Swimming ban lifted at Petrie Island

Since earlier this afternoon, both Petrie’s east bay and river beaches have been cleared for swimming, according to city information, with recent test results showing low e.coli concentrations.

The swimming ban had been in effect since Friday, July 31, when a sewage overflow at the city’s downtown Keefer Regulator site took place, impacting downstream water and closing area beaches.

Staff were first alerted to the spill at 8 a.m. that morning during routine monitoring, with the regulator returned to normal operations later that day. City drinking water remained unaffected by the spill, though local boaters and swimmers were cautioned to stay out of the water until further notice.