Dozens of dead fish have washed up on the shore of a pond in Toronto’s west end, and the local community is searching for answers.
Topham Pond, located in the southeast corner of Eglinton Flats park, is at the centre of the Mount Dennis community’s concern, following a cancelled fishing event due to a significant die-off in the pond’s fish population.
Alarming photos of the dead fish began to circulate online, with signage surrounding the taped-off pond reading that the wildlife are “feeling a little sick right now and need space to rest and heal.”
The local community began to respond online, some speculating the die-off could be linked to chemical spills and local construction.
One Facebook user recounts feeling initially proud that his son was headed to Topham Pond to go fishing amongst friends, and later felt dismayed at the disturbing sight he described as a potentially “unnatural occurrence.” Pointing a finger at environmental contaminants, the user also claims that it has also harmed turtles and other wildlife in the surrounding area.
Former MPP for York South–Weston and community advocate Faisal Hassan called the current maintenance for local wildlife “unacceptable” and urged others to hold government officials accountable.
“I believe a thorough investigation is necessary to determine the cause of this environmental issue,” he wrote on Facebook.
The Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MCEP) told Now Toronto that it became aware of the Topham Pond die-off on July 3, following reports. The ministry says its staff visited the site the following day through July 7, and assured that there was no evidence of chemical spills in the vicinity.
The MCEP also says the property is owned by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and managed by the City of Toronto. Additionally, the ministry suggested that temperature fluctuations in recent weeks may have been a natural cause of the dead fish.
TRCA told Now Toronto that its staff visited the site and collected water samples, which are currently undergoing analysis that may help it understand what contributed to the fish die-off.
“Fish die-offs can be a natural occurrence,” a TRCA spokesperson said to Now Toronto in an email on Wednesday.
“TRCA will continue to collaborate with our municipal and provincial partners and remains prepared to support any further investigation or cleanup efforts as needed.”
York South-Weston Councillor Frances Nunziata says last Friday her office was informed of the dead fish and a “strong odour” at Topham Road, and directed City Parks and TRCA staff to investigate. The following day, she witnessed the scene for herself.
“On Saturday, I personally visited the site and found the situation concerning—both the sight and smell were deeply troubling,” Nunziata said to Now Toronto on Wednesday.
The councillor assures that City Parks and the TRCA will ensure cleanup and remediation is taken, as the city awaits the test results.
TRCA is now working in close coordination with City Parks staff to assess the situation and ensure any necessary cleanup is undertaken.
“I remain committed to keeping the community informed as we receive updates,” she said.
