Grey Highlands council wants to improve and increase communications with the public when blue-green algae is found in Lake Eugenia.
Council discussed the Lake Eugenia situation at its meeting on Sept. 6. Coun. Joel Loughead had the topic added to the agenda for the meeting. On Aug. 23, the Grey Bruce Health Unit notified the public that a blue-green algae bloom in a southern portion of Lake Eugenia had tested positive for the presence of naturally occurring toxins, known as microcystins, that can make people and pets sick.
The public was advised it was not safe for people or pets to swim in the lake.
“This is something we’ve been hearing about a lot recently,” said Loughead, who referenced a “tragic accident” in which a dog died at the lake.
Loughead asked what responsibilities the municipality had in the situation.
“What is it we can do? What is our jurisdiction? Where does it begin and where does it end?” he asked. “What can we do in terms of advertising the presence of blue-green algae?”
After a discussion on the matter, council passed a resolution directing staff to report back on the responsibilities each agency with involvement at the lake (the municipality, Ontario Power Generation, the health unit and the Ministry of the Environment Conservation and Parks) has for communications about adverse testing results, as well as monitoring and testing procedures.
Council also passed a resolution directing staff to work with the ministry, the health unit and Ontario Power Generation on creating more signage around the lake that would warn the public of adverse test results.
“In the moment, the most important thing is communicating and making sure people are aware,” said Coun. Nadia Dubyk, who noted that signs similar to those warning of fire dangers that are found near forested areas might work for Lake Eugenia.
CAO Karen Govan explained that as soon as the municipality was aware of the toxic test results at Lake Eugenia, signs went up at local beaches warning the public. The municipality also posted a notice about the test results on its website. Those subscribing to the Grey Highlands website get alerts on such situations from the municipality.
Mayor Paul McQueen suggested the municipality connect with local Lake Eugenia cottage and road associations to find a way for emails warning of the blue-green algae situation to be sent directly to Lake Eugenia homeowners. McQueen noted that somebody coming to visit a cottage on the lake might not subscribe to the municipality’s website and would not see the signs at local beaches if they didn’t go to those locations.
“It may be hard to communicate fully, but if we can do our best, that’s what we’re asking for,” said McQueen.
Coun. Dan Wickens said it is important for the public to know the municipality is taking action.
“I want the public to know we’re thinking about this and we’re not just sitting here resting on our laurels hoping the problem goes away, because it won’t,” he said.
