Victor Boudreau dismisses call for Parlee Beach sign improvements
4 large signs in provincial park advise beach-goers about water quality
Health Minister Victor Boudreau sees no need to make changes to signage at Parlee Beach Provincial Park that gives information about water quality in light on ongoing poor water conditions at the popular beach.
Water quality has been considered "poor" on more occasions that it ranked "good" during the peak tourism weeks this summer.
There are four large signs posted in different areas of the provincial park to advise beach-goers of the water quality.
Brenda Ryan, a cottage owner near the southeastern New Brunswick park, has suggested improvements could be made, such as posting when bacteria counts reach a specific level.
Boudreau, who is also the MLA for Shediac-Beaubassin-Cap-Pelé, said he doesn't see a need to make any changes to the beach signage.
"My understanding is the system the way it is now is working correctly," he said.
"So far the postings, the signage that is there, has been sufficient."
Boudreau noted that while warm weather with little rain may have helped contribute to the water quality issues at New Brunswick's most popular beach, the weather conditions have also made it a good summer for tourism.
"So I think it's a good story," he said.
"Also, not wanting to scare people if you will, there has not been a single incident reported either of somebody that has been sick as a result of the condition of the water."
Boudreau said the water quality is monitored and recorded on a regular basis.
"If it ever was to a point where it would cause significant concern, then greater action would be taken, but so far that has not been required.
The health minister said people can "use their own judgement" on whether they want to go into the water.
"The signage is there. It indicates to them what the conditions are and they decide if they want to enjoy the beach or not and people have been enjoying it in record numbers this year," he said.