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Routine water sampling will not be conducted this summer season at public bathing beaches in the Timiskaming district as we continue to work on COVID-19 response and recovery. However, our Environmental Health team will continue to provide information regarding safe water use, and monitor public bathing beaches for health related concerns, which may include conducting water sampling at certain beaches based on a risk assessment approach.
- If you have concerns regarding the bacteriological quality of your public bathing beach, please contact our office and we will investigate. For after-hours concerns, please contact us at 705-647-3033.
- If you require new public bathing beach signage (see attached), please advise and we will provide some to your municipality.
- If you are aware of a complaint of blue green algae, please notify the Ontario Ministry of the Environment at the Spills Action Center number: 1-866-663-8477.
For more information on local public bathing beaches, visit us at https://www.timiskaminghu.com/default.aspx?content_id=346.
For more information on blue green algae, visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/blue-green-algae |
The Timiskaming Health Unit (THU) is responsible for monitoring the beach water quality within the district and has a role in identifying factors that have an impact on beach water quality. Each year, a beach pollution survey is conducted at all public access bathing beaches in the area where potential sources of pollution are identified. Routine water sampling begins in June and continues through the bathing season to the Labour Day weekend in September. Water samples are taken weekly from New Liskeard Beach and monthly from all other public bathing beaches within the health unit and are tested for bacteria levels. These samples are collected according to the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care Recreational Water Protocol, 2018.
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Name of Beach
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Status
Updated:
2020-04-30
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Sampling Frequency
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Bass Lake
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Open
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Based on risk assessment
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Bucke Park
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Open
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Based on risk assessment
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Charlton
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Open
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Based on risk assessment
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Crystal Beach
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Open
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Based on risk assessment
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Culver Park Beach
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Open
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Based on risk assessment
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Elk Lake Beach
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Open
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Based on risk assessment
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Gowganda Beach
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Open
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Based on risk assessment
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Haileybury
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Open
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Based on risk assessment
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Larder Lake Beach
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Open
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Based on risk assessment
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Latchford Beach
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Open
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Based on risk assessment
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Loon Lake |
Open
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Based on risk assessment
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Matachewan Beach
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Open
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Based on risk assessment
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New Liskeard
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Open
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Based on risk assessment
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Pike Lake |
Open
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Based on risk assessment
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Raven Park Beach
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Open
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Based on risk assessment
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Temagami North
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Open
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Based on risk assessment
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Temagami Public Beach
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Open
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Based on risk assessment
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What are Public Bathing Beaches?
Don't use soap in the water. Soap nourishes algae and bacteria, helping them to grow.
Avoid attracting animals and birds by limiting the amount of food taken to the beach. Don't feed animals or birds, and securely close garbage bins.
Stoop and scoop after your pet.
Avoid using fertilizers near beach water.
Practice pollution-free boating and dispose of human waste hygienically.
What about Provincial Parks?
Provincial Park beaches are monitored by the Ministry of Natural Resources and beach water quality at parks can be viewed here.
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