We’re making your beach days even better! New for this season, visitors to Nickel Beach can now check out our Seaweed Report. A simple way to stay in the know about seaweed conditions along the shoreline before you hit the sand.

City staff will update the online Seaweed Report Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
At Nickel Beach, on-site Seaweed Report signage will be refreshed daily by beach staff—including on weekends.

Visit the Niagara Region Beach Water Testing Results website for water conditions.

Here’s how it works:

🟩 Green
Zero or minimal algae/smell.
Perfect beach day ahead!

🟡 Yellow
Minimal algae/smell.
Most of the public beach is seaweed-free.

🔸 Orange
Moderate algae/smell.
Less than 50% of the public beach is seaweed-free.

🛑 Red
Heavy algae/strong smell.
Most of the public beach has seaweed accumulation.

Current Status:

 

 Please note the following:
  • The Niagara Region tests public beaches across the Niagara Region to determine when unsafe levels of bacteria are present in the water. Please use the following link to view the beach water testing results. Beach Water Testing Results - Niagara Region, Ontario 
  • This seaweed report is updated daily during City of Port Colborne office hours (Monday to Friday), Seaweed conditions can change daily or hourly.
  • Even during times with heavy seaweed/algae accumulation, the eastern side of the public beach front is typically seaweed/algae free.
 Did you know:
  • The City of Port Colborne has strict restrictions on removal of seaweed and algae at Nickel Beach put in place by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation, and Parks.
  • As per the Ministry of Environment, Conservation, and Parks the City of Port Colborne must not remove or disturb any algae/seaweed in the water or wet algae/seaweed on the shoreline. Once the algae/seaweed has dried it can be removed.
  • These protocols are in place as Nickel Beach provides habitat to the Fowler's Toad which are protected under the Endangered Species Act.