Wasaga Beach Blue Flag Over Piping Plovers

This is the fourth year the Piping Plovers have been seen at Wasaga Beach. This signals the success of the U.S. recovery program for this species. The birders at Wasaga are watching over this years hatchings, however cannot always protect them from unexpected storms. Last week they lost a couple of chics from the two breeding pairs. Watchers are required to educate the public on the Piping Plover and what they can do to help. Contact Wasaga Beach Provincial Park 705-429-2516,
Visit Blue Flag Beaches Georgian Bay

Georgian Bay Beaches Achieve Blue Flag Recognition

Georgian Bay beaches in Ontario Canada are being awarded the international Blue Flag certification, Environmental Defence announced as the summer beach season kicked off last week.
Two Georgian Bay beaches in the Town of the Blue Mountains (Little River Beach Park, Northwinds Beach Park. Both beaches are near the town of Collingwood. A third Wasaga Beach in Wasaga Beach Provincial Park, in the town of Wasaga Beach.

 The beaches received the Blue Flag designation after
meeting 27 strict standards, covering everything from water
quality, toenvironmental management, to safety and services.

 "We're very proud of these beaches that are joining thousands of
world-class beaches in receiving the Blue Flag award. Behind each
award is a community of people making a commitment to environmental
sustainability and best practices," said Sarah Winterton,
Outreach Director of Environmental Defence, which runs the Blue
Flag program in Canada.

An additional nine Ontario Blue Flag beaches join more than 2,600 in 36
countries around the world. As part of the Blue Flag requirements,
beaches in Canada must meet Ontario's
standards for recreationalwater quality (the most stringent in North America)
at least 80% of the swimming season. Water quality test
results for each Blue Flag beach are available on Environmental Defence's

Blue Flag web site - www.BlueFlag.ca.

Beaches are certified by two independent juries - the Blue Flag Great Lakes
Regional Jury and the International
Blue Flag Jury. Blue Flags are awarded at the beginning of each swimming
season. Beaches can lose their BlueFlags during the season if they fail to meet
the required standards.

 "With climate change, pollution and even urban development threatening
our beaches and coastal areas, theBlue Flag is critical for making sure these
precious places areprotected now. Having a clean beach on your
doorstep is a tremendous benefit for the whole community. We want to make
surethey are there for generations to come," said Winterton.

About Blue Flag (www.BlueFlag.ca): The Foundation for Environmental

Education (FEE), based in Denmark, owns and operates the Blue Flag Program.  
Since 1987, Blue Flag has grown
to include more than 2,600 beaches in 36 countries. Environmental Defence is the
Canadian National Operator of Blue
Flag. Our goal is for beaches across Canada to meet national Blue Flag
standards, ensuring that Canadians enjoy clean beaches. Blue Flag Canada
 is supported by theOntario Trillium Foundation, an agency of the Government
of Ontario.

About Environmental Defence (www.environmentaldefence.ca):
Environmental Defenceprotects the environment and human health.
We research solutions. We educate. We go to court when we have to.
All in order to ensure clean air,clean water and thriving ecosystems
nationwide, and to bring a halt to Canada’s contribution to climate change.

For further information: or to arrange interviews, please contact:

Jennifer Foulds, Environmental Defence, (416) 323-9521 ext. 232, (647)
280-9521 (cell)

To view additional Georgian Bay Beach areas and destinations around
the Georgian Bay Area see Georgian Bay North of Toronto.

Georgian Bay's Wasaga Beach Development In the News

Getting the Cars Off Wasaga Beach Strip Can Only Be Good For The Environment and the health of all of the visitors who swim at Wasaga. With the announcement today in the Globe and Mail of the massive re-development of Wasaga Beach, a part of the plan is to move the traditional driving strip (which is close to the water) into a boardwalk. This will help stop the amount of oil drippings and other auto detritus washed into Georgian Bay. This will help Wasaga maintain its Blue Flag quality beach status and a health safe environment for families.

The theme of a 'New Orleans' concept is perhaps not as culturally appealing as a sound Canadian historical theme. This is the side of the Development that needs to be tweaked with community input from the historical and cultural development side.

I don't not see any reference to the beach ecology of the area, and this needs to be addressed.

Otherwise, the concept of a newer four season resort development is all positive for Wasaga Beach and the open concept Georgian Bay Eco Museum. Congratulations go out to Levy brothers insight and vision.