Toronto kicked off swimming season ahead of the first weekend of summer by raising blue flags at eight of its beaches.
The blue flag is an internationally recognized and respected label awarded to beaches and marinas that have met global water quality, environmental management, environmental education and safety standards.
Blue flags will fly through the summer at Cherry, Hanlan's Point, Ward's Island, Woodbine, Bluffer's Park, Centre Island, Gibraltar Point and Kew-Balmy beaches.
"This is a huge accomplishment and demonstrates the strong commitment by the city to have clean, safe beaches with excellent water quality," Blue Flag Canada Program Manager Brett Tyron said in a statement issued Wednesday.che
Blue flags are administered in Canada by Environmental Defence and managed internationally by the Foundation for Environmental Education. More than 4,000 beaches and marinas have been certified in 48 countries around the world.
