Your news this week: Covid Activity Guide - Second Section Turning 98 in self isolation - 8 Lamont food stores robbed twice - 10 OPINION: A different world ahead -4
Proud to be an Independent CANADIAN Publication
FREE
Vol. 15, No. 21, Wednesday, April 22, 2020 www.LamontLeader.com
Stormwater pond creates kayaker’s heaven BY JANA SEMENIUK Fort Saskatchewan resident John Vitt could not resist a chance to get his kayak out on the water Apr. 18, despite the temperature hovering at only +8 degrees. “It’s a little chilly,” said Vitt. “But when my buddy called and said there was a kayaking opportunity in Bruderheim I had to come.” The opportunity presented was a sixacre piece of land designated as green space behind the West Woodlands subdivision in Bruderheim that had severely flooded due to the spring thaw. Although the space does flood slightly each year, Bruderheim mayor Karl Hauch said this is only the second time in 18 years he has seen it so severe. “We moved here in 2002,” said Hauch. “This is only the second time in the entire time we have lived here that I have seen it this bad.” Hauch explained that the severity of the flooding is due largely to the underlying ice beneath the melted snow. “There’s no water being absorbed because of the ice below, so it’s all just running off,” he said. “It’s a good thing we have this overflow capacity here.” The temporary lake is approximately three to five feet deep in places, as measured by Vitt using his paddle. “It’s draining out the north end right now,” added Hauch. “It will end up in the river eventually.” Hauch explained that while there is nothing illegal with Vitt kayaking, he would like to remind people to take extra precautions around a large body of water like this and especially to watch their children. “It’s not something we want children playing around without their parents,” said Hauch. “Adults should be with their children at all times in an area like this. Sometimes in Alberta conditions can change quickly so you have to be careful.” While the lake itself is only temporary, Hauch stated that the idea has
For the first time this year, kayak enthusiast John Vitt hit the water with his boat on a flooded section of green space located near the subdivision West Woodlands in Bruderheim on Apr. 18. been floated by him from residents that a more permanent man-made lake would be a welcome addition. “A permanent lake would bring in a whole other set of measures,” he said. “Some of the concerns are infestations
of insects and mosquitos. Not to mention the cost to keep the lake clean for people to use.” Hauch also explained that a permanent lake would require expensive fencing to keep it safe.
“If money were no object, in my opinion, I would love to have a lake here with stocked fish in it,” he said. “It’s something we can daydream about for the future.”