Today's challenges of urban beach management

Session: 04. - Restoring Hamilton Harbour: Tilting at Windmills or a Possible Dream?

Jacqui Milne, Environment and Climate Change Canada, [email protected]
Sue Gilpin, City of Hamilton, [email protected]

Abstract

Many urban beaches around the Great Lakes frequently experience health advisory postings.  Bayfront and Pier 4 Beaches are located in Hamilton Harbour, Ontario, Canada. Prior to 2005, both beaches experienced health advisory postings >60% of the bathing season. In order to de-list Hamilton Harbour as one of the 43 Great Lakes Areas of Concerns, the water quality at Bayfront and Pier 4 Beaches must meet the provincial water quality objective (PWQO) of 100 cfu of Escherichia coli (E. coli)/100 ml >=80% of the bathing season for a minimum of three consecutive years. In recent years cyanobacteria blooms have been responsible for beach postings more often than E. coli.   In 2005, the Hamilton Harbour Beach Committee was formed to guide beach managers on decisions pertaining to beach remediation, E. coli mitigation, and address recent cyanobacteria blooms. Here we present the various studies, projects, and public outreach programs delivered by Environment and Climate Change Canada, the City of Hamilton, and the Bay Area Restoration Council (BARC) to improve beach health and move toward de-listing Hamilton Harbour as an Area of Concern.

1. Keyword
Hamilton Harbour

2. Keyword
water quality

3. Keyword
harmful algal blooms

4. Additional Keyword
E. coli

5. Additional Keyword
beaches