Whistle Bend is a work in progress, says Darrell Hookey, chair of the neighbourhood’s community association.

That’s why residents aren’t overly concerned about the algae blooming in the drainage pond at the centre of the subdivision, he says.

“I think anyone who’s been around for a while knows that when it comes to water management, especially in a brand-new neighbourhood, there’s a lot of trial and error happening,” he said in an interview Thursday.

According to Hookey, conversation about the pond has picked up on the association’s Facebook page in the last month.

Some residents feel algae is natural, he told the Star, while others are embarrassed by the thick carpet at both ends of the pond.

The vast majority though, are in the middle.

Hookey said residents know the city is working on a solution because the association recently sat down with city staff to talk about it.

According to Bonnie Venton-Ross, a spokesperson for the Department of Community Services, the growth is thought to be the result of an ineffective bubbler aeration system.

Other factors are an increase in nutrients and sediments from lawn fertilizers, vehicle washing, and other factors that contribute nitrogen and phosphorus to storm water.

Venton-Ross said the proposed solution includes draining and deepening the pond.

A fountain will be added to the existing bubbler to increase oxygen and water movement, which will help cut back on growth.

The work is expected to begin in the fall, she said.

In the meantime, Hookey said, he hasn’t seen a drop in the use of the trails around the pond.

In fact, he said, a surprising number of people come in from Riverdale and Porter Creek because the paved trails are great for those in wheelchairs and for walking dogs (as he did Thursday morning) and riding bikes.

Not only that, Hookey said, but during the meeting with the city, staff brought up the idea of a skating oval during the winter, and the possibility of eventually opening the water to kayaking lessons.

There is a fix for the rapidly-growing subdivision’s pond, Hookey said.

The city may not find it on the first try, but he is confident they’ll keep trying until they find a solution.