I recently noticed someone fishing in the Don River, near the Pottery Road bridge. Wouldn’t it be a death wish to eat a Don fillet? —Biagio DiMarco, Scarborough

Believe it or not, fish from the Don are edible. Every year, the Ontario ministries of the environment and natural resources test fish throughout the province for such toxic chemicals as mercury, PCBs and dioxins. And yes, scientists pronounced catch from the river’s fetid waters—largemouth bass, rock bass, brown bullhead and pumpkinseed—dinner-worthy. In areas of the upper Don in North York, several species—including whopping two-foot carp—are considered safe for up to eight meals per month. Even the 18-inch white suckers from around Pottery Road can make it to your kitchen table. Be advised: three-headed fish are best thrown back. Otherwise, bon appétit.

• Categories: Environment