By Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
The Victoria Park beach is not the only place Cobourg council discussed access to swimming in Lake Ontario this week.
Bylaw 063-2021 is an amendment stating that no person shall swim within the West Headland Beach Limits. Mayor John Henderon defined this area as “the interior of what we might define as Cobourg harbour.”
Councillor Nicole Beatty – who joined Councillors Adam Bureau and Aaron Burchat in voting against the bylaw – said she was uncomfortable with it because she felt council was “over-reaching.”
There is already signage there saying “swim at your own risk,” she pointed out, maintaining that this is adequate.
“There has been excessive discussion among staff and in consultation with the health unit that it’s the best way to keep our citizens safe in and out of the harbour,” Councillor Emily Chorley explained.
“The intent of this bylaw amendment is certainly not to restrict access to the water or use of the water by any of the recreational paddling or boating groups.”
She pointed out that the swimming ban did not apply in relation to these activities – for instance, if a craft capsized or someone fell overboard.
“I have e-mailed the main user groups in the harbour to let them know about this potential change. I haven’t heard any concerns.”
Another consideration is the elevated e. coli count in this area. In the last eight weeks, Chorley said, these levels have been elevated to the yellow level (where swimming is not recommended) in four of eight water samplings.
“We thought it would be a prudent move to restrict swimming in this area, knowing there’s Victoria Park beach,” the councillor stated.
