News Release

Birch Cove Beach Receives Second Blue Flag Designation

Wednesday, May 28, 2014 (Halifax, NS) – For the second year in a row, Birch Cove Beach in Dartmouth has received the prestigious Blue Flag, an internationally recognized and respected eco-certification for beaches and marinas.

Recipients from across Canada were announced today, May 28, in a press release from Environmental Defence, the environmental action organization that administers the Blue Flag Canada Program.

“The Blue Flag is an international symbol of excellence and a source of pride for local communities,” said Brett Tryon, manager of the Blue Flag Canada Program. “No matter where you go, when you see a Blue Flag flying, you know you are at one of the best beaches or marinas in the world – one that is clean, has excellent facilities, and meets high safety and environmental standards.”

Nestled along Banook Lake, Birch Cove remains the only Nova Scotia beach to ever receive the Blue Flag designation.

“It was such a proud moment when we raised the Blue Flag on the beach last June,” said area Councillor Gloria McCluskey. “For Birch Cove Beach to be honoured once again, it’s just fantastic news. I know how hard the community works to keep this beach in pristine condition and now everyone who visits Birch Cove will know it too.”

This year the Halifax Waterfront is once again being recognized with a Blue Flag in the marina category. It was the first and only Nova Scotia marina to receive the designation back in 2012, and has received the Blue Flag every year since.

For information on Birch Cove and all the other great beaches in the Halifax region, please visit www.halifax.ca/rec/Beaches.php and for more details on the Blue Flag Canada Program, go to www.blueflag.ca.

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Media Contact:

Jennifer Stairs
Halifax Regional Municipality
Public Affairs
902-476-5975
stewarj@halifax.ca