Geese reduced at Castlegar ponds, but algae problems continue

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source groundwater well in order to better understand what is causing ongoing algae blooms in the ponds. In addition geese reduction measures were re-instituted. Castlegar city staff gave a mid-season update on pond operations to city council on July 13. According to Castlegar’s manager of infrastructure and engineering Ryan Niddery, goose counts have gone down substantially since early 2026. He said this indicated that the efforts – including hanging flags above the ponds and hiring a dog handler team to discourage nesting – have been successful. In spite of fewer geese, algae blooms continue. Algae thrives when it has the right water temperature, sunlight and the right nutrient profile (nitrogen, phosphorus and ammonia). Niddery reported that preliminary testing has shown that these nutrients are present in the source groundwater well and the ponds. Staff will continue to monitor...