Swimming restrictions at the main beach area of Fred Henne Territorial Park are now lifted. Follow-up testing indicated safe levels of bacteria.

Samples taken at the main beach area on June 25, 2026 returned results of 1,050 to 1,410 MPN/100 mL  (Most Probable Number per 100 milliliters) of E coli. Guidelines for Canadian recreational water quality by Health Canada suggest action should be taken if levels exceed 235 MPN/100 mL. When the samples were returned on July 2, the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) added swimming restrictions as a precautionary measure while follow-up testing occurred.

Follow-up samples were taken on July 2nd and July 3rd, with testing results showing 3.1 and 4.1 MPN/100 mL of E coli levels. Sampling and testing will continue daily for one week, as we continue monitoring levels. The GNWT’s Chief Environmental Health Officer provided a recommendation today that the beach could be reopened.

We thank the public for the patience and understanding as we carried out the routine procedures related to water testing.
 

For media inquiries, please contact:

Melvin Leonard
Assistant Director, Strategic Communications
Industry, Tourism and Investment
iticommunications@gov.nt.ca
867-767-9202 ext. 63038