The City of Richmond is estimating it will cost $2.5 million for the second phase of the Minoru Lakes Park renewal project.
Minoru Lakes received a $3.1 million makeover and re-opened to the public in June 2023 with a new pond, cascading waterfall, boardwalk, bridges and pathways.
The second phase was approved by city council in late December but won't be done until late 2024.
Due to water system failures, poor water quality and water leakage, the first phase of the project focused on improving the water quality, reducing water loss and creating new habitats for birds, plants and other wildlife.
Phase two of the project is for a new stormwater detention pond to improve the environmental sustainability of Minoru Lakes and the neighbourhood stormwater catchment area east of Minoru Park.
More robust bridges over the drainage canal, wayfinding and lighting are also part of these upgrades.
"The new stormwater detention pond will intercept, treat (mechanically and passively via soil and plants) and detain stormwater from upstream private developments and public roadways," according to a city staff report.
Community members have described Minoru Lakes as "hidden, generally unwelcoming and viewed as unsafe," and the city is hoping to change that with the new lighting and wayfinding, reads the report.
The city has allocated $1.35 million for the project and has currently applied for a grant for the remaining $1.15 million needed.
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