Love Park has quickly become one of the city’s cherished public spaces since opening last summer, but the murky water in the heart-shaped pond has not. Worry not, Love Park fans, the city said a fix is on the way.

With the warm weather underway, the City of Toronto has begun preparations to conduct routine maintenance and repairs on its water features (such as ornamental fountains and ponds). Additional attention will be placed on the unique filtration system of the heart-shaped pond at Love Park, which opened last June at York Street and Queens Quay,

The pond’s filtration system is less chemically intensive than typical chlorine fountains or artificial ponds. When the pond is filled, the filtration system needs time to calibrate.

At first, the water appears clear and then becomes less clear, taking on a slightly green appearance. As the water chemistry is brought into balance, it returns to a clearer appearance.

“While it is not intended that people or pets enter the pond or drink the water, a change in appearance does not mean the water is unsafe,” the City said in a statement.

Waterfront Toronto and the City of Toronto are working with a technician to replace certain parts of the system that weren’t working properly last season. Once the parts are replaced, the pond will be filled to ensure that all components of the system are working as expected.

During this testing period, the technician will be on-site to oversee the process and make any needed adjustments or further replacements.

“We anticipate this process to take about one week to complete,” the City said. “Following a successful testing period, the pond will remain filled for the season and will be drained in the fall along with all City water features.

The pond’s appearance can be affected by a few factors, such as rainwater, sun, shade, air, and temperature, so the water will be monitored throughout the operating season and, if needed, be treated to prevent unwanted algae buildup.

This Friday, the pond—which is ringed by a ledge that can serve as seating—will also be surrounded by 63 moveable chairs and café-style tables provided by the Waterfront Business Improvement Area to provide more seating options for park-goers.

The City is also opening some of its water and washroom facilities at public parks ahead of schedule due to warmer-than-usual temperatures. Currently, 80 per cent of park washrooms are open; the remaining park washrooms will open by May 1.