The City of Lacombe will be keeping fish in Len Thompson Pond.
Councillors Reuben Konnik and Thalia Hibbs opposed a motion that will see the city spend $3,000 per year over five years.
Mayor Grant Creasey, who is on the board of the Lacombe Fish and Game Association, said it is important to have the city back the initiative.
“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 a 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 to ensure the fish don’t die.
A catch-and-release system is encouraged — particularly for adult anglers — but removal of fish from the pond does happen.
Creasey said it is the fish and game association’s hope that adults return their catches 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.
todd.vaughan@lacombeexpress.com
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