Confirmed Blue-Green Algae Bloom in Victoria Harbour - August 25, 2023

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) has received test results from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) confirming a blue-green algae bloom in Victoria Harbour, Tay Township. 

Blue-green algae are microscopic organisms that are naturally present in lakes and streams. They are usually present in low numbers but can rapidly increase when the water is warm, slow-moving, and full of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous. When this happens, they can form dense blooms and some blooms can produce toxins.

How to spot a potential blue-green algae bloom:

- Water appears green, blue, turquoise, or olive green.
- Looks like scum, foam, mats, or paint floating on the water’s surface.
- Smells like rotting garbage, rotten eggs, or rotting plants.
- Dead fish or other animals on the shoreline.

You cannot tell if a bloom is harmful by looking at it so all residents and pets should exercise caution and stay out of the impacted areas. 

The blue-green algae conditions are impacting the Lighthouse Crescent/Hogg Bay (Northeast Shoreline) area of Tay Township. Due to the proximity, MacKenzie Beach is under further investigation. Tay Township staff have posted warning signage at the public beach. 

For more information visit www.smdhu.org/algae