Stay out of the water at one Ontario Parks public beach
Collecting, transporting and testing beach water for E. coli can take a day or more, so the latest available data may not reflect current conditions at the beach. Swimming is not recommended when it's raining, the water is wavy or cloudy, there are lots of birds, or for two days after a big storm.
Consuming E. coli can cause serious illness, including stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting. When high levels of the bacteria are detected it's more likely that other harmful organisms are present as well, including those that cause skin rashes and eye, ear, nose and throat infections.
A beach may also be considered unsafe for swimming due to weather conditions, runoff, pollution, spills, smells, garbage, sharp debris and dead fish. In addition, public beaches are monitored for blue-green algae, which can be highly toxic to humans, dogs and other animals.
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Toronto Sun
a day ago
- Toronto Sun
Caution advised due to bacteria levels at some Ontario beaches as heat persists
Published Jul 29, 2025 • 2 minute read A group of young swimmers are seen in the water at Woodbine Beach in Toronto on July 9, 2024. Photo by Jack Boland / Files / Toronto Sun TORONTO — Some Ontario beaches have been deemed unsafe for swimming during a heat wave in southern parts of the province, but experts say public beaches — especially those in urban areas — still provide crucial relief from blistering temperatures. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Toronto Public Health advised caution Tuesday at the popular Centre Island beach on the Toronto Islands, after water samples showed elevated bacteria counts. In Ottawa, counts at Mooney's Bay Beach and Petrie East Bay were above the provincial threshold, according to data collected last week. Ottawa Public Health transitioned this year to testing waters once a week, whereas Toronto Public Health continues to sample water from beaches on a daily basis. Public health authorities in Windsor and Essex County also posted E. coli warnings for several beaches in the region, based on testing done last week. Gregary Ford, vice-president of Swim Drink Fish Canada, said reduced water quality is usually caused by intense precipitation that overloads sewage and wastewater systems, causing increased levels of bacteria to flow into nearby bodies of water. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Generally, that's when we start to see these beach postings occur during the summer, particularly during these warm periods followed by intense storm events,' he said. Aside from checking water quality test results, Ford said it's best to avoid swimming 24 to 48 hours after rainfall to avoid wastewater runoff. Ontario's water safety regulations are also some of the strictest in the world, with a threshold of 200 counts per 100 millilitres of water, Ford said. Dr. Howard Shapiro, Toronto's associate medical officer of health, said Toronto Public Health uses an even more 'stringent' standard of 100 counts per 100 millilitres in its water quality testing. Despite the potential health risks, Shapiro said urban beaches are still a vital escape from heat waves and a way for people to cool down. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Even if you look at the temperatures in the city, it'll be cooler by the lake than it will be in other parts, particularly in areas that have a lot of concrete,' Shapiro said. Meanwhile, a researcher at Ottawa's Carleton University is currently testing the waters at five locations along the Rideau River to dispel myths about river water quality and safety. Banu Örmeci, the director of Carleton's Global Water Institute and an environmental engineering professor, said she's been collecting weekly samples from the Rideau River since the beginning of June, with each sample deemed safe by provincial standards. Örmeci said she hopes her work can encourage the City of Ottawa to consider opening more supervised beaches along the Rideau River. 'Not everyone has the resources to go to cottages, and it is really important to create these recreational spaces in our neighbourhoods,' she said. MLB Toronto Blue Jays Canada Toronto & GTA Canada
Toronto Star
a day ago
- Toronto Star
Caution advised due to bacteria levels at some Ontario beaches as heat persists
TORONTO - Some Ontario beaches have been deemed unsafe for swimming during a heat wave in southern parts of the province, but experts say public beaches — especially those in urban areas — still provide crucial relief from blistering temperatures. Toronto Public Health advised caution Tuesday at the popular Centre Island beach on the Toronto Islands, after water samples showed elevated bacteria counts.
Global News
a day ago
- Global News
More E. coli cases believed to be connected to popular Calgary restaurant
The number of laboratory confirmed cases of E. coli and a rare parasite, believed to be connected to a popular Calgary-area restaurant, continues to grow. In an email to Global News, Alberta Health Services said there has been an increase in people calling Health Link (811) reporting symptoms of gastrointestinal illness after eating at the Saskatoon Farm, about 20 minutes southeast of Calgary, earlier this month. View image in full screen Alberta Health Services is now asking anyone who had something to eat or drink at the Saskatoon Farm between July 1 and 18 to call 811 to arrange to get tested for E. coli. Global News While AHS hasn't divulged how may calls it has received, it confirms there have now been 26 probable cases of E. coli confirmed by laboratory testing. Story continues below advertisement That's an increase from the 18 cases confirmed on Friday, July 25, 2025, by AHS Medical Officer of Health Dr. Francesco Rizzuti. AHS said the number of people testing positive for the parasite, Entamoeba histolytica, has also increased, with nine of those who tested positive for E. coli also testing positive. That's up from the three cases provided in a media briefing on Friday. AHS said a number of other pathogens, including norovirus and rotavirus, have also been identified in the laboratory testing, but it has yet to be determined if they can be linked to the Saskatoon Farm as both norovirus and rotavirus are commonly associated with gastrointestinal illness. Get weekly health news Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday. Sign up for weekly health newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy There has also been one additional person who required hospitalization, bringing the total number to three, although two have since been discharged. View image in full screen The Saskatoon Farm is located a 20 minute drive southeast of Calgary and is a popular destination for Saskatoon berry picking, a farmers market and a restaurant. Global News AHS has also expanded the timeframe for people who consumed water, beverages or food at the Saskatoon Farm to get tested for any of the identified pathogens, even if they have not developed any symptoms. Story continues below advertisement Anyone who dined at the restaurant between July 1 and July 18 is now being asked to call 811 (Health Link) to make arrangements to get tested. The previous timeframe was July 1 to 16. View image in full screen AHS has identified the Saskatoon Farm's water system as the most likely source of the outbreak of gastrointestinal illness and is asking anyone who dined there between July 1 and 18 to call 811 to arrange to get tested. Global News AHS investigators have identified the Saskatoon Farm's water system as the most likely cause of the outbreak. Even though the Saskatoon Farm has switched to a different water source that has been confirmed to be safe for human consumption, Rizzuti said there is ongoing testing being done and the restaurant will remain closed until AHS inspectors and medical officers of health determine there is no more risk to the public. Health Canada defines E. coli as a bacteria that can be spread through contact with infected people, animals, food and surfaces — including undercooked, unpasteurized, contaminated or untreated water, foods and other liquids that have come into contact with the feces of infected animals or people. Story continues below advertisement The improper handling of infected food can also cause cross-contamination of other foods. People who become infected with the parasite E. histolytica can also develop a severe gastrointestinal illness called amoebiasis weeks to months after infection. While none of the people confirmed to be infected with the parasite have tested positive for amoebiasis, Rizutti said, in some rare cases it can lead to other infections outside of the gastrointestinal system, including the heart, liver and lungs. The symptoms of amoebiasis, said Rizutti, may not show up for weeks or even months after the initial infection, which is why AHS is asking people who dined at the Saskatoon Farm between July 1 and 16 to call 811 to arrange to get tested. According to Health Canada, people who test positive for E. histolytica can be treated with a variety of drugs but the extent of treatment depends on whether the parasite is isolated to the gastrointestinal system or has spread to other organs.
