National

Vancouver Island marina to reopen but beach still barred due to contamination

Darpan News Desk Canadian Press, 21 Aug, 2014 12:46 PM

A popular marina and boat launch on Vancouver Island will reopen next week — temporarily — after being closed more than a year ago because of toxic contamination.

However the beach and campground at Toquaht Bay, near Ucluelet, will remain closed after tests showed arsenic, cobalt and selenium above acceptable levels.

The provincial Natural Resources Ministry says soil tests also revealed high concentrations of iron that could also pose a risk to human health.

The contamination is believed to come from the long-closed Brynnor iron-ore mine whose tailings were deposited on the water's edge to form the sandy beach of the bay.

The ministry says the boat launch and marina will likely close again in a couple of years when the province undertakes remediation for the whole area.

The busy marina and campground were popular for kayakers heading to the Broken Group Islands off the west coast of Vancouver Island.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Justin Trudeau Blasts Harper For Bungling Pipelines Needed By Alberta, PM's Home Turf

EDMONTON - Justin Trudeau says Prime Minister Stephen Harper is "all hat, no cattle" when it comes to pipelines. The Liberal leader is in Harper's home province of Alberta, plotting strategy for the coming pre-election year with his three dozen MPs.

Justin Trudeau Blasts Harper For Bungling Pipelines Needed By Alberta, PM's Home Turf

Two Hikers return Safely after a Night in rugged Vancouver North Shore Mountains

VANCOUVER - Two hikers have walked out to safety after an unexpected night in the rugged backcountry of Vancouver's North Shore mountains.

Two Hikers return Safely after a Night in rugged Vancouver North Shore Mountains

3 People Suspected Of Identity Fraud Involving 200 Victims In Vancouver Area

BURNABY, B.C. - Police believe three suspects used stolen mail such as driver's licences, wills and immigration documents to commit fraud against about 200 people across the Metro Vancouver region.

3 People Suspected Of Identity Fraud Involving 200 Victims In Vancouver Area

'Apologies Are Not Enough:' Alberta Tightens Rules On Use Of Government Planes

EDMONTON - Alberta says it is tightening rules for government aircraft following a harsh report that outlined inappropriate use of the planes by former premier Alison Redford.

'Apologies Are Not Enough:' Alberta Tightens Rules On Use Of Government Planes

B.C. Appeal Court Judge Who Wrote Ruling Dismissing Pickton Appeal Dies

VANCOUVER - A B.C. Appeal Court judge who died while sitting as Canada's longest-serving federally appointed judge is being remembered for his empathy on the job.

B.C. Appeal Court Judge Who Wrote Ruling Dismissing Pickton Appeal Dies

Lisa Raitt Stands By Railway Safety Self-Regulation, Despite Lac-Megantic Report

OTTAWA - The Harper government's faith in a deregulated railway safety system remains unshaken and won't be abandoned in the wake of the Lac-Megantic tragedy, Transport Minister Lisa Raitt insisted Tuesday, even as the country's top transportation investigator questioned the current amount of oversight.