Retention pond raises stink in Winnipeg neighbourhood
Residents of Winnipeg's Riverbend area are raising concerns over a retention pond creating a pungent smell.
Usually a scenic place to walk, the retention pond on Red River Boulevard West is causing quite the stink.
"I've lived here 32 years, and I've never ever experienced it. It really smells like a cesspool," said Janice Boettcher, who lives across the street.
Boettcher said the smell from the pond is stopping her from enjoying the weather.
"I like to sleep with my windows open until it gets cold, and I have not had windows [and] doors open because of the smell. You just can't sleep at all," she said.
Down the block, Dustin Leclerc said the smell is embarrassing when having company over.
"Particularly when people come to visit, you have to make excuses, 'oh, it must be the water.'"
In a statement to CTV News, the City of Winnipeg said the smell is due to the hundreds of geese calling it home this summer.
"A bacterial bloom occurs as a result of heavy nutrient loading — an abundance of bacterial colonies form in the water to try and break down those nutrients. The bacteria colonies are what cause the milky appearance, and the odour results from the bacteria releasing gas as it breaks down the nutrients," read the statement.
The City of Winnipeg said the smell will likely go away in a few weeks, and in the meantime, they're sealing manholes in the area to help mitigate the problem.
As for residents near the pond, they'd like to see a more long-term solution to ensure it doesn't happen again.
"Some kind of treatment or whether they maintain the pond or whatnot," said Leclerc. "I wouldn't want to see the wildlife disappear."
"I hope somehow as residents in the area, we can get some results and something will be achieved that will satisfy us," added Boettcher
In a post online, area councillor Jeff Browaty said he is aware of the issue and went to check out the pond.
Browaty said he is working with waste and water to see if pond maintenance has changed.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.