now be returned to Lake Victoria from their winter quarters as soon as it’s appropriate."
Factors like water levels, weather and mating patterns will determine when the swans are returned each year.
The annual parade drew hundreds of people to the shores of the Avon River each year, which the City noted are not ideal conditions for the birds.
"The goal is to reduce the stress on the swans as much as possible as they make their seasonal return to the open water," read the City's statement.
Stratford says for those residents that still want to watch the release, updates on when it will occur will be issued as soon as they’re available.
