City of Hamilton conducting clean up along parts of the Hamilton Harbour shoreline between Bayfront Park and Pier 8, and at Windermere Basin

HAMILTON, ON – The City of Hamilton is beginning work to clean up large collections of algae along parts of the Hamilton Harbour shoreline between Bayfront Park and Pier 8, and at Windermere Basin.

The City is proactively cleaning the smelly algae mats along parts of the shoreline area given its proximity to the popular Waterfront Trail and well used waterfront areas. The work is beginning today and is expected to be complete by tomorrow.

Large vacuum trucks will be on site to collect the algae mats. Material collected will be disposed of at the Woodward Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Algae is common when lake levels are low and there are extended periods of hot and humid weather. While Hamilton Public Health Services has declared the presence of toxic blue-green algae at the Pier 4 Beach in Hamilton Harbour, it is currently unknown if the algae mats along the rest of the shoreline are also blue-green algae. The City has collected samples of the algae mats and material, and will be completing an analysis to determine its characteristics.

The City has connected with stakeholders in the area ahead of beginning this clean up work, including the Royal Botanical Gardens, the Hamilton Conservation Authority, the Hamilton Harbour Remedial Action Plan team and Environment Hamilton.

The City thanks residents for their patience as we complete this clean up work between Bayfront Park and Pier 8, and at Windermere Basin.

As a reminder, residents should avoid contact with blue-green algae due to the potential health risks associated with it. Residents and visitors are advised to:

• Avoid all contact with the water along the western shoreline of Hamilton Harbour, including while launching or trailering watercraft.
• If you do come in contact with the water, wash yourself off as soon as possible with clean water. Facilities for hand washing and rinsing off are available at the Bayfront Park Public Washrooms located at the east side of the Bayfront Park parking lot.
• Do not swim or wade (or allow your pets to swim or wade) in any areas where blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) is visible.