Media Alert/Photo Opportunity - Onlia Promotes Safety at the Beach with Socially-Distanced Sand-Circles and Sculptures at Ashbridge's Bay Beach

WHAT:

A mass display of sand-circles and sculptures will pepper the beach at Ashbridge's Bay in Toronto ahead of the August long weekend as a visual reminder for beach-goers to follow proper safety precautions and social distancing measures. Commissioned by Onlia, safety advocate and provider of digital home and auto insurance, the one-day installation underscores Onlia's focus on finding solutions to safety challenges experienced by Canadians. 

WHY:

As Ontarians adjust to a new normal, Onlia is continuing to pursue its safety mission and is at the forefront of providing safety tools and solutions for its community.

With six swimming beaches in a city that is home to nearly three million people, Toronto beaches have experienced tremendous overcrowding in recent weeks, posing increased concerns during COVID-19.  A compelling visual guide, Onlia's beach safety concept can also be adapted and implemented at public beaches across Ontario to emphasize the importance of maintaining physical distance while enjoying summer activities.

Inspired by physical-distancing circles painted on grass in key Toronto parks, this installation will consist of 12 sand-circles and three sculptures measuring from three feet x four feet to three feet x eight feet and will be spaced six feet apart.  The sand-circles and sculptures will be created by leading designers Rudin Causi and Jay Melnychuk and a team of talented artists working throughout the day to complete the build. 

WHO:

Alex Kelly

Onlia Safety Ambassador

*With over a decade in injury prevention and transportation safety, Kelly is an expert on staying safe on the roads and in communities.

Jay Melnychuk

Sand-sculpture artist

*Melnychuk is a leading art director and production designer responsible for a host of highly-creative installations and activations.

WHERE:

Ashbridge's Bay

1561 Lake Shore Boulevard East

Toronto, ON

Site location/media check-in: far right side of the beach facing waterfront.

WHEN: 

Wednesday, July 29, 2020

8:00 am – 5:30 pm EDT: Build of sand-circles and sculptures

5:30 pm EDT:  Reveal of sand-circles and sculptures