Happy Accident: The Story of Edmonton’s Accidental Beach

Accidental Beach, Edmonton, AB

Edmonton is known for many things, such as the Oilers, West Edmonton Mall, and the North Saskatchewan River Valley.  However, the sudden appearance of the Accidental Beach took centre stage in 2017! 

Construction on the Tawatinâ Bridge began in the heart of Edmonton and saw a change in the flow of the North Saskatchewan River. These changes to the flow of water, caused by the installation of temporary rock berms, led to sand accumulating along the shores of the North Saskatchewan River, near downtown Edmonton. 

Sand continued to build up over the months of construction and a large sand bar began to form. Local residents and visitors of the Henrietta Muir Edwards Park took notice of the change along the riverbank. Thus, the Accidental Beach was born in the summer of 2017. 

Word about the Accidental Beach began to spread, largely through word of mouth, and beachgoers began to flock to the river to relax, swim or walk along the water’s edge. Instead of having to drive for an hour or more to the likes of Sylvan or Wabamun Lake, Edmontonians now had their own beach, accessible in the heart of the city’s lush river valley. 

With increased media attention, the beach became a hot button topic among locals. Many residents had grown to love the Accidental Beach and were eager to see it become a permanent urban beach. They advocated for maintenance programs and small infrastructure upgrades, such as improved parking, washroom facilities and signage. Despite this groundswell of support, Edmonton City Council in 2018 chose not to develop the beach further, citing high costs and the unpredictability of river levels.

A study published in 2019 by the City of Edmonton found that residents appreciated the proximity to the water and to other key areas of the City (namely Downtown and Old Strathcona), as well as the novelty factor. However, concerns about river safety, parking, pet waste on the beach and enforcement of beach hours were also raised. 

With the completion of the Tawatinâ Bridge in late 2021, the river flow patterns changed again and the beach became significantly smaller than it once was. Today, the Accidental Beach does not enjoy the same attention it did when it first appeared, but it remains a popular place for locals to enjoy a walk, especially as the Tawatinâ Bridge now connects the area with Louise McKinney Riverfront Park, located across the river along the southern edge of downtown Edmonton.

This fall, Swim Drink Fish is conducting weekly water testing at several locations along the North Saskatchewan River, including at the Accidental Beach. If you would like additional information or to get involved, please contact madeleine@swimdrinkfish.ca or visit our website at https://www.swimdrinkfish.ca/. 

Sources:

Why Edmonton's 'accidental beach' should be a deliberate feature | Faculty of Arts.
Accidental Beach Public Engagement Report - April 2019
We think it's a first: The all-new beach-lovers' guide to Edmonton