The Bend City Council endorsed looking into a plan to replace the Mirror Pond dam and preserve the iconic body of water’s current level.

It’s not a done deal, but the council late Wednesday backed exploring the project’s feasibility, something it will accomplish arm in arm with the Bend Park & Recreation District.

The proposal calls for the removal of the 100-year-old Mirror Pond dam and the addition of a natural-looking structure that will maintain the current water level while providing fish passage and a path for kayakers. The floor of the pond would be partly dredged to speed the passing of water and deter the accumulation of sediment.

PacifiCorp, which operates the dam, would relocate its nearby substation to a to-be-determined location. The site where the substation now sits and adjacent properties owned by PacifiCorp would be transferred to the city, park district or an independent agency to be sold for redevelopment.

A portion of the property near the dam would become a public plaza, while the historic brick powerhouse would be preserved.

Check back at bendbulletin.com or read Friday’s Bulletin for a more detailed account of the council’s decision.