Join the Minister of the Environment at Toronto's first Blue Flag Beach Bonanza TODAY

Environment Minister Jim Bradley will join Environmental Defence to celebrate Blue Flag Beaches and talk about how the province will help community groups to take Great Lakes cleanup action

TORONTO, July 25, 2012 /CNW/ - Today, ditch the air conditioning and chlorinated pools and head to pristine Ward's Island Beach for a day packed with fun summer activities. There will be water sports, beach volleyball, sand castle competitions, yoga, and lots of great prizes.

WHEN:  Wednesday, July 25, 2012

WHERE:  Ward's Island Beach, Toronto Island

TIME:  1:00 pm - 7:00 pm

MEDIA TRANSPORTATION VIA WATER TAXI:  Departs at 1:00pm at 145 Queens Quay West (at the foot of York Street, near the Second Cup).  MEDIA MUST RSVP to contact below. SPACE IS LIMITED.

PHOTO OP / ANNOUNCEMENT: 1:45PM
Environment Minister Jim Bradley will talk about the province's new Great Lakes protection legislation, and about how the province will help your community to take Great Lakes cleanup action.

BONANZA ACTIVITES: Sign up for free stand up paddle boarding (SUP) lessons, enter sand castle building competitions, join in a game of beach volleyball, play fun water games, and relax at the end of the evening with a free yoga on the beach. Most importantly, get in the water and discover for yourself how great Toronto's Blue Flag beaches are for swimming.

TORONTO BLUE FLAG BEACHES: There are currently eight Blue Flag beaches in Toronto: Bluffer's Park Beach, Centre Island Beach, Cherry Beach, Gibraltar Point Beach, Hanlan's Point Beach, Kew-Balmy Beach, Ward's Island beach and Woodbine Beach.

ABOUT BLUE FLAG (BlueFlag.ca):
Blue Flag is a non-governmental, non-profit, independent program. It is recognized and supported by international organizations including the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Blue Flag is presently the largest global eco-label for beaches and marinas and has a national administration centre in each participating country. More details about the Blue Flag program and the certified marinas and beaches can be found on the web site at www.BlueFlag.ca.

ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE (environmentaldefence.ca):
Environmental Defence is the Canadian Operator of the Blue Flag Program. Environmental Defence is Canada's most effective environmental action organization. We challenge, and inspire change in government, business and people to ensure a greener, healthier and prosperous life for all.

SOURCE: Environmental Defence

For more information, images or interview requests, please contact:
Stephanie Kohls, Communications Director, Environmental Defence, 416-323-9521 ext. 232; 647-280-9521 (cell); [email protected]