Latest news with #GrandRiver
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
It's a hot summer and that means blue-green algae is back, GRCA warns
The hot weather this summer means blue-green algae is starting to bloom in local waterways, the Grand River Conservation Authority says. So far this summer, blue-green algae has been seen near the west side of Shand Dam at Belwood Lake reservoir. In the past, the algae has also shown up in Conestogo Lake, Guelph Lake and Woolwich reservoirs, as well as at Snyder's Flats. When an algal bloom starts to grow, "a noticeable green or brown scum will form on the surface of water bodies and the water look like green or bluish-green pea soup," the conservation authority says. "Once blue-green algae are in full bloom, it may look like spilled 'paint' along the shoreline. A new blue-green algal bloom often smells like fresh cut grass, while an older bloom can smell like rotting garbage." The algae grows thanks in part to nutrients from fields and lawns that end up in local waterways and reservoirs when it rains, the authority says. People are reminded not to touch the algae as it can be harmful to people and pets. As well as avoiding any contact with the blue-green algae, people shouldn't use water from a reservoir where the algae is found and should not eat fish from the water, either. Assume it contains toxins: health unit Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health notes on its website that blue-green algae, also called cyanobacteria, usually shows up in late summer or early fall and higher water temperatures help it grow. "There's no way to tell by looking at a bloom whether it contains toxins or not. As a precaution, regard any blue-green algal bloom as potentially toxic," the health unit says. People who do come in contact with blue-green algae may experience itchy or irritated eyes and skin, headaches, fever, diarrhea, stomach pain and nausea. If large amounts are ingested, there can be more serious effects such as liver damage. The health unit also notes infants and children under the age of six are most at risk of developing health problems if exposed to the algae. If someone does come into contact with blue-green algae, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health says they should rinse off immediately with clean water and watch for symptoms. If symptoms show up, speak to a health-care provider. People who spot blue-green algae where there are no posted signs are asked to report it to the Grand River Conservation Authority and or the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks spill action centre.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
It's a hot summer and that means blue-green algae is back, GRCA warns
The hot weather this summer means blue-green algae is starting to bloom in local waterways, the Grand River Conservation Authority says. So far this summer, blue-green algae has been seen near the west side of Shand Dam at Belwood Lake reservoir. In the past, the algae has also shown up in Conestogo Lake, Guelph Lake and Woolwich reservoirs, as well as at Snyder's Flats. When an algal bloom starts to grow, "a noticeable green or brown scum will form on the surface of water bodies and the water look like green or bluish-green pea soup," the conservation authority says. "Once blue-green algae are in full bloom, it may look like spilled 'paint' along the shoreline. A new blue-green algal bloom often smells like fresh cut grass, while an older bloom can smell like rotting garbage." The algae grows thanks in part to nutrients from fields and lawns that end up in local waterways and reservoirs when it rains, the authority says. People are reminded not to touch the algae as it can be harmful to people and pets. As well as avoiding any contact with the blue-green algae, people shouldn't use water from a reservoir where the algae is found and should not eat fish from the water, either. Assume it contains toxins: health unit Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health notes on its website that blue-green algae, also called cyanobacteria, usually shows up in late summer or early fall and higher water temperatures help it grow. "There's no way to tell by looking at a bloom whether it contains toxins or not. As a precaution, regard any blue-green algal bloom as potentially toxic," the health unit says. People who do come in contact with blue-green algae may experience itchy or irritated eyes and skin, headaches, fever, diarrhea, stomach pain and nausea. If large amounts are ingested, there can be more serious effects such as liver damage. The health unit also notes infants and children under the age of six are most at risk of developing health problems if exposed to the algae. If someone does come into contact with blue-green algae, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health says they should rinse off immediately with clean water and watch for symptoms. If symptoms show up, speak to a health-care provider. People who spot blue-green algae where there are no posted signs are asked to report it to the Grand River Conservation Authority and or the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks spill action centre.
CBC
4 days ago
- Health
- CBC
It's a hot summer and that means blue-green algae is back, GRCA warns
New Keep yourself, children and pets away from algae because it can be harmful Caption: Blue-green algae has been found in Belwood Lake, the Grand River Conservation Authority says. Health officials warn that some blue-green algae can produce toxins that are harmful to people and pets, but you can't tell if the algae is toxic by looking at it, so you should assume it is toxic and avoid it. (Haraz N. Ghanbari/Associated Press) The hot weather this summer means blue-green algae is starting to bloom in local waterways, the Grand River Conservation Authority says. So far this summer, blue-green algae has been seen near the west side of Shand Dam at Belwood Lake reservoir. In the past, the algae has also shown up in Conestogo Lake, Guelph Lake and Woolwich reservoirs, as well as at Snyder's Flats. When an algal bloom starts to grow, "a noticeable green or brown scum will form on the surface of water bodies and the water look like green or bluish-green pea soup," the conservation authority says. "Once blue-green algae are in full bloom, it may look like spilled 'paint' along the shoreline. A new blue-green algal bloom often smells like fresh cut grass, while an older bloom can smell like rotting garbage." The algae grows thanks in part to nutrients from fields and lawns that end up in local waterways and reservoirs when it rains, the authority says. People are reminded not to touch the algae as it can be harmful to people and pets. As well as avoiding any contact with the blue-green algae, people shouldn't use water from a reservoir where the algae is found and should not eat fish from the water, either. Assume it contains toxins: health unit Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health notes on its website that blue-green algae, also called cyanobacteria, usually shows up in late summer or early fall and higher water temperatures help it grow. "There's no way to tell by looking at a bloom whether it contains toxins or not. As a precaution, regard any blue-green algal bloom as potentially toxic," the health unit says. People who do come in contact with blue-green algae may experience itchy or irritated eyes and skin, headaches, fever, diarrhea, stomach pain and nausea. If large amounts are ingested, there can be more serious effects such as liver damage. The health unit also notes infants and children under the age of six are most at risk of developing health problems if exposed to the algae. If someone does come into contact with blue-green algae, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health says they should rinse off immediately with clean water and watch for symptoms. If symptoms show up, speak to a health-care provider.
CTV News
4 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
Keep away from blue-green algae, warns GRCA
The Grand River Conservation Authority is warning swimmers and campers about the dangers of blue-green algae. They said a small bloom was spotted this week near the west side of Shand Dam at the Belwood Lake reservoir. Blue-green algae can be found in lakes, reservoirs and rivers. Sometimes, especially in the late summer and early fall, the bacteria can reproduce rapidly and form large blooms, also call mats or scums. The algae often appears like thick pea soup or spilled paint on the surface of the water. The smell has been compared to rotting garbage. blue green algae Examples of blue-green algae. (Source: GRCA) 'Blue-green algae thrive on nutrients from fields and lawns that find their way into local waterways and reservoirs during heavy rainfall and spring melts and cause their populations to grow rapidly,' the GRCA said in a media release. 'Some varieties of blue-green algae can produce toxins that are harmful to both people and pets.' While the bacteria was only found near the Shand Dam, it has, in the past, also been reported at Belwood Lake, Conestogo Lake, Guelph Lake, Woolwich reservoirs and Snyder's Flats. Signage has posted in those locations to let visitors know that they should avoid blue-green algae. The GRCA shared some safety tips for campers, swimmers, recreational users and cottagers: Keep children and pets away from the algae. Avoid contact with the algae. Do not eat fish from the lake. Do not use the water for drinking or any other purpose. Boaters and recreational users should avoid touching the algae. Don't swim in areas where you see scum.
CTV News
16-07-2025
- CTV News
10 days on the Grand River to learn about Indigenous culture
Watch from the sky as a large group of paddlers set off on a 10-day journey from Cambridge on the Grand River. A group of paddlers embarked Wednesday on a 10-day journey along the Grand River for the 10th year in a row. The trek is called Two Row on the Grand and its purpose is to teach people about Indigenous culture and history. 'We are paddling the Grand River to remind folks that, yes, this does belong to us,' explained Ellie Joseph, Two Row on the Grand co-founder, just before setting off. Joseph and fellow co-founder, Jay Bailey, began organizing the trip after the pair took part in a similar trek along the Hudson River in 2013. Both journeys take inspiration from the Two Row Wampum. 'It's an over 400-year-old treaty and people really don't know what it is, but we deserve to teach, and we need people to learn about this treaty,' Joseph said. The treaty symbolizes a foundational principle of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect based on parallel paths. That's why the group will paddle in two rows, when possible, to embody the concept. '167 people registered,' said Bailey. 'Non-Indigenous people develop a deeper understanding of what has actually happened, how deeply the trauma goes.' 10th annual Two Row The Grand Tenth annual Two Row on The Grand paddle down the Grand River starting in Cambridge to share Indigenous culture, July 16 2025 (Spencer Turcotte/CTV News). Those with Indigenous roots also learn more about their own culture. 'I always say that the Grand River is a classroom, really, because that's where we're learning,' said Joseph. First-time paddler Margy Moorhouse won't make the entire 10-day journey from Cambridge to Port Maitland but hopes to soak in as much as she can in the first five days of the trip. 'Being a part of an opportunity to have all nations together really moved my heart,' Moorhouse said. Paddlers from all strokes of life pushed their canoes and hopped into the water by 9 a.m. Wednesday. Many felt prepared for the physical challenges of the trek. 10th annual Two Row The Grand Tenth annual Two Row on The Grand paddle down the Grand River starting in Cambridge to share Indigenous culture, July 16 2025 (Spencer Turcotte/CTV News). 'I'm hoping to even things out a little bit,' said first-time paddler Peter Monos, who hiked up his shorts to take advantage of the extreme sun and heat. He also wore a hat with a dragonfly decoy attached to it. 'It's to help with the flies, dragonflies, whatever,' Monos said. 'But it does nothing for the mosquitoes, not a damn thing.' The group will stop at many checkpoints along the way and Joseph said there will be plenty of opportunities to meet people. 'We always find that everyone walks away with a real immense understanding of the Six Nations of the Grand River people,' she said. 10th annual Two Row The Grand Tenth annual Two Row on The Grand paddle down the Grand River starting in Cambridge to share Indigenous culture, July 16 2025 (Spencer Turcotte/CTV News). The ultimate goal is to row with the current, and find peace, all while preventing any rocking of the boats – in more ways than one.
