Weed removal at Lake Banook, Lake Micmac begins in Dartmouth

A private contractor has started cleaning up weeds at two Dartmouth lakes and the work is expected to continue until the end of the month.

The Halifax Regional Municipality budgeted $210,000 to remove weeds in Lake Banook and Lake Micmac, which have plagued boaters and swimmers since 2009. The cleanup is being handled by Natural Ocean Products Inc.

The city says the cleanup will occur on weekdays, around scheduled recreational activities.

Lake users had reported that the weeds float near the surface of the water, break free from the bottom and form weed islands.

Five problem areas were identified, including the northern section of Lake Micmac, the cove surrounding Grahams Grove Park and the southwestern corner near Banook Canoe Club and the North Star Rowing Club.

Once the weeds are harvested, the city says they will be delivered to a composting facility.