Regular visitors to the Japanese Garden, located a stone’s throw from City Hall, are becoming alarmed, especially for the survival of wildlife that live there.
The water is so low, the bed below the bridge is completely dry, exposing rocks and debris.
“I’ve noticed the water receding for at least a week now, and the hot weather we’ve been having isn’t helping matters,” said Lorraine Mederos, who lives across the road from the park on Enfield Place.
The retired nurse said she reported the situation to the City, but has received no explanation.
“They must know about it, because City staff comes here twice a day to lock and unlock the gates. I’m no engineer, but it seems the mechanical pump isn’t working.”
Mederos said she’s been visiting the park almost every day for the past six years, and she hasn’t seen the park in worse shape as it is this summer. It just isn’t maintained properly, she said.
“Even before this problem, the water was very brackish. I don’t know if it has anything to do with it, but I’ve noticed there are no longer turtles living here. Before, there were dozens. Even birds and Mallard ducks seem to be avoiding the place.”
However, Mederos’ concern at the moment is for the foot-long Koi that live in the main pond across from the pavilion.
“With the water so low and the weather so hot, they must be suffering. They’re certainly more sluggish than they normally are. I won’t be surprised if they start going belly up,” said Mederos, this morning at the park.
No one at the City was available for comment, because it was the weekend.
Kariya Park was constructed in 1992 to commemorate the 11th anniversary of Mississauga’s twin-city relationship with Kariya, Japan. The facility has an array of rhododendrons, pine, gingko and sweet gum trees planted in traditional Japanese-garden style.
During the summer, the park is a popular place for wedding photographs.
jchin@mississauga.net
