Blue-green algae makes appearance

A popular recreational lake a short drive from Thunder Bay contains this summer's first confirmed case of blue-green algae in the region, public-health officials said on Thursday.
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit said evidence of the substance was found in a water sample that was taken from the lake on Monday.
Trout Lake is located off Highway 591, about 30 kilometres northwest of the city, in Gorham Township.
Blue-green algae blooms, which can be toxic to people and animals, often appears as green slime on the surface of a waterway.
When blooms appear, it's recommended that lake users avoid swimming, or using the water for drinking or doing household chores for about two weeks after they've disappeared.
"Historically, (Blue-green algae) blooms in the region have been relatively uncommon, however, with warmer weather and rising water temperatures, they may become more common," a health unit news release said.
In 2023, the health unit recorded eight confirmed blue-green algae cases within its jurisdiction. There were three cases in 2022, and eight cases in 2021.
Suspected blue-green algae blooms can be reported to the province's Spills Action Centre by calling 1-800-268-6060.

Carl Clutchey, Local Journalism Initiative reporter, The Chronicle-Journal