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City of Lacombe to spend $15,000 over five years on stocking Len Thompson Pond

Popularity of facility means further stocking necessary
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Brandyn and Hudson Lang were casting into Len Thompson Pond during Kids Can Catch Day on June 1, 2019. The City of Lacombe has opted to stock the pond for $3,000 per year for the next five years. (Todd Colin Vaughan/Lacombe Express)

The City of Lacombe will be keeping fish in Len Thompson Pond after a 4-2 decision at the Jan. 27 Lacombe Council Meeting.

Counsellors Reuben Konnik and Thalia Hibbs opposed the motion which will see the City spend $3,000 per year over the course of five years for a total of $15,000.

Mayor Grant Creasey, who is on the board for the Lacombe Fish and Game Association, said it is important to have the City back this proposal due to the ongoing success of the facility.

“It has become a very popular spot, which is a great thing for the community but it has come to the point that in order to keep it viable and stocked to level that keeps it interesting for the users there — we do need to increase our stocking efforts,” Creasey said.

The pond is stocked with rainbow trout of various sizes and the pond is aerated through the winter in order to prevent winter kill. A catch and release system is encouraged by signage — particular aimed towards adult anglers — but removal of fish from the pond does happen.

Creasey said it is the hope of the Fish and Game Association that adults return their catches in order to keep the facility fun for young anglers.

“While we encourage everyone to utilize the facility, we expect adults to safely return their catch back to the pond so they can be there for the children to enjoy,” he said.

Creasey hopes that all public facilities do have some level of abuse, but feels that the community will monitor itself in this situation

“Hopefully with increased usage now that people will have their eyes open and watch what is going on there,” he said

Creasey hopes people continue to enjoy the facility

“It is not a grocery store, so please respect the individuals who put a lot of time, effort and resources into making it happen,” he said.



todd.vaughan@lacombeexpress.com

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