Fraser Heights residents are outraged that their local koi pond has been left to dry up by the city, while sprinklers drench nearby sports fields.
Area residents are concerned over the Glenwood Park pond, where a pair of koi are running out of places to hide from prey.
When the region’s stage 3 watering restrictions came into effect, the City of Surrey posted a sign saying it was no longer going to be filling the pond.
The large lagoon has been reduced to a virtual puddle.
Two koi and a turtle were placed in the pond by members of the public after the city created the park.
One of the fish has been relocated by a refuge society, while the other remains. The turtle and resident frogs can take refuge in the mud.
Area resident Terry Cooke says it’s unfortunate the city is leaving a pond to die when sports fields are lush from all the watering they’re getting.
However, under stage 3 restrictions, the city is playing it by the book.
Under the restrictions, all watering in parks is forbidden, while sprinkling of sports playing fields is allowed.
Neal Aven, Surrey’s manager of urban forestry and environmental programs, said the city has no authority to fill the pond.
It also can’t be responsible for species “illegally” put there by others, he said.
The parks bylaw prohibits the introduction of new species to parkland lakes and streams.
As it is, the koi will be at risk.
“They certainly would be susceptible to drying pond conditions, that’s for sure,” Aven said Wednesday.
The natural inhabitants, which include birds and frogs, will be fine, he said.
The birds will fly elsewhere, and frogs are quite at home in the muddy conditions.
The residents of Fraser Heights had a meeting planned Wednesday evening to discuss next steps. One of the ideas being considered is to raise enough money to have water brought in to fill the pond.