Pond draining in Celebration Park to remove invasive goldfish

The City of Medicine Hat will begin draining the pond in Celebration Park next week to remove a large school of goldfish and manage the environmental effects of the invasive aquatic species. The park is located in the Southlands neighbourhood.

Goldfish illegally released into the pond have multiplied in quantity and size. More than 100 large fish now live in the small body of water, with the potential for a significant number of eggs buried in the ground at the bottom of the pond as well.

The pond will be drained and left empty over the winter. The sub-zero winter temperatures will be used as a method to eliminate as many eggs as possible. It is the most environmentally friendly option to reduce the chance of goldfish re-emerging once the pond is refilled in the spring. If successful, it prevents the use of chemical alternatives.

Weather permitting, staff will begin draining the pond on Monday, October 19. The water will be used to irrigate newly planted trees, and drained into the south end of the park, away from the hill, to prevent water from pooling around existing infrastructure. The pond will be barricaded and/or fenced off to prevent residents from entering during and after this work.

Once the pond has been drained, the fish will be removed and disposed of at the Waste Management Facility (landfill). No outdoor skating surface will be available in Celebration Park while the pond remains empty over the winter to reduce the effects of this illegally released invasive species.

Why we must remove the goldfish

Goldfish increase the turbidity and organic matter in water which reduces oxygen and contributes to algae blooms. Removing the goldfish should increase the water quality and clarity over time for a more enjoyable experience for all. This pond serves as the water source for irrigation in Celebration Park, which is why it couldn’t be drained in summer and it’s important to maintain its water quality.

Invasive species like goldfish also have no natural predators and outcompete any other species in the area, creating an unbalanced and unhealthy ecosystem -- another way they can affect the environment and human health. For native species to thrive in their natural habitat, goldfish must be removed. Please note, no native aquatic species will be affected during this draining and removal.

How to properly get rid of non-native fish

Residents are asked to please properly dispose of their unwanted goldfish and other non-native aquatic species. Releasing goldfish and other non-native fish, dead or alive, is illegal. Do not flush them, and do not place them in a local body of water.

In recent instances like the Northlands Storm Pond, aquatic invasive species can overtake an ecosystem and affect public waterways. Their removal has been – and continues to be – costly to taxpayers and to the environment.

If you are no longer able to care for a fish in your aquarium or pond, the Government of Alberta recommends the following:

• Contacting a retailer or pet store
• Giving it to an aquarium or pond owner
• Donating to a school
• Talking to a veterinarian

The City of Medicine Hat would like to thank residents for their understanding while this vital work is completed.

For media inquiries, please contact:
media@medicinehat.ca