Hemlock Ravine Park's heart-shaped pond getting major repairs

Halifax's historic heart-shaped pond is getting some much-needed love.

The popular spot in Hemlock Ravine Park is more than 200 years old and showing its age.

Contractors drained the pond and are replacing the surrounding wall toimprovedrainage. They're alsoremoving organic debris fromthe bottom of the pond to improve clarity and water quality, said city spokespersonBrendan Elliott.

Crews are working from7 a.m. until 7 p.m. on the project. The park remains open to the public, but with reduced parking.

The city expects the work to be done by mid-September.

Sharon Ingalls lives across from the park and says the work has been noisy and dusty.

"I guess they're building it so it will last another 200 years," she said.

Julie's Pond

The pond dates back to 1794 when it was built by Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, shortly after he arrived in Halifax.

His grandson, Prince Arthur, made it heart-shaped 75 years later to commemorate the time his grandfather spent there withhis mistress Julie St. Laurent. That's why many locals still call it Julie'sPond.

Andre Haines lives onKent Avenue, the main road to the park off the Bedford Highway. He'san artist and says the construction hasn't spoiled the beauty for him.

"Sometimes if I have summer kids that are doing lessons, we'll go down and paint and do pastels. It's a beautiful place," he said.