52 replies to this topic

[Victoria Watcher]

Capital Daily:

 

Langford Lake is the latest area beach to be put under advisory, with swimming not advised for humans or pets. It’s joined the list of 10 Island lakes and marine beaches, eight of which are in Greater Victoria.

According to Island Health, beach advisories may be considered when:

• the geometric mean (minimum of 5 samples) exceeds 200 E. coli or 35 enterococci per 100 ml sample (enterococci testing is favoured for marine samples)

• a single sample exceeds 400 E. coli or 70 Enterococci per 100 ml sample

• a visible blue-green algae bloom is present

• other possible health hazards are identified

In Langford Lake—water was tested at Leigh Road—E. Coli testing showed a rise from 27 to 423, which is considered an unacceptable level.

Earlier this week, Esquimalt Lagoon was put under an advisory for high bacteria levels as well. The same day, Thetis Lake’s main beach joined the list, this time for blue-green algae blooms. The park’s Prior Beach has also been under an advisory for algae blooms since mid-June. 

Near Langford Lake, Glen Lake was put under advisory last week for extremely high bacterial levels (1,950 E. Coli). Testing this week has shown a decrease, but the advisory remains in place.

Blue-green algae have put a stop to swimming in parts of Elk Lake since 2024. Ross Bay Beach has also been a no-go swim spot since last year due to high bacteria levels.

Beaver Lake—connected to Elk Lake—has been under advisory for blue-green algae since 2023.

Island Health’s longest-running advisory is for Art Mann Lake Park in Duncan, which has been under observation for high bacteria for 10 years now. 

Thankfully, some beaches that were under advisory earlier this summer are no longer listed on Island Health’s website. Willows Beach in Oak Bay appears safe to swim in, though construction in the area may pose an issue for some water lovers. Sayward Beach in Cordova Bay has also been removed from the list after testing for high enterococci in June. 

 

[Victoria Watcher]

https://bearmountain...ort-membership/

 

 

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 27 July 2025 - 05:43 AM.

[Victoria Watcher]

West Shore outdoor pool project hopes to make bigger splash in Colwood

 

 

'If you have to dig one hole, you might as well dig two'

 

https://www.vicnews....colwood-8096227

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 27 July 2025 - 05:54 AM.

[Victoria Watcher]

 

 

https://www.instagram.com/bearmtngolf/

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 27 July 2025 - 05:59 AM.

[Victoria Watcher]

 

 

https://www.oakbaybe...eral-pool-pass/

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 27 July 2025 - 06:21 AM.

[lanforod]

So $258 plus tax to use the pools for a few evening hours as a couple. Or just buy one night at the hotel for 500 ish. Probably get to use them longer.

[LJ]

https://bearmountain...ort-membership/

 

ScreenShot Tool -20250727094059.png

 

ScreenShot Tool -20250727094324.png

Please don't come, it's already more crowded than I like.

Edited by LJ, 27 July 2025 - 07:22 PM.

[Victoria Watcher]

So $258 plus tax to use the pools for a few evening hours as a couple. Or just buy one night at the hotel for 500 ish. Probably get to use them longer.

 

Yes, I guess mid-day there are no external drop-ins.

[Victoria Watcher]

Make a splash in Victoria’s only indoor/outdoor pool with stunning harbour views! Towels are provided in the changing rooms. Located on the Lower Lobby Level, access requires your room key. Enjoy the pool daily from 6am to 11pm.

 

https://www.coasthot...vices/amenities

 

 

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 28 July 2025 - 05:24 AM.

[Victoria Watcher]

https://housesigma.c...mgL7AVZNJl3Z1MW

 

 

2765 Sea View Rd

[Victoria Watcher]

Island Health warns of sewage discharge at popular Victoria swim dock

Banfield Park joins several beaches under health warnings this summer across Greater Victoria

https://www.vicnews....im-dock-8166865

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 30 July 2025 - 04:31 PM.

[dasmo]

Boat spill or is there an under water pipe?

[dasmo]

This testing and reporting began in 2020. People will think it’s the climate that’s creating these beach advisories when it’s the introduction of the testing policy.

[Mike K.]

Hard to know what this spill entails, but Esquimalt has problems with its pipe network along the Gorge, so it could be originating further up the Gorge.

[Victoria Watcher]

Island Health is advising against swimming in the Gorge because of a sewage spill.

A sign at the Banfield Park dock says swimming and other “water contact activities” are not recommended due to high levels of bacteria “that may pose a risk to your health.”

The spill is the result of a leak in the sewage infrastructure because of a bypass during construction work, William Doyle, director of engineering and public works, said Thursday.

“It’s a specific result of temporary measures in place as a result of construction,” Doyle said.

He said it’s not clear how much sewage leaked into the Gorge, nor when water tests from Island Health will show that it’s safe for recreation again, although he noted the tidal nature of the Gorge means the water is regularly flushed.

The only water testing was performed at Banfield Park, Doyle said, so it’s not known whether other swimming areas in the Gorge are affected.



https://www.timescol...-spill-11019075

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 31 July 2025 - 12:50 PM.

[lanforod]

Might be easier to list the places it IS safe to swim. 

[dasmo]

Might be easier to list the places it IS safe to swim. 

Nowhere is safe. 

[Mike K.]

If the beaches aren’t safe, maybe Sean Feucht can play there?

[Victoria Watcher]

Sewage leak fails to keep swimmers out of Victoria's Gorge Waterway

Island Health issues warning after city sewer intermittently pumped sewage into waters near Banfield Park



https://www.vicnews....aterway-8168771

Edited by Victoria Watcher, 31 July 2025 - 05:55 PM.

[dasmo]

Nothing is safe. There possibly could be a wolf around every corner…. Maybe.