Blue-green algae advisory issued for Lac Ste. Anne days before Pope Francis visit
Global News
'We are working closely with organizers of the visit to ensure that people can reduce their risk if they choose to visit the lake,' said Alberta Health Services.
Just days before a small Alberta lake community is set to be inundated with people from around the world, a health advisory has been issued for the body of water Pope Francis is set to visit.
On Thursday, Alberta Health Services issued a blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) advisory for Lac Ste. Anne.
The pope is set to visit the lake northeast of Edmonton next Tuesday, although he is not expected to enter the water.
A large pilgrimage takes place there each year.
“We acknowledge that this lake is of high significance to many people, and we anticipate that it will be visited by large numbers of people next week as part of the Papal visit,” AHS said.
The site coordinator for the papal visit told Global News earlier this week there would be wash stations available on site for Tuesday’s event.
“The health and safety of everyone attending the pilgrimage is a top priority,” Andrew Ehrkamp, the spokesperson for the Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton, said on Thursday.
“There is no change to the schedule of the papal visit.
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