Bayfront Park beach could be permanently closed because of the constant problem of the blue-green algae every summer.

But councillors insisted there are other beaches in the Hamilton area, especially along Lake Ontario, which the public can use.

"I want to encourage people to use the beaches that are healthy and accessible," said Ward 4 Coun. Sam Merulla.

Merulla, in 2016, proposed the city fund a "beach crawl" to encourage the public to use the beaches on Lake Ontario, such as at Confederation Beach Park, Van Wagner's Beach and the Beach Boulevard beach. He wanted to eliminate the perception that Hamilton's waters are closed to swimming.

He said whenever the issue of the blue-green algae is raised, and people can't swim at Bayfront Park, the image is that all of Hamilton's beaches are closed.

Hamilton's Bayfront Park beach was again the centre of discussion at a recent public works meeting when a beach study conducted on Bayfront Park concluded it is "not currently practicable" to restore the beach for swimming because the city can't control the blue-green algae.

The study recommended a blue-green algae strategy that would mitigate the problem, such as develop deep water swimming where the algae is not a problem farther out into the harbour.

"We just can't seem to control it," said Gavin Norman, manager of the waterfront development office.

The algae, also known as cyanobacteria, can produce toxins that are harmful to people and animals. The algae has also been found in Algonquin Park, and in other parts of the Great Lakes, and throughout the United States, such as the Gulf Coast of Florida.

Norman said Bayfront Beach is permanently closed due to the algae. Pier 4 is currently open, he said.

City officials state that the prevalence of blue-green algae is the "new norm" and that Bayfront Park beach will be closed for the near future.

Possible solutions to the algae include establishing a "chlorine curtain" and improving the circulation of the water. But he quickly dismissed both options saying dumping additional chlorine would be a high cost, without the guarantee of a solution. As for the water circulation, the Bayfront Beach water does move around well, he said.

The city has used in-water bubblers to disrupt the algae before it forms along the shoreline. But last year, the city had to use "sucker" trucks to vacuum the algae from the surface at a cost of about $45,000.

Last year, said city officials, Bayfront Park, along with the marinas at Macassa Bay and piers 5 to 7, experienced the "most intense" algae blooms "that many have seen."

"It's becoming a significant issue as the City is investing multi-millions of dollars in redevelopment," stated the report to the committee.

An idea that has been floated is to encourage deep dive swimming in the harbour that could include constructing a structure in the water.

"We have to pick a door to come up with something that gets kids into the water," said Ward 2 Coun. Jason Farr.

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Norman said the deep swimming option "really needs" to be examined since it raises several issues including location, safety and accessibility.

Another possible option is to allow the Bayfront Park beach to revert to a wetland area, say officials.

Bayfront Beach has not been open for swimming since 2015. As a requirement to delist Hamilton Harbour from the International Joint Commission's Areas of Concern list, Bayfront Park and Pier 4 Park must meet the provincial beach management protocol for 80 per cent or more of the swimming season for a minimum of three consecutive years.