Two Toronto beaches closed due to high E. coli levels; others safe for swimming
Marie Curtis Park East and Bluffer's Park are under swimming advisories following water quality tests. Several mainland and island beaches remain open.
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Two Toronto beaches are off-limits for swimming after tests detected elevated E. coli levels. Toronto Public Health advised against swimming at Marie Curtis Park East (42nd Street and Lakeshore Boulevard West) and Bluffer's Park (Brimley and Lakeshore Boulevard East) due to high bacterial presence.
E. coli, a bacteria found in human and animal intestines, enters recreational waters through stormwater runoff, sewage contamination, and animal waste. While many strains are harmless, some cause stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, and serious infections.
According to federal and provincial guidelines, water is unsafe for swimming when E. coli levels exceed 200 per 100 mL as a geometric mean or when a single sample exceeds 400 per 100 mL. Testing typically takes 24 hours; the most recent update came July 8 at 11:51 a.m.
Multiple beaches remain safe. On the Toronto Islands, Hanlan's Point, Centre Island, Ward's Island, and Gibraltar Point are clear. On the mainland, Sunnyside Beach (Parkside Drive), Cherry Beach (Cherry Street, South Port Lands), Kew Balmy Beach (Queen Street East), and Woodbine Beach (Woodbine Avenue) are all safe for swimming.
Rainfall washes contaminants into waterways, so Toronto Public Health advises avoiding natural swimming areas for 24 to 48 hours after heavy rain. Wind creates murky conditions that may indicate higher bacteria levels. Waterfowl like gulls and geese also increase bacterial counts through defecation.
