Simon Lake group seeks algae skimmer

The Simon Lake Stewardship group is getting frustrated with the stinkymess of algae on its lake.

Group president David Furino said they will be approaching the city to set aside some money in next year's budget to buy an algae skimmer.

The skimmer costs about $120,000 to buy, but the group is looking for a used one.

"The algae affects three lakes: Mud Lake, Simon Lake and McCharles," Furino said, "because of the weather this year it being so hot and the water so low it's much worse than it normally is. That's why we'll be approaching the city, asking them to get a skimmer."

Fortunately for the 200 Simon Lake residents, Furino said the algae is not the toxic blue-green variety. The algae that is taken from the lake can be composted and repurposed.

"[The algae's] not toxic at all. It's just unpleasant. Visually, it's not good," Furino said, "in the next week or two ... it's going to die and rot. Then it gets very unpleasant, due to the smell."

Alexandria, Ontario, recently purchased an algae skimmer, and according to the Simon Lake group has been successful in clearing up its algae problem.

The Simon Lake Stewardship Group is preparing a petition to demonstrate the residents' support for the project as well.

Another meeting on the matter is scheduled for September 8.