According to Montreal Public Health, the authorization of swimming in the St. Lawrence at Promenade-Bellerive Park presents “numerous complications and health risks.” The warning comes as all eyes are on leaks at the Pointe-aux-Trembles marina, a few kilometers to the east.
As announced at the end of June, the swimming beach project at the Promenade-Bellerive park in the Mercier-Hocélaga-Maisoneuve district is in trouble. Pres. Government documents later revealed that health officials were preparing to recommend a ban on swimming by 2024.
The official notification of Montreal’s Regional Directorate of Public Health (DRSP) was finally published a few days ago. It says beach soil is contaminated, water can be easily contaminated by sewage and industrial spills can occur there.
Infographics The Press
Location of the Promenade-Bellerive park
“The DRSP recommends that the borough of Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve and the City of Montreal restrict access to the site and not allow swimming until various mitigation measures are implemented to reduce health risks,” the public health notice concludes. Valerie Plante’s campaign promise is to build a swimming beach by 2022.
“It is important to ensure conditions to limit risks to users’ health. In addition to soil and sediment mixing, discharges from overflow structures are a significant source of water quality contamination,” the notice added.
Photo by Hugo-Sébastien Aubert, La Presse Archives
Promenade-Bellerive Park
Children at high risk
Among the contaminants detected, the TRSP noted the presence of lead and benzene in the soil, which bathers are expected to stir up while playing in the water.
“Beach development means that people of all ages are likely to come into direct contact with contaminated soil and sediment,” the public health notice says.
Children are more likely to put their hands in their mouths or mouth water, and are more exposed to contaminants in soil and sediments.
Taken from the official notification of the Regional Directorate of Public Health
One of the solutions proposed by the provincial authorities is to cover the ground with a layer of sand approximately one meter thick. However, the strategy could draw the ire of Ottawa, which seeks to protect the copper red horse’s habitat.
Photo by Oliver Jean, La Presse Archives
Promenade-Bellerive Park borders the St. Lawrence River.
In late June, the mayor of the Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve district, Pierre Lessard-Blais, said he was facing a “very difficult process”. “We have access to water whether we like it or not,” he continued. “We respect the capabilities of the regional public health directorate, but have to say that it is disappointing to be asked for more work when we want to improve the security of the existing situation. »
The official opposition at City Hall condemned the situation. “This demonstrates the total amateurism of the Project Montreal administration,” attacked Julien Hénault-Ratelle, an elected official from Tétreaultville. “They made a promise without confirming that they could achieve it. »
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