Consultant report now available

The consultants for this project have completed their summary report. These are the final recommendations based on the scientific studies performed and input from the community.

Here is a brief summary of their conclusions:

We know that people have different views about how the pond should look and be managed. Some enjoy the current appearance, with water lilies and other plants covering the surface. Others are concerned that the pond is becoming too overgrown and might eventually turn into a swamp. This group believes the pond should be dredged (dug deeper) to remove the thick plant growth.

However, according to the report, a scientific study done in 2023 and 2024 found that the pond is actually in good ecological health. It supports a wide variety of plants and animals, and many people—both from the neighbourhood and beyond—value this natural richness. The pond is considered “eutrophic,” meaning it has a lot of nutrients. This is normal for small, shallow ponds in Southern Ontario.

Although the pond was dredged in 1979 and had some deeper areas back then, most of it has always been fairly shallow. A survey in 1995 showed that the pond’s depth hasn’t changed much in the past 30 years, and during that time, it has continued to support a healthy ecosystem.

The conclusion of the study is that there’s no ecological reason to dredge the pond. In fact, doing so could harm the plants and animals that live there now. Instead, it’s recommended that the pond be monitored regularly to see how well current restoration efforts are working and to decide if any future work is needed.

Here are the study's recommended actions:

These are the most important steps to take:

• Control invasive phragmites
• Protect chimney crayfish habitat
• Restore the woodland area
• Hold community clean-up days
• Monitor the pond and woodland

These steps would also be helpful:

• Create pollinator gardens
• Build turtle nesting areas
• Install a wood duck nest box
• Add informational signs

For more details, please read the full report.

Learn more at our 'walk and talk'

Please join us at our upcoming walk and talk. During the walk, we will discuss the timing of the restoration projects. We'll also gauge the level of interest from the community to participate in clean-ups and planting days.

June 3, 2025

7 to 8:30 p.m.

Meet near the bench at Westheights Park Pond (see map below)

If you have any questions, reach out to the project manager, Rachel Voros, at rachel.voros@kitchener.ca or 519-741-2345 (TTY:1-866-969-9994).