Toxic blue-green algae closes Pier 4 beach in Hamilton harbour

The discovery of toxic blue-green algae at Pier 4 has closed Hamilton Harbour's only usable beach.

The Hamilton public health unit says the potentially harmful cyanobacteria known as blue-green algae has been spotted at the tiny Pier 4 Park beach. Do not come in contact with the water," reads the warning posted atop the city's beach water quality webpage.

Blue-green algae can produce toxins that are harmful to both people and pets if ingested, or even touched. Contact can cause skin irritation, rashes and itching. Longer exposure or ingestion can lead to fever, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

That means no swimming at Pier 4, but also avoiding any water sports near the beach that involve touching the water.

The Spectator has reached out to public health to ask whether the algae has been spotted anywhere else around the harbour, which is also popular with boaters in summer.

The midsummer arrival of blue-green algae at Pier 4 means there are no safe swimming beaches in Hamilton harbour, since Bayfront Beach is also permanently closed.

On the upside, all beaches outside Hamilton Harbour are listed as safe for swimming at the moment.

That includes the three Lake Ontario stretches of sand between the Burlington lift bridge and Confederation Park as well as conservation area lakes at Valens, Christie and Niapenco.

More to come.

Matthew Van Dongen is a Hamilton-based reporter covering transportation for The Spectator. Reach him via email: mvandongen@thespec.com