Non-profit citizen's group promotes the facts about Parlee Beach
Shediac, NB – The Greater Shediac Chamber of Commerce, Cap-Pele/ Beaubassin-est Chamber of Commerce and the Citizens of the Truth about Parlee Beach are combining forces to take a stand for the Truth about Parlee Beach.
There has been a lot of misinformation and unfounded reports about the conditions at Parlee Beach and many citizens and businesses are concerned about the negative impacts of these rumors.
Ron Cormier president of the Greater Shediac Chamberof Commerce said, “Certain groups are using Parlee Beach to drive an anti development agenda and it is impacting local businesses.” “The Government of New Brunswick has invested millions in studies, infrastructure upgrades and maintenance in the Shediac Bay Watershed area to ensure this beach remains a vibrant tourist attraction,” said Ron.
“Parlee Beach is very important for our region and a lot of our local businesses depend on tourism. It is why the information about Parlee Beach needs to be truthful and should be outlined in a fair manner,” said Albert E. LeBlanc, President of the Cap-Pelé/Beaubassin-est Chamber of Commerce.”
Luc LeBlanc is leading a group of local businesses and residents who have established an advocacy group called Citizens of the Truth about Parlee Beach. “Our goals are simple,” said Luc. “We want to promote the truth about Parlee Beach water quality based on accurate data from qualified experts in the field. We want to inform the public and potential visitors about the ongoing infrastructure modernization at Parlee Beach, and counter any misleading information about the beach with accurate data.”
“We are starting an outreach campaign to shed light on the truth while dispelling myths and misinformation about Parlee Beach. We are providing access to the facts based on scientific data from qualified experts from Stantec Consulting, Crandall Engineering and the Steering Committee for Parlee Beach Water,” said Luc.
Last season, Parlee Beach had a 95% compliance rate, with over 99% of the samples containing bacteria levels below the Guidelines for Canadian Recreational Water Quality.
Water Testing Results Update as of July 13, 2018
The water at Parlee Beach has been tested on 41 days so far this season with only 2 days exceeding bacteria values as defined by theGuidelines for Canadian Recreational Water Quality.
Based on a total of 410 samples to date, the water was safe for swimming 98.7% of the time.
The water at Parlee Beach is tested 10 times a day for both enterococcus and E. coli.
Background information - Recent Studies
Steering Committee for Parlee Beach Water
The final report submitted to the Government of New Brunswick by the experts on the Steering Committee for Parlee Beach Water concluded that the Shediac Bay Watershed generally exhibits lower bacteria levels than Guidelines for Canadian Recreational Water Quality. (Refer to pages 5, 17, 33 and 51 of the final report).
The final report can be found at the URL noted below.
Stantec Report
In the summer of 2017 the Government of New Brunswick contracted Stantec Consulting to conduct a study of the sand and groundwater flow at Parlee Beach.
The report concluded that the sand at Parlee Beach is 100 times below guidelines that would indicate any problems. (Refer to page 29 of the final report).
The final report can be found at the URL noted below.
Crandall Report
Crandall Engineering was contracted by the Government of New Brunswick to assess the existing sewerage collection and pumping system at Parlee Beach. After performing extensive fieldwork, Crandall concluded that the system’s integrity was sound and showed no signs of leaking pipes. (Refer to page 24 of the final report).
The final report can be found at the URL noted below.
For more information contact:
Tracey Stephenson
506.850.8077
