It's worth it. Montreal and it's surrounding cities neglected the river and canals, which supported local industry and transport, then used to dump toxic soils from digging the subway, or dumping untreated sewer water. After much cleanup, there are many spots where we can swim, kayak or even surf. It has completely changed some neighborhoods (Verdun, Saint-Henri, but also going from Bellerive to Boucherville islands).
I flew into Fukuoka once and out of the window could see beautiful beaches in sheltered shallow bays completely empty. No one on the beach, no one sailing or swimming. Asked my hosts about it and they said no one goes in the water because it's polluted. That's was a damn shame.
