he National Capital Commission’s (NCC) beaches in Gatineau Park and Leamy Lake Beach are open for swimmers tomorrow.
Residents and visitors can enjoy the O’Brien, Blanchet, Breton, Parent and La Pêche beaches in Gatineau Park, from 10 am to 6 pm, and Leamy Lake Beach, from 10 am to 7 pm, until September 7. Lifeguards will be on-site during these hours. Various facilities such as washrooms, change rooms and picnic tables are also available.
The NCC urges beach-goers to be cautious and keep personal safety in mind. Swimmers must abide by designated hours, when the beaches are supervised, and stay within the swimming areas defined by buoys.
Water sample testing results
Water sample tests taken on June 8, 2015 at the following beaches, with the exception of Smith Beach which is reserved for campers, meet bacteriological standards for swimming:
· Meech Lake, Gatineau Park, O’Brien and Blanchet beaches: Class A (excellent for swimming)
· Philippe Lake, Gatineau Park, Breton Beach: Class A (excellent for swimming)
Parent Beaches: Class B (good for swimming)
Smith Beach for campers: Class D (currently closed)
· La Pêche Lake, Gatineau Park, La Pêche Lake Beach: Class A (excellent for swimming)
· Leamy Lake Beach, Class A (excellent for swimming)
Access fees
· Meech, Philippe and La Pêche Lake beaches: $11 per automobile; $33 per mini-bus; $55 per bus; $75 for a season’s pass.
· Leamy Lake Beach: $7.25 per automobile; $21.75 per bus.
The purchase of a day pass for Gatineau Park beaches also includes access to the Mackenzie King Estate and to Leamy Lake Beach.
Canoes, kayaks and other non-motorized boats are available for rent at both Philippe and La Pêche lakes. For those looking to discover some of Gatineau Park’s recreational pathways, bike rentals are available at Philippe Lake.
For additional information about NCC beaches, visit ncc-ccn.gc.ca/things-to-do/swimming
