City of Red Deer
Pet goldfish causing huge grief for the City of Red Deer
Photo from “Why you should never put a goldfish in a park pond”
From The City of Red Deer
City to remove goldfish from Anders pond
An invasive goldfish population has been identified in the Anders storm pond, and will be removed from the pond in the coming weeks.
Invasive non-native fish species pose a threat to the natural aquatic ecosystems and native species in the Red Deer River. The goldfish population will be removed in order to protect our native aquatic species and ecosystems, and to ensure the goldfish do not enter the storm system or the Red Deer River.
The Fisheries Act specifies that actions must be taken to remove non-native fish species, including goldfish, from natural and artificial waterbodies due to potential risks to native species and their habitat. These risks include:
- Competition with native species for habitat and resources
- Increased turbidity caused by goldfish stirs up sediments and nutrients, leading toincreased algae and plants
- Introduced diseases/parasites
- Reduction in biodiversity“Removing invasive species will help to ensure that we maintain the aquatic health of our storm water system and local waterways” said Tim Ainscough, Environmental Services Manager. “The Anders pond connects directly to our storm water system and to the Red Deer River. Anything that is dumped in local storm ponds or storm drains will flow directly into our storm water system and into the Red Deer River.”The goldfish removal process is expected to take approximately six weeks and is scheduled for September 9 to October 21, 2019.
In keeping with the Fisheries (Alberta) Act, and based on best practices from other communities, The City will use a treatment called Rotenone to remove the goldfish. This task includes:
Closing and fencing off the Anders pond and surrounding area for the protection of residents, pets, and wildlife.
Applying/spraying the Rotenone solution to the pond and surrounding area.
Collecting and removing the fish carcasses from the pond.
Ensuring all safe handling procedures are adhered to, according to federal andprovincial regulations.
The pond will be fenced off for the duration of the process, but local trails will remain open. For your safety, please follow posted rules and ensure children and pets are kept outside of all fenced areas for the duration of the project.
Goldfish should never be dumped into local water bodies, into storm drains or flushed down a toilet. Consider re-homing your fish if you cannot take care of them, and if your pet first passes away, bury the carcass instead of flushing or dumping it, to avoid the spread of harmful bacteria.
Backrounder
Anders storm pond maintenance – goldfish removal
Environmental Services is undertaking a project to remove non-native fish species (goldfish) from Anders stormwater management pond.
- Why is The City undertaking this project?The Anders pond was found to have a high population of goldfish, which are a non-native fish species that pose risks to native species and their habitat. The pond is a stormwater pond and connects to the City’s stormwater management system and the Red Deer River.The Fisheries Act specifies that actions must be taken to remove non-native fish species, including goldfish, from natural and artificial waterbodies, including stormwater management facilities, due to potential risks to native species and their habitat. These risks include:
- Competition with native species for habitat and resources
- Increased turbidity caused by goldfish stirs up sediments and nutrients, leading toincreased algae and plants
- Introduced diseases/parasites
- Reduction in biodiversity
- Why are there goldfish in Anders pond? How did they get there?We cannot say for certain how Anders pond became populated with goldfish, but it is most likely due to residents placing unwanted goldfish or aquarium species in the pond or elsewhere in the stormwater system.
- How will the goldfish be removed?Based on best practices from other communities and approval through Alberta Environment & Parks, The City will use a treatment called Rotenone to remove the goldfish. An experienced contractor has been hired to complete this work, which includes:
- Applying/spraying the Rotenone solution to the pond.
- Collecting and removing the fish carcasses from the pond.
- Ensuring all safe handling procedures are adhered to, according to federal and provincialregulations.
- What is Rotenone?Rotenone is an organic compound derived from plants which has been used successfully in other municipalities to remove non-native fish species like goldfish from stormwater ponds and other localized bodies of water.
- Is Rotenone harmful to people or pets?No, Rotenone is a target-specific, fish toxicant. The solution is highly toxic to fish (all species) and low to moderately toxic to birds, mammals, amphibians, and invertebrates. However, the concentration of Rotenone required to treat the invasive species in Anders Pond is lower than that which would cause harm to terrestrial species (land animals). In addition, we will be taking several precautions to ensure the safety of people, pets, and other wildlife, including:
- Installing fencing around the pond for the duration of treatment.
- Completing the treatment during the fall when amphibians have passed the larval stage.
- Completing the treatment outside the breeding/nesting bird activity period.
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Q&A BACKGROUNDER |
- If the chemical isn’t harmful to people, why are staff members wearing safety gear?Staff members wear safety equipment as a precaution while handling the concentrated formula. During application, there is a chance some of the product could become airborne, which poses a larger risk of exposure to staff handling the concentrated solution. Fences will be in place around the pond to ensure the public remain at a safe distance. Once applied to the water, the Rotenone is diluted and poses a low risk to people.
- Does Rotenone affect all aquatic animals the same?No, fish are more susceptible. All animals have natural enzymes in the digestive tract that neutralize Rotenone. However, fish and some forms of amphibians and aquatic invertebrates are more susceptible because they are gill-breathing animals, and thus, the digestive enzymes cannot neutralize Rotenone. Although some organisms like aquatic insects are susceptible to Rotenone, studies have shown that these organisms can quickly repopulate an area after treatment.
- What if animals eat dead goldfish or the drink treated water?Birds and other animals have natural enzymes in their digestive tract that neutralize Rotenone and so they would not be at risk if they ate a dead goldfish or drank treated water. Based on the concentration of Rotenone used, animals would need to eat or drink extreme amounts before ingesting lethal amounts of the chemical. For example, a bird weighing one-quarter pound would have to consume 100 quarts (95 litres) of treated water or more than 40 pounds of fish and invertebrates within a 24 hour period to receive a lethal dose. This same bird would normally consume 0.2 ounces (6 millilitres) of water and 0.32 ounces (9 grams) of food daily.
- Will the Rotenone cause lasting effects in the pond after treatment?No. Sunlight causes Rotenone to naturally photodegrade, so the pond will return to normal in a short period of time. It takes approximately two weeks for the Rotenone to degrade to non-toxic levels. Should the need arise, staff could deactivate the Rotenone using potassium permanganate.
10. How long will this work take?
Two applications of Rotenone are required, and each application will take approximately one day. The two applications will be spaced about three weeks apart to ensure no goldfish in the egg stage at the time of the first treatment are missed (eggs are not susceptible to Rotenone). For several days after each treatment fish carcasses will be collected by contractor and City staff.
11. Will Anders pond be closed?
We will be fencing off the Anders pond for approximately six weeks to ensure time for two applications and to allow the Rotenone to degrade after treatment. The park and walking path will still be accessible, but the water will not be.
12. I live in the area. What should I expect?
Residents who live in the area or frequent the pond can expect the following:
- The Anders pond will be closed and fenced off for approximately six weeks during treatment.
- The park and walking path will remain open.
- Residents and visitors may notice a minor odour for up to one to two days after treatment.
- Residents and visitors may notice a temporary water discoloration in the pond.
- There will be an active working site for several weeks, including staff in safety gear (suits,masks, gloves, etc.)
City of Red Deer
Over 25 Canadian cities support initiative designating December as Christian Heritage Month
From LifeSiteNews
Major cities that have signed on include Ajax, Durham, Sudbury, Mississauga, Ottawa, and Niagara Falls in Ontario, Alberta municipalities Red Deer and Okotoks, and Regina and Saskatoon in Saskatchewan. In British Columbia, Whistler and Prince George have also signed the petition.
More than 25 Canadian municipalities signed onto a proclamation declaring December as “Christian Heritage Month.”
The proclamation also asks provinces to take the initiative to declare the last month of the year in recognition of Christianity as an important part of Canadian heritage given the fact other faiths have special months of their own.
Major cities that have signed on include Ajax, Durham, Sudbury, Mississauga, Ottawa, and Niagara Falls in Ontario, Alberta municipalities Red Deer and Okotoks, and Regina and Saskatoon in Saskatchewan. In British Columbia, Whistler and Prince George have also signed the petition.
All of the cities have pledged to bring forth legislation that enshrines December as Christian Heritage Month into local law. Many have already done so.
The move by Canadian cities comes after the federal government and provincial governments have yet to proclaim December as Chrisitan Heritage Month.
According to the Christian Heritage Month Initiative, its mission is to have December “declared as Christian Heritage Month, recognizing the values of love, service, and compassion that define the Christian community.”
“The Christian Heritage Month Initiative is a dynamic, multi-denominational movement dedicated to celebrating the vibrant cultural, social, and artistic contributions of Canada’s Christian community,” the initiative says.
The initiative is under the leadership of Jay and Molly Banerjei, who are behind the Christian Music Festival. The organization says that the initiative “unites diverse voices and fosters a sense of belonging, enriching our nation’s identity and promoting inclusivity for all.”
Looking at Mississauga’s recent council motion that designates December as Christian Heritage Month, councillors have said its province under Premier Doug Ford should do the same.
Mississauga’s motion, which has been sent to Ford, was brought forth on October 30 by Councillor Brad Butt.
It reads that Christianity is among the “diverse faiths followed by Mississauga residents and one of the most followed religions in Canada and Mississauga. Christians have made valuable contributions to the cultural, social, religious, and humanitarian fabric of our city and have played an important role in shaping our diverse community.”
The Mississauga motion also makes a point that December is “marked by significant events and celebrations in the Christian calendar, commencing with the observance of Advent and culminating in the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, which is also known as Christmas.”
“Christian organizations and places of worship in Mississauga offer religious services, unique events, and initiatives that highlight a strong Christian heritage during the month of December,” and it’s “also widely associated with the tradition of gift giving and the gathering of family, friends, and people of all faiths, during the Christmas season,” its councillors wrote.
“Recognizing the month of December, which is a significant month in the Christian calendar, as Christian Heritage Month provides an opportunity for all residents to celebrate the history, traditions, and teachings of the Christian faith, promoting understanding and appreciation of the diverse religious and cultural heritage of our city.”
Canada is historically a nation founded on Christian ideals and principles. European settlers who came to Canada from France and then later from what is the modern-day United Kingdom were Christian and included missionaries who tried to spread the faith to the local Indigenous populations.
Canada has observed Christmas since 1641, well before its official founding, according to some historical records.
As reported by LifeSiteNews, Conservative Party of Canada (CPC) MPs have urged all Canadians to support a petition that calls on the federal government to proclaim December as “Christian Heritage Month.”
Last year, CPC MP Marilyn Gladu introduced a Private Member’s Bill C-369 that would designate December as “Christian Heritage Month,” saying this is only the “fair and right” thing to do.
The bill reads that “In the negotiations that brought about Confederation, Canada was originally named ‘Dominion of Canada,’ a name reportedly inspired by the passage in the Bible (King James Version) at Psalm 72:8, which says, ‘He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.’”
The bill states that December in Canada marks “significant events and celebrations in the Christian calendar, from the beginning of Advent to the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ; And whereas, according to Statistics Canada’s 2021 Census of Population, Christianity is the largest religion in Canada, with over half of Canadians identifying as Christian.”
New actions for response to urban encampments being considered by City Council
New actions for The City’s response to urban encampments will be considered by Council on Monday, with a focus on interim and long-term solutions to homelessness. The proposed actions include everything from maintaining a balanced mitigation strategy to exploring interim housing solutions.
The report comes in response to Councillor Lee’s Notice of Motion re: Urban Encampment Responses that Council approved during the 2024 budget debate. The report reviews the past five years of data, analyzes service levels, and evaluates Corporate Administrative Policy 3141C – Urban Encampment Response. The key recommendations in the report focus on providing a balanced approach to mitigating the effects of encampments while working towards long-term solutions for homelessness. These recommendations include:
- Consistent Mitigation: Maintain The City’s current approach to encampment responses, ensuring the most balanced mitigation strategy available at this time to protect public lands while supporting vulnerable individuals.
- Advocacy for Shelter Strategy: Council will continue to advocate to the Government of Alberta for a comprehensive shelter strategy, including the development of a low-barrier 24/7 emergency shelter with a Recovery-Oriented System of Care.
- Review of Transitional Housing: Request that the Housing and Homelessness Integrated Committee (HHIC) review the potential for new transitional housing infrastructure as an interim solution to support individuals transitioning out of homelessness.
“The City’s current policy is still achieving its target of having sites cleaned within 14 days. Despite a substantial increase in encampments, responses have continued to be increasingly efficient, largely due to enhanced relationships and experience levels,” said Jodi Kelloway, Acting Superintendent, Social Wellness and Integration Supports. “In recent months, we have seen a significant rise in the number of people experiencing homelessness, with shelters operating at or near capacity. Many individuals living in encampments have limited or no alternative options available. It is important that we continue to improve our response while building capacity within the housing continuum that considers current realities and the unique needs of community members who are unsheltered. The actions we propose in today’s report are about building and expanding on what we already do.”
Under the current policy, The City has a level of service that urban encampments, debris, and belongings are to be removed within 14 days of an initial report, 90 per cent of the time. While The City’s current response to urban encampments is effective, with 98 per cent of camps being cleaned up within 14 days, the number of encampments continues to rise. In 2023 alone, 881 encampments were dismantled, with a projected overall increase of 75 per cent by the end of 2024.
Costs related to encampment clean-up have reached approximately $2.87 million over the last five years, shared among several City departments, including Parks, Public Works, and Emergency Services. Despite increased efficiency, the growing number of encampments presents ongoing challenges and concerns.
The City’s Encampment Assertive Outreach team continues to engage individuals living in encampments, providing referrals to social and housing services. However, the report notes that many individuals face barriers to accessing shelter due to personal circumstances, such as the need for privacy, the ability to be with their partners, accommodation for pets or possessions, highlighting the ongoing need for tailored solutions.
Councillor Lee’s January 8, 2024, Notice of Motion called for administration to consider the following:
- Reducing the time to dismantle encampments.
- Preventing establishment of encampments.
- Connecting rough sleepers with social supports and understanding overall community shelter capacity.
- Develop recommendations for individuals setting up or using encampments to encourage them to seek alternative shelter.
- How much money The City has spent on the cleanup of encampments over the past five years, and how much subsidy, if any, has been provided by other levels of government.
- Including the continuum of housing that is currently available in Red Deer and what is needed.
- That Administration report to council on the progress of the review of Corporate Administrative Policy 3141C – Urban Encampment Response”.
“The City of Red Deer is committed to supporting the health and safety of those sleeping rough, citizens who are enjoying parks, trails and public spaces, and staff responding to encampments,” said City Manager Tara Lodewyk. “Unfortunately, urban encampment work is a very short-term solution to a very complex health, housing, and public safety need in our community. The ability to reduce homelessness in Red Deer is significantly impacted by the lack of affordable and supportive housing supply. Until this is resolved, we will continue in this cycle of clean up.”
More detailed information is available in the City Council report located on the Council Meetings and Schedule page.
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