Organizers says it’s too difficult to restage the Gorge Swim Fest after it was cancelled last Sunday.
“We decided that we don’t have the resources — time and human resources — to pull it off,” said fest president Jack Meredith after a meeting Thursday night.
“We are absolutely going to have a swim fest next year,” he added.
Esquimalt staff received reports of a foul odour and discolouration in Gorge Creek on Saturday.
Booms were used to help contain the substance.
The long-planned swim was cancelled because of the contamination. The event, which attracts hundreds of participants, aims to showcase the cleanliness and swimability of the Gorge waterway.
On Wednesday, Esquimalt said it appeared someone had deliberately dumped septic sewage and disinfectant into a storm drain.
Island Health determined it was not a hazard to Gorge beaches but children and dogs should be kept from the creek.
