Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm Tel: 250-245-6400 Fax: 250-245-6411 Email: info@ladysmith.ca
Due to technical issues, our website won’t be updated over the weekend (June 7-8). Please check the Town’s Facebook and Instagram accounts for the latest beach advisory update. Ladysmith, BC – The Town of Ladysmith is awaiting updated test results following a recent Beach Advisory issued for Transfer Beach.
On May 30, Island Health reported an enterococci (indicator bacteria) count at Transfer Beach that was well above the recommended threshold set by the Guidelines for Canadian Recreational Water Quality. As a result, the beach was closed to swimming due to public health concerns.
As of June 5, the Beach Advisory remains in place and Transfer Beach remains closed for swimming. The advisory does not extend to the Spray Park.
“The swimming ban at Transfer Beach is understandably frustrating for residents, especially as the weather warms up. However, ensuring public health and safety remains the highest priority. The Town thanks residents for their continued patience and understanding,” says Mayor Deena Beeston.
Island Health conducts weekly water quality testing at Transfer Beach, with samples sent to an accredited laboratory on the Lower Mainland, and results typically take at least two days. In order to lift a Beach Advisory, Island Health requires two consecutive samples showing bacteria levels below the recommended limit. Island Health's test results for Transfer Beach—and for all beaches currently under advisory—are available on the Island Health website.
Understanding how important Transfer Beach is to the community, the Town of Ladysmith took additional action by conducting its own water sampling and flying the sample to the Lower Mainland for expedited testing. That test confirmed bacteria levels had dropped below the threshold. A second sample has since been taken and sent to the Lower Mainland for testing. The Town is now awaiting those results.
The Town continues to work closely with Island Health and will provide updates as new information becomes available. Residents seeking further information about Island Health’s testing regime are encouraged to contact the health authority directly.
For the latest news and updates, visit the Town’s website at www.ladysmith.ca, as well as Facebook and Instagram.
The Town of Ladysmith respectfully acknowledges that we gather and work on the unceded territory of the Stz'uminus First Nation, the traditional keepers of this land.
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Media Contact Nicholas Pescod Communications & Engagement Specialist npescod@ladysmith.ca 250-268-0606