Spring Maintenance for the Heart of Love Park

POSTED: APRIL 22, 2024

In This Blog:

• The City of Toronto has begun preparations to activate its water features city-wide, including ornamental fountains and ponds like the one in Love Park.
• A technician who specializes in the pond’s filtration system will be on-site to replace certain parts that were not working properly last season. 
• The pond uses a filtration system that is less chemically intensive than typical chlorine fountains or artificial ponds, and once filled, needs time to calibrate and be tested. 
• The water will appear clear and then become less clear, possibly taking on a slightly green appearance. 
• As the water chemistry is brought into balance, it will return to a clearer appearance. 
• The Waterfront BIA will put out the movable café-style tables and chairs on May 1, 2024.

With the spring season underway and below freezing temperatures behind us, the City of Toronto has begun preparations to activate its water features city-wide, including ornamental fountains and ponds. This process includes routine maintenance, repairs, testing and filling the water features. The beloved pond at Love Park will undergo a similar start-up process this spring, with additional attention on its unique filtration system.  

Waterfront Toronto and the City of Toronto are working with a technician who specializes in the pond’s filtration system to replace certain parts that were not working properly last season. This work is being completed under warranty. Once the parts have been replaced, the pond will be filled to ensure that all components of the system are working as expected. During this testing period, the technician will be on-site to oversee the process and make any needed adjustments or further replacements.

The pond uses a filtration system that is less chemically intensive than typical chlorine fountains or artificial ponds. When the pond is filled, the filtration system needs time to calibrate. Initially, the water will appear clear and then become less clear, possibly taking on a slightly green appearance. As the water chemistry is brought into balance, it will return to a clearer appearance. While it is not intended that people or pets enter the pond or drink the water, a change in appearance does not mean the water is unsafe. 

We anticipate this process to take about one week to complete. Following a successful testing period, the pond will remain filled for the season and will be drained in the fall along with all City water features.

If the system does not work as expected, or to City standard, a range of options will be considered, and appropriate next steps will be determined.

Since the water’s appearance can be affected by several factors including rainwater, sun and shade, and air and water temperature, the condition of the pond will be monitored throughout the operating season and, if needed, the water will be treated to prevent unwanted algae buildup.

Shortly after the pond is filled, the popular movable furniture will return to the park to provide more seating options for park-goers. On May 1, the Waterfront BIA will put out the movable café-style tables and chairs for people to enjoy this season. 

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