Eight of Toronto's 11 beaches have met an international organization's standards for cleanliness and environmental management.
Environmental Defence has awarded the beaches a "blue flag" award for meeting water quality, environmental education, environmental management, and safety and services standards.
"These awards are the result of the great work done by beach operators and countless community groups who recognize the importance of protecting their beach and marina," Sarah Winterton, Environmental Defence's director of strategic partnerships, said in a statement.
Environmental Defence bills itself as "Canada's most effective environmental action organization."
Blue flags will be posted at the following beaches on Lake Ontario in Toronto:
- Bluffer's
- Centre Island
- Cherry
- Gibraltor Point
- Hanlan's Point
- Kew-Balmy
- Ward's Island
- Woodbine Beach
Blue flags were also awarded to eight beaches and three marinas on Lake Erie and Lake Huron.
A beach at Professor's Lake Park in Brampton received "blue flag candidate status," Environmental Defence said.
The organization said 3,650 beaches and marinas in 41 countries are certified under the Blue Flag program.
Independent juries grade the beaches.
