Edmonton Hub Monitoring Sites
The Edmonton Hub is monitoring five sites in the 2023 summer season. As well as the weekly monitoring activities, Swim Drink Fish conducts an Environmental Health and Safety Survey (EHSS) that provides foundational knowledge of the site. EHSS’s assess the hazards at the beach and provide an overview of the beach’s operations. Explore the EHSS’s for Edmonton’s sample sites below!
Sir Wilfred Laurier Park
Sir Wilfred Laurier Park and Buena Vista Park are large connected parks which span almost 3 kilometres along the north shore of the North Saskatchewan River. The Edmonton Valley Zoo is located on the northwestern side of the park. This site has a drive-down boat launch, and stairway access to the waterfront, and is home to the Edmonton Rowing Club which operates a dock in the park. It is a popular place for picnics - with sites available to reserve. There is also a large off-leash dog area.
Capilano Boat Launch
Nestled in between Capilano Park and Goldbar Park this paved boat launch is great for those with motorized boats looking to get onto the river. Walkers, runners, and cyclists from the nearby park trails also often stop to enjoy the river here. The primary water quality concern here is wastewater effluent from the Goldbar Wastewater treatment plant which is immediately adjacent to the boat launch.
Terwillegar Park
Located in southwest Edmonton, this beach is a popular launch site for swimmers, waders, paddleboarders, canoers, and kayakers to enjoy the river. Dogs are numerous here as the beach and surrounding park are designated off-leash areas.
Fort Edmonton Footbridge Sandbar
Sitting just upstream of the Fort Edmonton Footbridge, this long sandy beach area is one of the river’s most spacious beaches and is popular for wading, swimming, and lounging by the water’s edge. It is situated near a paved shared-use path which winds through the North Saskatchewan River Valley’s network of parks and is popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists.
Accidental Beach
Created in 2017 during the construction of the Twatinâ LRT bridge, Accidental Beach quickly became a popular spot for swimming, paddling, or simply sitting back and enjoying the river’s edge. The size and shape of the beach has shifted in the years since, but the beach remains an important access point for river recreators.
How do we know where to sample?
~ The site is a place where people recreate in the water (swimming, fishing, boating etc.)
~ The site is not currently monitored or is under monitored
~ The site may be vulnerable to pollution that could degradade the water quality and negatively impact it’s function as a habitat