No plans yet to re-water the Ottawa canal, officials to call a meeting

OTTAWA – Ottawa officials are planning a meeting to discuss how to move forward with the algae-stricken Illinois and Michigan Canal. Mayor Dan Aussem says draining of the canal is taking place at this time in order to get a better look at what needs to be repaired underneath the bridge, however, he’s unsure of when they will fill it back up again.

Vandalism has also become an issue at the canal site where Aussem says people are disconnecting pumps and taking other small materials like gas and oil caps. He says it’s frustrating but no different than vandalism in other parts of the city.