If you’re thinking of going to the beach in Barry’s Bay, think again.
On Saturday, the Township posted the beach as unsafe to swim in because of high bacterial count. This comes after the Renfrew County and District Health Unit received tests that the E. coli counts in the water were much higher than the provincial safety standard.
Public Health Inspector Greg Kirke says a big reason for this is the amount of local wildlife that swim in the water near the beach, including geese and ducks. He says fecal matter from these animals has been a problem in the past at the Barry’s Bay Beach when it’s been closed.
Kirke says the beach was sampled twice before the unsafe posting was put up. In order for it to be removed, he says two consecutive safe water tests will be needed.
He adds that just because the Barry’s Bay Beach is closed, that doesn’t mean Mayflower Beach in Combermere will be as well despite also being on Lake Kaminiskeg.
To view a full list of beach statuses across Renfrew County, click here.