Lake Banook, Lake Micmac weeds to be removed by private contractor
Company will have to remove weeds around the paddling events already scheduled
By the end of the summer, overgrown weeds that have caused problems for swimmers and boaters in Lake Banook and Lake Micmac will be removed.
Halifax has issued a tender for a mechanical weed harvesting service planned for this August.
The city has identified five areas including the northern section of Lake Micmac, the cove surrounding Graham's Grove Park and the southwestern corner near Banook Canoe Club and the North Star Rowing Club.
The serious weed problems began in the two Dartmouth lakes in 2009. Lake users say the weeds float near the surface of the water, break free from the bottom and form weed islands.
By 2010, the weeds became so thick they interfered with the swimming, paddling and kayaking that takes place there.
Several public meetings have been held to discuss the problems, which include four plants native to Nova Scotia.
Those who attended made it clear they didn't want pesticides used.
This week, the municipality put out the call for a weed-culling operation to cut the aquatic plants and truck the material away. The company they've hired will have to work around several events that are already scheduled for the Lake Banook canoe and kayaking course.