Richmond Minoru Park lakes area closed until early 2023

The area surrounding the lakes at Minoru Park will be closed to the public from the beginning of April until early 2023 for construction.

This includes existing lakes and plaza areas, pathways and trails north of the canal including the pedestrian bridges and portions of the Bowling Green Road parking lot.

The city is refurbishing this portion of the park to the tune of $3.1 million, creating a new cascading waterfall, new plaza areas, paved pathways and boardwalks with lighting and new plantings.

The track, sport fields, playground and chapel gardens will remain open during construction.

Work on the Minoru lakes will be done in two phases with the first focusing on the main lake body and renewals to the lake liners, embankments, mechanical systems, irrigation, drainage, pathways, plaza spaces, plantings and furnishing.

The city has applied for a $2.3 million grant to finance the second phase.

“Extensive public consultation through the broader Minoru Park Vision Plan made it clear that lakes are a valued amenity,” reads a City of Richmond media statement.

“The revitalization work will improve environmental and ecological benefits, the form and function of the lakes and reduce ongoing maintenance requirements.”

The lakes were originally built in the 1970s, but recent water system failures have resulted in poor water quality, increased use of potable water and more frequent maintenance, according to a March 14 city staff report.

Meanwhile, the new $5.3 million lawn bowling club in the park – called the Bowling Green Community Activity Centre – was scheduled to be sent out to tender in June of 2021.

However, it wasn’t until late last year that the tender was sent out and updates are expected to be presented at city council “in the coming weeks,” according to city spokesperson Clay Adams.

-with files from Maria Rantanen/Kirsten Clarke