Dartmouth’s Birch Cove Beach has been awarded an internationally recognized designation.

The Blue Flag is awarded to beaches and marinas that meet criteria for water quality and environmental education and management.

Dartmouth Councilor Gloria McClusky raised the Blue Flag at the beach on Lake Banook along with Mayor Mike Savage.

She said this is the first beach in Nova Scotia to receive this designation from Blue Flag Canada.

“Because of our water quality and our environmental concerns and we followed all their criteria, and how proud we are today,” said McClusky.

She added the honour shows the community and HRM’s commitment to sustaining beaches in the community.

The community will get recognition on a national level for what their doing to manage and protect the beach said Brett Tryon, Blue Flag Canada’s Coordinator.

She added the annual cost of maintaining blue flag status is $1,000.

“That’s nothing considering you’re getting international media, international recognition on tourism websites and on our website,” said Tryon.

She added they have a couple other beaches in Nova Scotia on their radar.