Today, on the first day of summer, an official flag-raising event took place on Moonlight Beach to celebrate its Blue Flag designation, the second beach in Greater Sudbury to earn the title.
The Blue Flag is a respected and recognized international eco-label for beaches, which is awarded based on 33 strict criteria in water quality, environmental education and management, and safety and services.
“We are very fortunate to have so many beautiful, safe swimming areas to enjoy with family and friends,” said Councillor Lynne Reynolds.
“I encourage everyone in the community to take advantage of our many public supervised beaches, and to educate themselves on how to keep them clean and healthy for our future generations to enjoy.”
The Blue Flag award is administered nationally by Environmental Defence and is managed internationally by the Foundation for Environmental Education. More than 4,000 beaches and marinas have been certified in 49 countries around the world, including across Europe, South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, New Zealand, Brazil, Canada and the Caribbean.
“We are very proud to add a second location, Moonlight Beach, to our blue flag designated beaches,” said Catherine Matheson, General Manager of Community Development. “It demonstrates our commitment to a healthy and sustainable community.”
The Bell Park Main Beach is celebrating its third year of Blue Flag designation.
"We are very excited to see a second Blue Flag raised in Sudbury. The Blue Flag at Moonlight Beach is a symbol of the City of Greater Sudbury’s commitment to have safe, sustainable and accessible beaches. Local residents and tourists can visit the beach knowing that it meets the same strict criteria as all the other Blue Flag beaches around the world."
For more information about Blue Flag, visit www.blueflag.ca.
For more information on City environmental initiatives, the Lake Water Quality Program or community beaches, visit www.greatersudbury.ca.
