It's spring cleaning time for the City Hall pond.

Superintendent of Parks with the Corporation of Hamilton, Steven DeSilva, described the work as "regular maintenance" which took place about every five years. He said the pond was drained so that it could be thoroughly cleaned and checked for leaks and cracks. Workers also ensured the plumbing was in working order prior to painting.

"But in draining the pond we had to take care of the fish who live there," Mr. DeSilva said. "It was a steep learning curve for me so I asked the Department of Parks what to do and they graciously loaned us their expert, although I don't think he'd like to be called that."

Jeffrey Porter spent Tuesday working with the team draining the pond and catching the Koi and goldfish.

All the fish are now being held in three 600-gallon tanks in a safe location.

"We have about 60 Koi from an inch and a half up to three feet in the tanks and they are doing well," Mr. Porter said. "There's plenty of fresh water being pumped through. I think they'll be fine. We have about three dozen goldfish too.

Mr. Porter said the fish would not be fed until just before the weekend.

"We're keeping them light," he said.

It is expected that the fish will only have to be held in the tanks for two weeks.

"We're hoping that it won't be more than that, barring any unforeseen developments," Mr. DeSilva said. Photo by Tamell Simons