By Cathy Dobson, From www.theobserver.ca The Observer
Municipal officials learned Monday that Grand Bend’s beach as well as marinas in Grand Bend and Port Franks have earned an elite Blue Flag environmental designation.
Sarnia’s Canatara Park was also short-listed as a future candidate for the award.
Only 15 beaches and three marinas in Canada have met the Blue Flag standards to protect the environment this year, said Nick Rolfe, Blue Flag co-ordinator for Environmental Defence.
His organization is the Canadian operator that works with the Foundation of Environmental Education to certify beaches and marinas around the world.
“It’s a very exclusive award because of the pre-selection process and the strict international standards that must be met,” Rolfe said.
Lambton Shores Mayor Gord Minielly said his municipality is thrilled to earn the Blue Flag designations for its beach and two marinas. “The Blue Flag is the new standard for beaches in Ontario and for good reason — it’s not a given. It is something you have to earn each year,” he said. This is the second consecutive year the Grand Bend and Port Franks marinas will display the blue flag. The two marinas were the first to be chosen in
North America in 2009, Minielly noted. “We’re excited about it. The designation gives our visitors a sense of comfort.”
The Blue Flag indicates that a beach or marina has excellent water quality and meets Ontario beach management protocol that requires under 100 counts of E. coli for each 100 millilitres of water.
“It’s the strictest standard in North America and a Blue Flag beach has to meet that standard at least 80% of the time,” Rolfe said.
On top of water quality, experts assess environmental education at each beach, as well as environmental management, safety and services.
“Earning a Blue Flag means that municipality is helping its residents reconnect with their waterfront. It’s attracting visitors and protecting the environment,” Rolfe said.
Lambton beaches and marinas are now on a list of 3,400 in 41 countries that were designated for 2010.
Being on that list can have a real impact on tourism, said Vicky Praill of Tourism Sarnia-Lambton. “In the past the area has been criticized, but this proves we truly do have blue water and our beaches are clean,” she said. “We are on a list with
some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It’s fantastic.”
Canatara Park’s beach is among five given Blue Flag candidate status this year. That means they could receive full certification next year and fly the blue flag, according to Rolfe.
“Canatara meets every criteria including the water quality standard but it was very close to the standard and the thinking was that we should wait to see how this season goes,” he said.
For more, visit www.BlueFlag.ca.
Observer Article ID# 2612047
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