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Halfway through the summer season, water quality at Petrie Island beach has shown vast improvement over last year, and city officials are hoping the trend continues.
The beach has been closed for swimming for five days this season due to high E. coli bacteria counts, and it has been open for 28 days.
At this time last year, the Orlans gem had been closed 23 days and open 10.
“Hopefully, the first part of the season will be reflected in the second part of the season, but there’s too many variables to know,” said Jean-Guy Albert, a program manager at the public health department who monitors pollution levels at the city’s four beaches.
Last year, poor water continued throughout the summer, restricting the beach to 19 open days. It was closed for 45.
The city’s other beaches – Westboro, Mooney’s Bay and Britannia – last year were closed for swimming 29, 10, and zero days, respectively. This year, Westboro has been closed 11 days, Britannia five days, and Mooney’s Bay two.
Concern over poor water quality at Petrie Island last year led some to criticize the city for pouring $3 million into development of the man-made beach and other facilities.
But in 2005, in its first year of operation, the beach was closed only five days due to high E. coli counts.
Mr. Albert said many things contribute to the pollution levels, and that officials always maintained the water quality last year could be an anomaly.
Wildlife, birds, rainfall, air temperature and water currents can have significant effects on bacteria levels, he said.
To determine the cause of E. coli at the beach, which is largely attributable to feces in the water, city officials are collecting samples for DNA testing this summer. Test results aren’t expected until the fall.
Despite the water quality concerns, the city has put aside $900,000 to build up the Orlans recreation site, which includes the beach, picnic area, conservation area and trails.
The city is also seeking a private sector partner to build enhanced year-round facilities, including community space, possibly a restaurant, equipment rental programs and more.
In Gatineau, O’Brien Beach at Meech Lake was closed yesterday, after a bloom of cyanobacteria, also known as blue algae, was discovered at the site.
According to the National Capital Commission, the beach will remain closed until the Quebec environment ministry has evaluated test samples.