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
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
NEW Iconic Canadian song turns 50
Andy Kim's 'Rock Me Gently' is marking a major milestone, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
NEW How Canadians can watch the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest
Europe’s top pop stars are out and about for the 68th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, taking place in Malmo, Sweden.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.