ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE
Nova Scotia gets its first Blue Flag certified beach: Birch Cove Beach in Dartmouth is the latest beach to receive the certified eco-label
For Immediate Release June 4, 2013
TORONTO, ON – Birch Cove Beach in Dartmouth will be the first Nova Scotia beach to receive a Blue Flag. It will be joining 17 other beaches and four marinas in Canada that have been awarded the prestigious eco-certification this year.
The Blue Flag is an internationally recognized and respected eco-label that is awarded to beaches and marinas that have achieved international standards in water quality, environmental management, environmental education, and safety and services. The program has been in Canada since 2005.
“Beaches and marinas across Canada proudly fly the Blue Flag because it is a symbol of excellence,” said Brett Tryon, coordinator of the Blue Flag Canada program. “Wherever you see a Blue Flag, you know the beach or marina has great water quality, is working to protect natural areas, has lifeguards or lifesaving equipment, and helps to educate the community about how to protect and improve the local environment."
Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) representatives are happy to hear that Birch Cove Beach is receiving a Blue Flag this year, noting the positive impact the flag will have on the community.
“This recognition of the Blue Flag for Birch Cove Beach shows HRM’s and our resident’s commitment to the sustainability of our lovely lakes and beaches,” says HRM Mayor Mike Savage. “The Blue Flag will contribute significantly to awareness of Birch Cove Beach and will help in promoting Birch Cove as sustainable beach destination to be enjoyed by both the residents and visitors.”
Last year, the Halifax Waterfront Marina was the first Nova Scotia marina to earn a Blue Flag. The marina is receiving the designation again this year.
Around the world 3,100 beaches and 625 marinas have been certified. The Blue Flag award is administered in Canada by Environmental Defence and is managed internationally by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).
With vast and beautiful coastlines, Canada's fresh and salt water ecosystems have significant environmental, cultural, social and economic values to Canadians. With beaches as important recreational and tourist areas, Canadians can be assured that Blue Flag certified beaches are safe and clean, sustainably managed and great for swimming.
Here is the list of the 18 beaches and four marinas which have received the Blue Flag in Canada this year:
Nova Scotia:
• Birch Cove Beach, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
• Halifax Waterfront, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Manitoba:
• West Grand Beach, Grand Beach Provincial Park, Manitoba
Ontario:
• Port Stanley Main Beach on Lake Erie in the Municipality of Central Elgin
• Grand Bend Beach, Grand Bend Marina and Port Franks Marina on Lake Huron in the Municipality of Lambton Shores
• Bayfield Main Beach and Bluewater Marina on Lake Huron in the Municipality of Bluewater
• Station Beach on Lake Huron in Kincardine
• Sauble Beach on Lake Huron in the Town of South Bruce Peninsula
• Wasaga Beach Provincial Park, on Georgian Bay
• Bluffer’s Park Beach, Centre Island Beach, Cherry Beach, Gibraltar Point Beach, Hanlan’s Point Beach, Kew-Balmy Beach, Ward’s Island beach and Woodbine Beach in Toronto.
Quebec:
• Plage de l’Est and Plage de l’Ouest, and Plage des Cantons in Ville de Magog, Quebec
The following marinas and beaches are Blue Flag candidates this year:
British Columbia:
• Harrison Beach on Harrison Lake in Harrison Hot Springs
Manitoba:
• Gimli Beach on Lake Winnipeg in Municipality of Gimli
Ontario:
• Canatara Park Beach on Lake Huron in Sarnia
• Erieau Beach on Lake Erie in Erieau
• Waubuno Beach on Georgian Bay in Parry Sound
• Burlington Sailing & Boating Club on Lake Ontario in Burlington
More details about the Blue Flag program and the certified marinas and beaches can be found at BlueFlag.ca.
About Environmental Defence (environmentaldefence.ca): Environmental Defence is the Canadian Operator of the Blue Flag Program. Environmental Defence is Canada's most effective environmental action organization. We challenge, and inspire change in government, business and people to ensure a greener, healthier and prosperous life for all.
About The Foundation for Environmental Education (www.fee-international.org): The Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) is a not-for-profit, non-governmental organization consisting of member organizations representing 63 countries worldwide. FEE actively promotes and delivers education about the environment and sustainable development through international programs such as the Blue Flag Program.
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For more information, images or interview requests please contact:
Jen Mayville, Environmental Defence, 416-323-9521 ext. 228; 905-330-0172 (cell); jmayville@environmentaldefence.ca
