Sydenham Point Park Beach Update – June 27, 2024

We’ve been advised the left side of The Point Beach, 4410 Point Road in Sydenham is unsafe for swimming by KFL&A Public Health due to unacceptable levels of E.coli in the water. The right side of the beach near the water plant continues to be well below acceptable thresholds and remains open for swimming.

We are posting signs to advise residents not to enter the water at the left side of the beach near the boat docks. KFL&A Public Health is doing daily testing on business days. It’s anticipated the right side of Point beach will remain open for Canada Day weekend based on the results. Day camps and swimming lessons run by the Township will continue as planned next week and we are communicating with parents status updates.

There are many factors that can cause high levels of bacteria in water, including heavy rainfall, high winds, warm temperatures, algae, and contamination by wildlife feces.

We’ve provided several updates to the public this spring on our geese control measures. These include monitoring and cleaning the park daily, using herding dogs three times a day, repellents and streamers as well as installing new away with geese floating beacons that give off a subtle flash at night and coyote decoys. We have a dedicated summer student at the park now who is also using bear bangers to scare the geese away and have requested permission from the Ministry to relocate the geese.

During our daily monitoring, we’ve found evidence of people feeding the geese. We’re asking the public to help our efforts by not feeding the geese or any wildlife on public property and watch and report any signs of vandalism or theft of decoys and beacons.

KFL&A Public Health monitors the water quality at all municipally owned or operated public beaches within the Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington region. Monitoring is done from early June until the end of August and includes a visual inspection of beach conditions and testing for bacteria. 

Residents with questions can contact Tim Laprade, Manager of Recreation and Facilities, at 613-376-3027, tlaprade@southfrontenac.net. Residents can also sign up to receive email updates on all beaches monitored by KFL&A Public Health on their website.