Popular Halifax-area beach reopens to swimming

A sign warning of blue-green algae blooms is pictured at Oakfield Park Beach in Oakfield, N.S., on July 16. (Paul DeWitt/CTV Atlantic)

A popular Halifax-area beach has reopened to swimming.

Oakfield Beach in Oakfield, N.S., closed Friday, for the second time this summer, after a possible blue-green algae bloom was spotted.

“Test results have indicated toxin levels are within Health Canada limits and no new blue-green algae has been observed,” reads a news release from Halifax Regional Municipality.

Water quality is regularly tested by staff at all supervised municipal beaches from July 1 to Aug. 31.

HRM says beaches close when a blue-green algae bloom is present and initial testing is done to determine whether the bloom is producing toxins.

“If the blue-green algae bloom is not toxin producing, no further testing is required, and the beach will be reopened,” reads the release.

When the bloom is found to be toxin-producing, the beach remains closed until the blooms disappear and testing confirms the toxin level is within Health Canada guidelines.

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