News Release
HRM Birch Cove Beach receives prestigious Blue Flag Designation
Thursday, June 27, 2013 (Halifax, NS) – Today, Councillor Gloria McCluskey, along with members of Council, and representatives from Blue Flag Canada raised the Blue Flag at Birch Cove Beach located on Lake Banook in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. This is the first beach in HRM and in Nova Scotia to be given this designation.
“We’re proud the Blue Flag is being raised here today at Birch Cove Beach,” says area Councillor Gloria McCluskey. “Birch Cove Beach is located on Lake Banook, one of the world's top paddling courses. This honour shows HRM’s and our resident’s commitment to sustaining the beaches that add to the beauty of our community. The Blue Flag will contribute to awareness of Birch Cove Beach and will help to promote the area as a sustainable beach destination.”
The Blue Flag is a highly respected and recognized international voluntary eco-label. Blue Flags are awarded to beaches and marinas that meet strict criteria for water quality, environmental education, environmental management, and safety and services. Blue Flags are currently flying at 18 beaches and 4 marinas in Canada. The Blue Flag award is administered in Canada by Environmental Defence and is managed internationally by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).
“Canada's fresh and salt water ecosystems have significant environmental, cultural, social and economic values to Canadians,” says Brett Tryon, Coordinator of the Blue Flag Canada program. “Our beaches are important recreational and tourist areas. Canadians can be assured that Blue Flag certified beaches, like Birch Cove Beach, are safe and clean, sustainably managed and great for swimming.”
Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit Birch Cove Beach, which is opening early for the summer season. For information on Birch Cove Beach and all the other great beaches HRM has to offer, see: http://www.halifax.ca/rec/Beaches.html. For more information on the Blue Flag designation, visit: www.blueflag.ca.
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Media contact:
Janet Bryson
HRM Communications
490-5940
