22 beaches, 10 marinas recognized for being the cleanest and safest in Canada in 2022

The cleanest and safest beaches and marinas in Canada have been named in a new list of locations to earn a Blue Flag in 2022.

Twenty-two beaches and 10 marinas have earned a Blue Flag designation, an international award given to community waterfronts that meet high environmental, safety and cleanliness standards.

Registered charity Swim Drink Fish has been the Canadian operator for Blue Flag International since 2020. It helps national beaches or marinas interested in receiving the award through encouraging community engagement and management practices.

Canada’s consecutive champion of the Blue Flag designation is Bluffers Beach, in Toronto, located beneath the Scarborough Bluffs. The waterfront has won a Blue Flag for the 11th year in a row.

HOW DO YOU GET A BLUE FLAG?

“We conduct feasibility studies, we’ve worked with beach and marina operators to ensure all the criteria are met for Blue Flag, and we encourage them through adoption of environmental education activities,” Gregary Ford, director of water programs for Swim Drink Fish, told CTVNews.ca

Considerations are also heavily geared towards public notices of ecosystem integrations, environmental management practices and regular water quality monitoring that meets regional and provincial standards.

There are numerous categories of criteria, which generally include safety measures such as adequate signage, lifeguard monitoring and the identification of dangerous sections, Ford explained.

He believes the annual award helps foster a connection with water that “already exists in all of us.”

“We really believe that by connecting people through their water and fostering that connection we can foster an attitude of fresh water protections in all Canadians,” he added.

THE FULL LIST OF BLUE FLAGS AWARDED IN 2022

Here’s a list of all the Canadian waterfronts that received a Blue Flag designation in 2022.

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising

Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).

Minister 'outraged' after AFN national chief's headdress taken from Air Canada cabin

The federal minister of Crown-Indigenous relations is calling on Air Canada to 'make things right' with the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, who said her headdress was removed from an airplane cabin during a flight this week.

Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom

Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.

'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments

An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.

Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier

Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.

Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit

As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.

'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her

A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.

What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans

Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.

Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates

Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.

Canada

Minister 'outraged' after AFN national chief's headdress taken from Air Canada cabin

The federal minister of Crown-Indigenous relations is calling on Air Canada to 'make things right' with the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, who said her headdress was removed from an airplane cabin during a flight this week.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her

A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
First court appearance for boy and girl charged in death of Halifax 16-year-old

A girl and a boy, both 14 years old, made their first appearance today in a Halifax courtroom, where they each face a second-degree murder charge in the stabbing death of a 16-year-old high school student.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates

Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising

Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Body of Quebec man who died in Cuba found in Russia, family confirms

A Montreal-area family confirmed to CTV News that the body of their loved one who died while on vacation in Cuba is being repatriated to Canada after it was mistakenly sent to Russia.

World

Trump's lawyers grill ex-tabloid publisher as 1st week of hush money trial testimony nears a close

After prosecutors' lead witness painted a tawdry portrait of “catch-and-kill” tabloid schemes, defence lawyers in Donald Trump's criminal trial on Friday sought to dig into an account of the former publisher of the National Enquirer and his efforts to protect Trump from negative stories during the 2016 election.
Ukraine's farm minister is the latest corruption suspect as Kyiv aims to undo recent Russian gains

A Ukrainian court on Friday ordered the detention of the country's farm minister in the latest high-profile corruption investigation, while Kyiv security officials assessed how they can recover lost battlefield momentum in the war against Russia.
Dozens of U.S. deaths reveal risks of injecting sedatives into people restrained by police

The practice of giving sedatives to people detained by police has spread quietly across the U.S. over the last 15 years, built on questionable science and backed by police-aligned experts, an investigation led by The Associated Press has found.
opinion
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales

Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Egypt sends delegation to Israel, its latest effort to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas

Egypt sent a high-level delegation to Israel on Friday with the hope of brokering a ceasefire agreement with Hamas in Gaza, two officials said. At the same time, it warned that a possible Israeli offensive focused on Gaza's city of Rafah -- on the border with Egypt -- could have catastrophic consequences for regional stability.
Andrew Tate's trial on charges of rape and human trafficking can start, a Romanian court rules

A court in Romania’s capital on Friday ruled that a trial can start in the case of influencer Andrew Tate, who is charged with human trafficking, rape and forming a criminal gang to sexually exploit women.

Politics

Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom

Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
Minister 'outraged' after AFN national chief's headdress taken from Air Canada cabin

The federal minister of Crown-Indigenous relations is calling on Air Canada to 'make things right' with the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, who said her headdress was removed from an airplane cabin during a flight this week.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'

American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.

Health

'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising

Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise

When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.
CTE: Researchers believe widespread brain injury may contribute to veteran suicide rate

Researchers are working to better understand if some Canadian military veterans may be suffering from Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, also known as CTE -- a disorder previously found in the brains of professional football and hockey players after their death.

Sci-Tech

These are the countries where TikTok is already banned

TikTok is in the crosshairs of authorities in the U.S., where a new law threatens a nationwide ban unless its China-based parent ByteDance divests. Here are the places that have partial or total bans on TikTok.
Hubble Space Telescope marks 34 years with new portrait of a 'cosmic dumbbell'

The Hubble Space Telescope has captured a stunning new image of the glowing gas ejected from a dying star, which in this case happens to resemble a 'cosmic dumbbell.'
Boeing and NASA decide to move forward with historic crewed launch of new spacecraft

After years of delays and a dizzying array of setbacks during test flights, Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft is finally set to make its inaugural crewed launch.

Entertainment

Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video

A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
Courteney Cox says her partner Johnny McDaid once broke up with her in therapy

Courteney Cox's longtime partner Johnny McDaid once broke up with her in a therapy session.
Estate of Tupac Shakur sends cease-and-desist letter to Drake over AI vocals

A lawyer representing the estate of Tupac Shakur has sent a cease-and-desist letter to Drake after he used an AI-generated likeness of the late rapper's voice in a diss track.

Business

Ottawa, Quebec commit $100M for semiconductor capacity in Bromont, Que., 280 jobs

The federal and Quebec governments are spending close to $100 million to boost the country's manufacturing capacity for semiconductors, which are vital in technologies ranging from artificial intelligence to quantum computing.
Monthly earnings rise, payroll employment falls: Jobs report

The number of vacant jobs in Canada increased in February, while monthly payroll employment decreased in food services, manufacturing, and retail trade, among other sectors.
Ford just reported a massive loss on every electric vehicle it sold

Ford’s electric vehicle unit reported that losses soared in the first quarter to US $1.3 billion, or US$132,000 for each of the 10,000 vehicles it sold in the first three months of the year.

Lifestyle

Pilot proposes to flight attendant girlfriend in front of passengers

A Polish pilot proposed to his flight attendant girlfriend during a flight from Warsaw to Krakow, and she said yes.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months

During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Something in the water? Canadian family latest to spot elusive 'Loch Ness Monster'

For centuries, people have wondered what, if anything, might be lurking beneath the surface of Loch Ness in Scotland. When Canadian couple Parry Malm and Shannon Wiseman visited the Scottish highlands earlier this month with their two children, they didn’t expect to become part of the mystery.

Sports

Jets need to pick up their play as first-round series shifts to Colorado

Resting on top of an audio speaker just inside the entrance to the Winnipeg Jets' locker-room sits a reminder of what the NHL team is fighting for.
Canada ousted by Estonia at world mixed doubles curling championship

Canada's Kadriana and Colton Lott were ousted from the world mixed doubles curling championship after suffering a 6-5 loss to Estonia in a playoff qualification game on Friday.
'There are kids … who’d rather be dead than gay,' says former NFL star Carl Nassib who was first active player to publicly identify sexuality

Carl Nassib knows the power of opening up. In 2021, Nassib – then playing for the Las Vegas Raiders – became the first active NFL player in league history to publicly identify as gay.

Autos

'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments

An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Ford just reported a massive loss on every electric vehicle it sold

Ford’s electric vehicle unit reported that losses soared in the first quarter to US $1.3 billion, or US$132,000 for each of the 10,000 vehicles it sold in the first three months of the year.
Honda to get up to $5B in govt help for EV battery, assembly plants

Honda is set to build an electric vehicle battery plant next to its Alliston, Ont., assembly plant, which it is retooling to produce fully electric vehicles, all part of a $15-billion project that is expected to include up to $5 billion in public money.

Infertility Awareness Week: How B.C.'s proposed IVF funding is delaying some treatments

It’s National Infertility Awareness week, which brings attention to a medical condition that impacts one-in-six adults in B.C.
Gas prices in Metro Vancouver rise again overnight

Gas prices rose again overnight across Metro Vancouver, wrapping up a week of wild swings in the cost to fuel up.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her

A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.

Toronto

'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments

An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
'Wallet-bursting' housing costs have some Torontonians ditching the city for cheaper pastures

Mauro Quattrochi is facing a decision shared by many in Toronto: commit to a “wallet-bursting life in the city, or a car-bound, almost-as-expensive life outside it?”
Partial subway closure on Line 2 could last 'a few days' after fire, TTC says

The TTC says riders using part of Line 2 can expect to face some delays this morning.

Calgary

POW! cosplay parade returns to Calgary, thousands expected to participate

Canada's largest cosplay parade is back in full force, returning to city for the 10th time on Friday.
'So crazy': Nenshi critical of Alberta bill giving extra powers over municipalities

Former Calgary mayor and current NDP leadership candidate Naheed Nenshi says the Alberta government is operating out of spite with new legislation that would grant it sweeping powers over municipalities, including the right to fire councillors, overturn bylaws and postpone elections.
Calgary CO call in Brentwood sends 7 people to hospital

Seven people were taken to Calgary hospitals on Thursday for carbon monoxide exposure.

Ottawa

'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising

Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Flood watch in effect along areas of Ottawa River until May 3

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has issued a flood watch for the Pembroke, Ont. area.
Ottawa police concerned for well-being of missing woman

The Ottawa Police Service is asking the public for help locating a missing woman, citing concern for her well-being.

Montreal

Body of Quebec man who died in Cuba found in Russia, family confirms

A Montreal-area family confirmed to CTV News that the body of their loved one who died while on vacation in Cuba is being repatriated to Canada after it was mistakenly sent to Russia.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video

A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
Parks Canada trashes pilot project, reinstalls garbage cans along Lachine Canal

Parks Canada said on Thursday that it was ending its pilot project and reinstalling garbage cans along the Lachine Canal Historic Site.

Edmonton

Crash affecting Highway 28 traffic north of Edmonton

A two-vehicle crash is affecting Highway 28 traffic in Sturgeon County Friday morning.
Family of 6 escapes house fire in Hodgson

A family of six escaped their burning house in southwest Edmonton early Friday morning.
UCP able to remove councillors and axe city bylaws in new sweeping bill aimed at municipal politics

The Government of Alberta wants to change how municipalities handle elections and local politics.

Atlantic

First court appearance for boy and girl charged in death of Halifax 16-year-old

A girl and a boy, both 14 years old, made their first appearance today in a Halifax courtroom, where they each face a second-degree murder charge in the stabbing death of a 16-year-old high school student.
Price of gas increases in Nova Scotia, P.E.I.

Maritime motorists are paying more for gas in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, but less in New Brunswick.
N.S. residents arrested at New Brunswick border with multiple weapons

Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers arrested two Nova Scotia residents at the New Brunswick border after they seized multiple prohibited firearms.

Winnipeg

'Deep ignorance': Calls for Manitoba trustee to resign sparked after comments about Indigenous people and reconciliation

A rural Manitoba school trustee is facing calls to resign over comments he made about Indigenous people and residential schools earlier this week.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising

Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Former Manitoba premier Heather Stefanson leaving politics after 23 years

Former Manitoba premier Heather Stefanson is resigning her legislature seat and leaving political life.

Regina

Sask. RCMP make 2 arrests in connection to Oxbow area homicide

RCMP have made two arrests in connection to a homicide investigation in southeast Saskatchewan.
Sask. expands student mental health program to 5 more schools

Aimed to provide students with more support for their mental health and well being, the “Mental Health Capacity Building” (MHCB) program provides more counselling staff in schools that hope to identify and intervene mental health issues students may be facing soon than later.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?

A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.

Kitchener

Generational farm could be impacted if Wilmot land assembly goes ahead

A family of farmers say their operations would be significantly impacted if the Region of Waterloo goes ahead with a land assembly project in the Wilmot Township area.
Over 40 charges laid to Cambridge man following break-in arrest

Waterloo regional police have handed out over 40 criminal charges to a Cambridge man following an investigation into several break-ins.
Kitchener man who killed wife, blew up home may be granted travel passes

Udo Haan, the Kitchener man who killed his wife and blew up their home in 2018, could receive travel passes to be in the community.

Saskatoon

Council votes for bike safety improvements at corner where cyclist was killed

Saskatoon city council is making road safety improvements following the death of a cyclist at a busy intersection last year.
Crown argues for life sentence for Sask. Mountie who shot and killed his lover

A Crown prosecutor says the former RCMP officer who shot and killed his lover should be sentenced to life in prison.
'Difficult to maintain': Private Sask. school embroiled in abuse allegations may soon close

A private Christian school at the centre of a civil lawsuit and several criminal cases might soon be taken over by an affiliated group, according to a letter obtained by CTV News.

Northern Ontario

Northern Ont. hunters fined $8,500 for illegal moose hunt

Two hunters from North Bay, Ont., and a third from Temagami pled guilty recently to offences they committed during a 2022 moose hunt.
Fire victims in Timmins say thieves have stolen their personal belongings

A month after an accidental fire forced more than 100 people out of their apartments at the Empire Complex in Timmins, residents are now dealing with being victims of theft.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising

Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).

London

'Total loss' garage fire in south London

A garage in south London is being described as a “total loss,” after a fire Thursday night. Crews were called to the scene at 129 Base Line Road west around 111:05 p.m. where they found heavy smoke and flames when they arrived.
Vehicle passengers taken to hospital after Oxford County crash

An unknown number of people have been taken to hospital following a crash in Oxford County. OPP are on scene of the two-vehicle crash at 37th Line and Road 74 in Zorra.
London robbery leads to charges for city man

One person is in custody after police in London responded to a call for a robbery in the area of Highbury Avenue and Hamilton Road. Around 10:45 p.m., police said a man entered a store and once inside, covered his face with a ski mask, showed a knife and demanded money and cigarettes.

Barrie

Pedestrian struck by CP train in Alliston

A man is in serious condition after being struck by a train near Alliston.
Police warn of caller ID phone scams

Faking a caller identity has never been so easy.
Wasaga Beach welcomes new family doctor

New doctor will expand services at the Georgian Bay Family Health Team.

Windsor

Former high school teacher facing another trial

A former high school teacher who just finished one trial is now facing another.
50 tickets and warnings issued in Windsor traffic blitz

Windsor police issued 50 tickets and educational warnings in a traffic enforcement initiative on Thursday.
Local job protection a concern as Canada's auto sector faces EV renaissance

Canada's auto industry is experiencing a renaissance as it transitions from building gas-powered vehicles to ones that run on batteries, but some are raising the alarm over the protection of local jobs.

Vancouver Island

Opposition BC United seeks to prevent convicted dangerous offenders from name changes

British Columbia's Opposition leader says community safety should come before protection of privacy rights for dangerous people.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her

A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
Harbour Air commits to buying 50 electric engines for seaplane fleet

Harbour Air is travelling towards a more sustainable future, looking to electrify its fleet of 45 aircraft.

Kelowna

B.C. man rescues starving dachshund trapped in carrier: BC SPCA

An emaciated dachshund is now recovering thanks to a Good Samaritan who found the pup near a biking trail in Kelowna, according to the BC SPCA.
Search crews called in after missing Kelowna senior's truck found

Search and rescue crews have been called in after a vehicle belonging to a missing senior was located near a rural intersection outside of Kelowna Tuesday.
Homicide investigation underway after body found near Kelowna, B.C.

Major crime detectives in British Columbia are investigating a suspected homicide after a body was found in a remote area southeast Kelowna over the weekend.

Lethbridge

Former U of L student awarded diversity, equity and inclusion medal by NASA

A former University of Lethbridge student has been awarded the Medal for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Equity by NASA.
Oilers get hat trick from MacNeil en route to 4-1 win over Bandits

The Okotoks Oilers bounced back against the Bandits Wednesday night, defeating Brooks 4-1.
Fire risk for southern Alberta high: Natural Resources Canada

It’s not even May 1 and the fire risk for southern Alberta is already alarming.

Sault Ste. Marie

Garden River chief meets with disgruntled band members over payout concerns

Some members of the Garden River First Nation are demanding answers regarding the disbursement of the Robinson-Huron Treaty settlement funds.
OPP and Treaty Three police lay murder charge in northwestern Ont.

The Ontario Provincial Police, in partnership with the Treaty Three Police Service, have charged a suspect with murder following a homicide in a remote northwestern Ontario community.
Youth charged in the Sault for firing cap gun at passersby

A 15-year-old in Sault Ste. Marie has been charged following an incident on Bay Street on Tuesday.

N.L.

Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit

As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
Made-in-Newfoundland vodka claims top prize at worldwide competition

A Newfoundland-made vodka has been named one of the world’s best by judges at this year’s World Vodka Awards.
Rideshare platform Uber expands to Newfoundland and Labrador

Uber Technologies Inc. says it has brought its ridesharing platform to Newfoundland and Labrador.

22 beaches, 10 marinas recognized for being the cleanest and safest in Canada in 2022

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

opinion | The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales

opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales