Several beaches in Canada have been designated as Blue Flag beaches for 2023, meaning their water quality and health and safety standards meet strict criteria. According to Swim Drink Fish, which works closely with Blue Flag International, Blue Flag beaches meet 33 criteria across four categories: environmental education and information; water quality; environmental management; and safety and services. But it's not just cleanliness and safety that the status looks for — it also ensures that the beaches "provide the facilities and services that tourists are looking for around the world."
Shoreline cleanup planned at English Bay as part of annual event
Communities across Canada will head to the water on Sept. 17 for International Coastal Cleanup Day to recover litter from shorelines, parks, and other natural places in their communities. In B.C. the cleanup is planned at English Bay in Vancouver. There are also cleanups planned at Black Rock Beach in Halifax and Woodbine Beach in Halifax. This is also the first year a cleanup will be hosted in the U.S., with details to come. Since 1994, Ocean Wise has organized nearly 1 million volunteers participate in Shoreline Cleanups, collecting more than 2.1 million kg of trash across Canada’s shorelines.