It's been confirmed: there is blue-green algae in the Rideau Canal.
Tests were conducted by the Ontario Ministry of Environment after the waterway developed a strange tint.
The species of cyanobacteria is known to produce toxins which can be passed on through ingestion or skin contact.
As a result, Ottawa Public Health is warning people not to make contact with the canal water in any way.
That goes for pets too.
Also, eating fish caught from the canal is unsafe.