GHVA achieves five-anchor rating
Dec 20, 2018
The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) has achieved the highest ranking in the Clean Marine BC program, an eco-certification program run by Georgia Strait Alliance.
(L-R) Meghann Conedera, Dock Operations Coordinator; Shannon Greenley, Inner Harbour Operations Manager; Brian Cant, Communications and Marketing Manager; George Milne, Fisherman’s Wharf Operations Manager; Michelle Young, GSA’s Clean Marine BC Coordinator.
With GVHA’s new five-anchor ratings at four marinas, the program’s top ranked recreational boating facilities now total eight. GVHA is taking proactive measures to clean up Victoria Inner Harbour, identified as the most polluted coastal waterway in Victoria Foundation’s annual Vital Signs report.
In addition to a commitment to environmental best practices recommended by CMBC, GVHA provides strong community leadership in pollution reduction and habitat restoration in Victoria Inner Harbour. Initiatives are extensive and include their Reef Ball Habitat Restoration Project, Herring Spawning Habitat Project, and collaboration on the Victoria Harbour shoreline cleanup.
Clean Marine BC (CMBC) is a voluntary environmental recognition program for marinas, harbour authorities, yacht clubs, and boatyards. The five-anchor rating program helps boating facilities to reducing the impact of recreational boating on the Strait of Georgia and beyond by implementing environmental best practices.
Christianne Wilhelmson, Executive Director of Georgia Strait Alliance, says; “The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority has twice increased its anchor rating since initial certification six years ago. This is a testament to their dedication, commitment and leadership to do the most they can to support the surrounding marine environment and working harbour.”
“We are dedicated to making our operations as environmentally sound as possible,” says Ian Robertson, Chief Executive Officer of GVHA. “Voluntary participation in Georgia Strait Alliance’s Clean Marine BC Program for our marinas, and in Green Marine Management Corporation’s Green Marine Program for our port operations provides us with the tools to make that a reality.”
About the Clean Marine BC (CMBC) program
CMBC certifications are valid for three years, but can be upgraded at any time. There are 29 certified members representing marinas, yacht clubs, boatyards and wharfs now part of the program, and another 23 facilities have adopted the Clean Marine BC policy and are working towards certification.
About Greater Victoria Harbour Authority
Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) is a not-for-profit organization governed by a local Board of Directors. It owns and operates deep water, marina, and upland holdings throughout Victoria’s harbour including the large vessel Ogden Point port facility where a dynamic cruise tourism industry contributes more than $130 million annually to the regional economy; the Fisherman’s Wharf float home community and small business hub; and the Inner Harbour’s luxury yacht and marine tourism facility at Ship Point. www.gvha.ca.
About Georgia Strait Alliance
Formed in 1990, Georgia Strait Alliance is the only conservation group working to protect and restore the marine environment and promote the sustainability of Georgia Strait, its adjoining waters and communities, www.georgiastrait.org
