Rogers Cove and Beavermead Beaches To Remain Closed After Peterborough Public Health Confirms Presence of Blue-Green Algae

Rogers Cove and Beavermead beaches are remaining closed after Peterborough Public Health (PPH) has confirmed the presence of blue-green algae in the waters as reported on Monday afternoon.

File photo.

The closure is to protect the health and safety of the public and pets according to PPH.

The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) sampled the beach at Rogers Cove after the first reports of suspected blue-green algae at both Rogers Cove and Beavermead beaches on July 14. Last Friday, the MECP confirmed its presence at Rogers Cove.

“We’ve received confirmation that the algae observed at local beaches on July 14 is a harmful blue-green algae bloom,” said Julie Ingram, PPH manager of environmental health. “Elevated levels of toxins associated with blue-green algae have been detected and the beaches will remain temporarily closed.”

The MECP confirmed this sample had a total microcystin toxin amount of 169 µg/L, exceeding Health Canada’s recreational water limit of 10 µg/L on Monday. Additional samples are being collected from both beaches Monday with results anticipated by the end of this week as stated by the PPH.

The algae pose no immediate risk to Peterborough or Lakefield’s municipal drinking water supplies according to the PPH. Exposure to toxins such as drinking, swimming and bathing can cause illness and discomfort. Common symptoms include itchy, irritated eyes and skin, rash, headache, fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Pets and farm animals that consume contaminated water may experience sickness or death. The risk to humans is primarily from drinking water that has been contaminated with toxins from a dense harmful algae bloom. Long-term consumption containing high levels of cyanobacterial toxins may cause neurological or liver problems.  

Residents downstream of Little Lake are encouraged by the PPH to monitor water for blue-green algae. Dense blooms can make the water look like a bluish-green pea soup or a shiny paint slick. Fresh blooms often smell like fresh-cut grass while older blooms can have a strong septic- or garbage-like odour. To report suspected blue-green algae bloom, contact the MECP Spills Action Centre at 1-800-268-6060.  

If algae blooms are visible:  

• Do not use the water for drinking, food preparation, bathing, showering or swimming use. 

• Do not allow children, pets, or livestock to swim in or drink the water. 

• If skin contact does occur, wash with soap and water or rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove the algae. 

• Do not boil the water. Boiling will not remove the toxins and may release more of the toxin into the water. 

• Residents should avoid cooking with the water because food may absorb toxins from the water during cooking.

• Fishing is generally considered safe and there is a low risk to human health from eating fish caught during a peak blue-green algal bloom condition. 

• Be aware that home treatment systems for water may not remove toxins and may become clogged. 

• Do not treat the water with a disinfectant such as chlorine bleach. This action may break open algal cells and release toxins into the water.

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Peterborough First Responders Performing Emergency Training Exercise at Beavermead

An emergency training exercise for first responders will be held at Beavermead Park from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, announced by the City of Peterborough.

The training exercise includes Peterborough Paramedics, Peterborough Fire Services, Peterborough Police Service, and City of Peterborough lifeguards who supervise City beaches and wading pools.

Pedestrians are asked to give them space to safely complete their training. 

The training exercise will take place on land rather than the water. The beaches at Beavermead Park and Rogers Cove are currently closed by Peterborough Public Health due to suspected harmful algae bloom in the water.

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Peterborough Public Health Warns of Potential Blue-Green Algae at Beavermead and Rogers Cove Public Beaches

Peterborough Public Health is advising residents that two beaches in the City of Peterborough, Beavermead Park Beach (2011 Ashburnham Dr.) and Rogers Cove Beach, (131 Maria St.) will be closed until further notice due to the observation of possible harmful blue-green algae blooms.

file photo.

Blue-green algae are a type of bacteria, called cyanobacteria, that are known for rapidly reproducing and collecting to form large, highly visible blooms throughout the water column, on the surface of water as a scum, or on the lake bottom as a mat. Some species of cyanobacteria can also release poisons, called cyanobacterial toxins, when the cells that make up the bloom rupture or die.

While the blooms have not yet been confirmed as harmful, Peterborough Public Health has temporarily closed the beaches for swimming as a precaution while awaiting further testing.

“On Friday, our staff observed the suspect harmful algal blooms while preparing to collect routine beach water samples,” said Julie Ingram, manager of environmental health for Peterborough Public Health. “We immediately notified the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Spills Action Centre and have received confirmation that the MECP will sample the blooms today. In addition, we have notified the City of Peterborough who are supporting the beach closures,” said Ingram.

Many forms of blue-green algae are harmless, but some types produce toxins which can be hazardous for both people and animals. Exposure to toxins through activities like drinking, swimming and bathing can cause various symptoms, though some individuals may have no reaction.

Pets should not be allowed to enter water with suspect or confirmed harmful algae blooms as they may consume large amounts of contaminated water, resulting in sickness or death. The risk to humans is primarily from drinking water that has been contaminated with toxins from a dense harmful algae bloom. Long-term consumption of water containing high levels of cyanobacterial toxins may cause neurological or liver problems.

Currently, there is no known risk to the City of Peterborough’s municipal drinking water supply.

If algae blooms are visible:

• Do not use the water for drinking, food preparation, bathing, showering, or swimming use.

• Do not allow children, pets, or livestock to swim in the water or drink the water.

• If skin contact does occur, wash with soap and water or rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove the algae.

• Do not boil the water. Boiling will not remove the toxins and may release more of the toxin into the water.

• Residents should avoid cooking with the water because food may absorb toxins from the water during cooking.

• Home treatment systems for water may not remove toxins and may become clogged, thereby failing to remove
  the risk.

• Do not treat the water with a disinfectant such as chlorine bleach. This action may break open algal cells and
  release toxins into the water.

To report a suspect blue-green algae bloom, residents are advised to contact MECP Spills Action Centre at 1-800-268-6060.

For more information on blue-green algae, and precautions to be taken before swimming in or consuming water where there has been an algae bloom, visit Peterborough Public Health’s Blue-Green Algae website.

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Local Students Install Rain Garden and Shrubbery at New Beavermead Campground Gatehouse

Otonabee Conservation and Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board students from the Youth Leadership in Sustainability (YLS) program installed a rain garden at Beavermead Campground on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of Otonabee Conservation.

The garden was designed to capture runoff from the roof of the gatehouse, temporarily storing it in the garden during a storm event and slowly draining it away to reduce flooding, filter pollutants and channel runoff into the ground.

“This project will create a welcoming entrance to Beavermead Campground and highlight best practices for habitat enhancement and water conservation,” said Janette Loveys Smith, Otonabee Conservation CAO and secretary-treasurer.

Over 100 native trees, shrubs, grasses and flowers planted are to enhance habitat and increase biodiversity in the City of Peterborough according to a press release.

Purple coneflower, big bluestem, red osier dogwood and black-eyed Susan were chosen for this site to provide a habitat for pollinators. These plants are drought-tolerant and will require minimal maintenance and watering.

YLS students breaking ground to plant over 100 trees, shrubs, grasses and flowers. Photo courtesy of Otonabee Conservation.

“In the face of the climate and biodiversity crisis, it’s so important that students have opportunities for hands-on activities like this where they are engaged in constructive, restorative, solutions-based work,” said Cam Douglas, teacher and YLS program coordinator.

The community is encouraged to visit the park and campground to see the native plant species and learn about the benefits of water conservation. 

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Great Blue Heron Announced As Peterborough's Official Bird At EnviroX

The great blue heron has been crowned Peterborough’s first official city bird during the Environmental and Climate Action Expo (EnviroX) at Beavermead Park on Friday.

Photo by Felicia Massey.

EnviroX at Beavermead Park and Ecology Park brought together community partners and municipal workers to teach about initiatives and projects that lead to greenhouse gas emission reductions. They also taught greater environmental sustainability through demonstrations and displays.

Bird Friendly Peterborough (BFP), an organization dedicated to creating Bird Friendly Cities, spoke at EnviroX about the City’s commitment to monitoring bird populations and mitigating any threats.

Earlier this year, it was announced that Peterborough is recognized as a Bird Friendly City.

Nature Canada’s Bird Friendly City program certifies cities throughout Canada based on meeting a set of standards pertaining to reducing threats to birds in their municipality, protecting and restoring natural habitats and increasing climate resiliency. Bird Friendly Cities also actively engage their community in these protective and restorative initiatives through education and outreach.

All photos by Felicia Massey.

“You only have to walk down trails along the Otonabee, or through Jackson Park to realize that these urban-protected areas host dozens of species year-round,” said Thomas Luloff, Bird Friendly Peterborough vice chair. “They (urban spaces) serve as vital corridors and stop-over places for migratory birds back and forth.”

Luloff, who is also a conservation biology professor at Fleming College, spoke about a big part of becoming a Bird Friendly City: choosing a bird to represent the community.

A community vote took place from Aug. 2 to Sept. 5 for residents to select their favourite local bird species from a list of 16 local birds curated by BFP.

Among the list included many birds, such as the osprey and Northern cardinal but the blue heron came out on top.

“I think the Great Blue Heron is the perfect choice the Peterborough City bird,” said Luloff. “They are resilient; being able to adapt to changing environments, and are found all along out Otonabee River, its waterways and throughout our local marshes and parks.”

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City To Distribute Trees For Canopy Conservation On Saturday

The City of Peterborough will host “Trees for Canopy Conservation” on Saturday at Beavermead Park.

Beavermead Park. File Photo.

The free, family-friendly event will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The event will feature information and activities that focus on the importance of trees and their role in mitigating climate change:

• GreenUP’s Ecology Park will deliver presentations on how to plant trees and provide them ongoing care and maintenance;

• 4RG will present information on the value of trees and how they help with climate change with interactive tables, as well as a ribbon tree display to learn more about different types of trees;

• Children’s activities include Glen Caradus’s Paddling Puppeteer show and a craft table with tree-themed activities;

• Camp Kawartha will have an interactive table; and

• The Sacred Water Circle will provide a First Nations perspective and drumming.

As part of the event, the City will be distributing 300 trees to property owners who previously registered for the free tree giveaway on April 21.

Registered residents are reminded to arrive at their scheduled time and have their registration confirmation with them in either electronic or printed format. Please note that all the trees were spoken for on the opening day of registration, and trees will only be given to residents who are registered.

The trees are intended to offset the loss of healthy trees that are removed each year, and help grow the urban canopy

“We’re excited to launch the City’s first Trees for Canopy Conservation,” said Councillor Kim Zippel, Chair of the City’s Environment and Climate Change portfolio. “Urban forest renewal helps to mitigate many of the societal challenges faced by cities, and is key to conserving and improving biodiversity, sequestering carbon, cooling and filtering our air, and reducing flood risk. Plus, a healthy urban canopy provides an environment that is good for our mental and physical wellbeing.”

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Campers Can Book Sites At Beavermead And Warsaw Caves As Of March 1

Campers will be able to book sites online at Otonabee Conservation’s two campgrounds, Warsaw Caves Conservation Area (CA) and Beavermead Campground, on March 1.

Photo courtesy of Otonabee Conservation.

The reservation system allows campers to view a map of the campground, select a site, and then book, pay for, and schedule their stay in an efficient, user-friendly, and convenient way. Campers are asked to utilize the online reservation system to book their sites ahead of their trip, which will ensure a campsite is available for them.

The online reservation system will go live on March 1, at 10 a.m. Campers are encouraged to reserve their campsite through the Let’s Camp online reservation platform. Those wishing to book a site at Warsaw Caves CA can visit letscamp.ca/camps/warsaw-caves and at Beavermead Campground can visit letscamp.ca/camps/beavermead-campground.

This year, Otonabee Conservation hopes to be able to open the Caves and The Caves Trail at Warsaw Caves CA, that have been closed since Spring 2020.

“The Caves and The Caves Trail have been closed during the pandemic,” said Jessie James, Manager of Conservation Lands at Otonabee Conservation. “With Provincial restrictions easing in the coming weeks, we hope to be able to open the Caves for spelunking this Spring. We are also working on a plan to open kayak and canoe rentals this season. Campers and day-use visitors should stay tuned for official announcements in the coming weeks.”

Campers are encouraged to visit otonabeeconservation.com to plan their outdoor adventure in the Kawartha’s and learn more about the Conservation Areas within the Otonabee Region Watershed that provide a diverse range of outdoor activities for all ages.

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Otonabee Conservation Opens The Gates To Conservation Areas

Otonabee Conservation fully opens the gates to their Conservation Areas starting Friday (June 26th), after a delay in the season that was caused by COVID-19.

While hiking, walking, and biking have been available at their Conservation Areas during the pandemic, the gates fully open on Friday allowing access to further amenities such as parking facilities, campsites, beaches, picnic shelters, boat launches, and more, with physical distancing measures in place.

New gatehouse at Warsaw Caves (photo courtesy Otonabee Conservation)

There is a newly built gatehouse at Warsaw Caves Conservation Area and a brand new washroom facility at Beavermead Campground, which is owned by the City of Peterborough and operated by Otonabee Conservation.

Both new buildings are fully accessible, offering barrier-free access for visitors. Additionally, Beavermead Campground offers four fully accessible campsites with barrier-free picnic tables, a paved surface pad, and close proximity to the new accessible washroom.

Campers wishing to reserve a campsite at Beavermead Campground and Warsaw Caves can do so online at otonabeeconservation.com. Here, campers are offered the convenience of choosing their campsite, selecting their required check-in and check-out dates, and paying online. Campers are asked to utilize the online reservation system to book their sites ahead of time, in order to minimize face-to-face contact at the gatehouse upon arrival, and to ensure a campsite is available for them.

New washroom facilities at Beavermead Campground (photo courtesy Otonabee Conservation)

Campground washrooms are open and basic supplies such as firewood and ice are available for sale. Some amenities and services will not be available this year, such as showers, boat rentals, and laundry facilities. Some trails remain closed, such as the Caves Trail at Warsaw Caves, where physical distancing cannot be ensured. All closed amenities will be clearly marked.

“Camping will look a little different this year,” says Jessie James, Otonabee Conservation’s Manager of Conservation Lands. “But it is a safe summer staycation option that is close to home for those living in the Peterborough region. We hope that families will choose to camp with us and enjoy hiking, swimming, fishing, and all the beauty that our watershed has to offer.”

Selwyn Beach will also open its gates for the season on Friday. Visitors must follow public health guidelines for physical distancing, not gather with more than ten people, and only with those who are from within their social bubble.

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Peterborough's First Adult Outdoor Gym Begins Construction At Beavermead Park In May

In June 2017, the City of Peterborough announced the generous support of the Rotary Club of Peterborough-Kawartha and the Rotary Club of Peterborough to bring the first Adult Outdoor Gym to Peterborough.

Located in Beavermead Park adjacent to the volleyball courts and near the children’s playground, it will consist of a variety of exercise machines—including some that are accessible for persons with disabilities.

The project is funded thanks to contributions of $25,000 from each of the two Rotary Clubs, and $40,000 committed by the City of Peterborough.

New World Park Solutions Inc. will begin work on the installation in May.

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"Friends For Life" Walk In Support Of Humane Society Is This Saturday

The Peterborough Humane Society will be hosting the "Friends for Life" Walk for the Animals fundraiser at Beavermead Park this Saturday (September 24th). Registration begins at 9 a.m.

 

[Contributed by PtboCanada's Julie Morris]

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