North Vancouver’s Lions Gate Marina has achieved eco-certification by Georgia Strait Alliance’s Clean Marine BC program, which helps boating facilities to reduce the impact of recreational boating on the Strait of Georgia and beyond by implementing environmental best practices.
Clean Marine BC (CMBC) is a voluntary environmental recognition program for marinas, harbour authorities, yacht clubs, and boatyards. Participating facilities are awarded an anchor rating from one to five, which is based on the results of an independent audit. Lions Gate Marina has achieved a four-anchor rating. It is the first boating facility in North Vancouver to earn certification in the program.
“As members of the marine industry and leaders in recreational boating, it is our responsibility to uphold the highest standards and safeguard our environment as boating increases in B.C.,” says Jordan Gile, Operations Manager at Lions Gate Marina. “We are pleased to be awarded four out of five anchors in our first Clean Marine BC audit thanks to the recent improvements we’ve made, and we strive to continue to make site improvements in the years to come.”
Over the past few years, Lions Gate Marina has improved its oil recycling facilities and waste recycling program, installed more efficient lights, and put up Purple Martin nesting boxes to support the recovery of this once heavily endangered swallow. Staff have also taken Clean Marine BC’s spill training to assist with their planning, preparation and response to small-scale marine spills should one occur at their docks.
“Lions Gate Marina is dedicated to good stewardship and sound environmental practices, and we congratulate them for their achievements,” says the Executive Director of Georgia Strait Alliance Christianne Wilhelmson. “They have a comprehensive environmental plan in place for further improvements and are making good progress towards achieving Clean Marine BC’s top rating.”
Lions Gate Marina joins 29 other marinas, boatyards, yacht club facilities, and harbour authority docks in flying the Clean Marine BC flag.
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About the Clean Marine BC (CMBC) program
CMBC is a voluntary eco-certification program that recognizes marinas and other boating facilities for environmental best practices, and assists them in making improvements to minimize the impacts of recreational boating. There are now 30 Clean Marine BC certified marinas, yacht clubs, boatyards and harbour authority wharfs, and another 24 facilities have adopted the Clean Marine BC policy and are working towards certification.
About Lions Gate Marina
Lions Gate Marina is a full-service marine and storage centre facility in Vancouver’s Harbour. Located on the North Shore of Vancouver Harbour, it offers boaters secure indoor and outdoor dry-storage, www.lionsgatemarina.com
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