Lagoon Fountain and Aeration

BACKGROUND

Improvements to the Harrison Lake Lagoon were identified as a priority project under the 2019–2021 Resort Development Strategy to ensure the long-term sustainability of this popular outdoor recreation site. The lagoon is a major identifier of our Village and a draw for tourism in the summer months. The fountain and aerators are just one of the projects in the Lagoon Area Master Plan, which has a phased installation. Revitalizing this area will not only improve the visitor experience in the summer, but contribute to the goal of developing shoulder and off-season tourism. Tourism Harrison is significantly expanding their Lights by the Lake Festival displays around the lagoon and a lagoon fountain with LED lighting will complement the displays.

In November 2020, an electrically powered water fountain with decorative lighting and aeration system was installed in the lagoon to provide esthetic value and improve water quality with respect to bacteriological contamination from natural sources and to reduce milfoil. The number of aerators (diffusers) that were installed was based on the recommendation of a qualified environmental professional.

PUBLIC CONSULTATION

October 2019 - Lagoon Area Master Plan Survey and Open House

BUDGET

At the September 8, 2020 Regular Council Meeting, the following resolutions were passed:

THAT the Lagoon Fountain and Aeration Project, be awarded to Pond Pro Canada and be approved at a cost not to exceed $109,000 to be funded by the Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI) Funds; and

THAT additional project costs including electrical upgrades and environmental consulting be approved at a cost not to exceed $75,000 to be funded by the Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI) Funds. (RC-2020-09-05)

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

“Can-Air diffusers are one of the toughest, most efficient diffusers made in Canada. These diffusers have fewer parts and 25% more diffuser area than most diffusers of its type. The diffuser sits at the pond or lake bottom and releases these micro-bubbles from specialized tubing connected to the base, effectively circulating and oxygenating the water. Made of top quality materials, these diffusers are effective for any scale project, from dugouts, to lakes and even municipal/industrial lagoons.” – Pond Pro Canada

• The eight (8) diffusers are powered by four (4) ½HP air pumps that will run 24/7.
• The 7.3hp fountain is currently scheduled to run from 6am to 10pm with a 15-minute pause at 11:45 am. (this operating schedule will reduce the operating cost by 1/3)
• There are several colour options for the lights.
• When the weather improves and the water temperature increases, the fountain runtimes will be altered (with 15 minute pauses every 4 hours) and the daily schedule can/will be adjusted as required/requested.
• If/when the lagoon starts to freeze, the fountain will run 24 hours a day to avoid freezing.
• The fountain spray dimensions are 30ft (10m) by 70ft (21m). The spray dimensions are affected by wind.
• The lagoon water quality is expected to improve over time, it will not happen immediately.