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Birds foul up Pond 1 at Castlegar’s Millennium Park

Millennium Park’s Pond 1 will remain closed while efforts are made to encourage waterfowl to move on.
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The swimming ponds at Millennium Park in Castlegar. (John K. White/Castlegar news)

Millennium Park’s Pond 1 will remain closed while efforts are made to encourage a group of waterfowl that have begun to call it home to move on to a new location.

The pond was first closed the beginning of August for several days and drained. In conjunction with the Interior Health Authority, the decision was made to chlorinate it and then the pond was brought back on line.

“However, this week again, we started to test and the numbers began to climb again,” explained Chris Barlow, director of transportation and civic works for the city of Castlegar.

The decision was made to drain the pond again and wait until bird detractors can be installed before trying again to fill the pond. The detractors were ordered and are expected to arrive soon. Several methods will be used, including flashing lights at night.

Ponds 2 and 3 were open as of Tuesday.

There was a new addition at the Millennium Ponds however, as signage on sun safety has been installed as well as a sunscreen dispenser. The dispenser is located near the pavilion and is there in part as thanks to a partnership with Shoppers Drug Mart.



Betsy Kline

About the Author: Betsy Kline

After spending several years as a freelance writer for the Castlegar News, Betsy joined the editorial staff as a reporter in March of 2015. In 2020, she moved into the editor's position.
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