Public health officials in Montreal say that the official development of a new beach in the east end borough of Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve will have to wait, following the discovery of lead and benzene in the soil along that stretch of the St. Lawrence River.
While local residents have used the area as an unofficial beach for years, plans to make the site official have increased scrutiny of the banks and sediment as development plans emerged.
Despite the area being replete with kayak rentals, volleyball courts, and even bathrooms, signs that warn “No Swimming” have now been erected at the site as investigations continue into the surrounding area’s water quality. Local officials have also expressed concern about wastewater levels near the beach. In the meantime, beach furniture already installed at the site is also planned for removal, officials said.
In a July 15 report, the Montreal Regional Public Health Directorate recommended that local officials add one metre of clean sand to the beach’s swimming area to protect people from potential lead and benzene contamination.
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The site, located downstream from the Port of Montreal, used to be a dumping ground for industries to dispose of residual materials.
Remediation of the beach’s shore may not get underway until 2028, officials said.
