Is Richmond Hill's Lake Wilcox safe for swimming?

Yorkregion.com
June 27, 2018
Kim Zarzour

The first long weekend of the summer is shaping up to be a scorcher.

Right here in the middle of York Region, Lake Wilcox’s cool waters sparkle temptingly -- should you take a dip?

It depends on who you ask.

According to the Town of Richmond Hill, where Lake Wilcox is located, the answer is a definite "no."

Signs around the 56.5-hectare kettle lake warn potential swimmers about potentially high levels of bacteria, sink holes, sharp items and broken glass.

The lake, which features a newly created “destination park” on the east side, is no longer tested for water safety nor is it supervised, says town spokesperson Meeta Gandhi.

Water quality testing by the Region of York stopped after a report from the Oak Ridges Community Centre and park steering committee raised concerns about dense populations of aquatic plants, goose droppings on the beach and other safety issues. After consultation with the community, the town moved to environmentally protect the lake, Gandhi said.

There is still a sandy access point next to the Richmond Hill Canoe Club, but it is not considered a public beach, she said.

But the canoe club has noticed not everyone is getting the message -- or taking it seriously.

Collins said the club’s programs -- including standup paddleboard lessons, intro-to-paddling classes for adults and a drop-in class weekend afternoons -- often involve inadvertent dunkings, but participants tend not linger in the lake.

“No one in the club has reported any rashes or other issues,” she said.

Collins herself kayaks three times a week and said it’s not uncommon for her to tip into the water.  “I have no qualms about ending up in the lake.”

The club’s summer campers paddle in the lake but are discouraged from taking a dip. Instead, they trek over to the nearby pool at Oak Ridges Community Centre.

But she and Ian Feldman, head coach of the Thornhill Masters Aquatic Club, say the water quality appears to be improving.

“It’s clearer than it’s ever been. It’s beautiful,” said Feldman, who swims in the lake with eight to 15 other athletes every weekend as part of summer training.

“I have no problem with the water. I know over the years the town has been trying to get people to stay out … but you can see people swimming here any weekend. I just don’t get it.”

Feldman said he takes a shower after his lake swims (as he does with pool swims). “I’m not stupid about it. Believe me, if I thought there was a risk, I’d be the last one you’d find in there.”

The club’s website even advertises their weekend swims in the lake, he said.

“By 7:45 a.m., the north parking lot is full. It’s a beautiful lake and the town has done a really sweet job with it.”

But Gandhi said the town would prefer park visitors stay dry on the waterfront promenade -- or cool off in the nearby splash pad.