Residents raise stink about ponds

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This article was published 08/07/2020 (2063 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Residents who fear a city budget cut is largely to blame for excessive algae that’s mucking up neighbourhood ponds could soon win their fight to turn local fountains back on.

The city decided to turn off fountains in the ponds for the next four years in its recent multi-year budget, which was expected to save $80,000 each year, from 2020 to 2023.

Several Winnipeg residents believe that’s fuelled major algae growth. They say aeration from the fountains would have kept the algae in check. On Wednesday, they lobbied councillors at a water and waste committee meeting to find the cash to turn the fountains back on.

“I was shocked and appalled to hear that the aeration fountains would be turned off for up to four years. I have several concerns about this,” said Susan Ash, a Royalwood resident whose property backs on to one of the ponds. “(I’m concerned) the amount of algae would increase (further). I am concerned about the birds. I am worried that over time the algae… would become toxic to them.”

Ash said she use to enjoy sitting by the shoreline to watch wildlife or kayaking in the water, both of which have been affected by excess algae.

“This fountain and lake was a major factor when we were purchasing our house 15 years ago. With the fountain turned off, I am concerned about house prices going down over the next few years,” she said.

Ash said an out-of-town guest recently asked why the bowl-shaped fountain wasn’t working.

“I had to tell him, it is not the fountain that is broken, it is the city,” she said.

Whyte Ridge resident Rina Monchka expressed similar concerns and also fears the algae could create health risks.

“When we walk down by the water, we’re questioning what really is in the water. Is that dangerous if pets or children get it on their feet or their shoes?” asked Monchka.

“Residents are starting to refer to it as the swamp,” she added.

Coun. Janice Lukes (Waverley West) urged the committee to explore whether the city will pay more for herbicides, equipment and labour to maintain and repair the fountains since turning them off.

“The department has indicated that they are clearly decorative but I really have a hard time believing that. When you eliminate water movement, you have stagnant water,” she said.

Lukes called for the water to be turned back on.

“I really strongly feel that in this department we can find $80,000 a year (to run the fountains),” she said.

After hearing the complaints, city staff stated they don’t believe the budget cut led to excess algae growth.

“If the fountains were running, the algae in the ponds we have wouldn’t be any different,” said Moira Geer, the city’s water and waste director. “The fountain doesn’t create aeration of the pond. The fountain is like a drop of rain in a puddle.”

The committee decided to turn the fountains back on, however, pending council approval.

The committee ordered the public service to do so and use savings from vacancy management and recent pool closures to pay for it.

Coun. Brian Mayes (St. Vital), the water and waste chairman, said he’s not sure if the budget cut is to blame for more algae growth but believes residents should be able to enjoy the fountains.

“This seems a little unfair that we’re… turning off some of these fountains, possibly for years, for what’s really a small savings in the utility,” said Mayes.

Lukes’ call for information about the potential costs of turning off the fountains was referred for consideration in the 2021 budget process.

Joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @joyanne_pursaga