Image by Derek Ford.
Oak Bay Marina is the first of the Oak Bay Marine Group to achieve eco-certification in Clean Marine BC, which helps boating facilities to reduce the impact of recreational boating on the Salish Sea and beyond through the implementation of improved environmental measures, including the reduction and containment of toxins, collection and disposal of various wastes, water and energy conservation, and habitat protection.
“It is important for us to be recognized as environmental stewards because we take caring for these local waters seriously,” says Jennifer McKimmie, General Manager at Oak Bay Marina. “We are prepared to address unintentional fuel spills at our docks, our SeaBin harbour water skimmer is removing marine debris from Oak Bay, we have a comprehensive recycling program, and we are continuing to choose environmentally appropriate materials for our dock construction and maintenance.”
McKimmie adds; “Clean Marine BC has helped us to identify areas where we can make even more of an impact at Oak Bay Marina, and also at the other three marinas that are part of the Oak Bay Marine Group.”
The Honourable Murray Rankin, MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head and Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, says: “I would like to congratulate the Oak Bay Marine Group for obtaining their first Clean Marine BC eco-certification issued by Georgia Strait Alliance in recognition of the environmental innovations implemented at the Oak Bay Marina. This certification recognizes a commitment to mitigating the impact of recreational boating on the SalishSea while continuing to provide an essential venue for tourism and leisure for the people of Oak Bay-Gordon Head.”
Christianne Wilhelmson, Executive Director of Georgia Strait Alliance, the non-profit organization that runs Clean Marine BC, says: “Oak Bay Marina is a Canadian Border Services marine point-of-entry, making it the first point-of-contact for many visiting U.S. vessels, so having them involved in Clean Marine BC means that many of their good practices are being shared broadly with boaters from other communities.”
Clean Marine BC 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 based on the results of an independent site-verification audit, and provided with comprehensive recommendations for improvement. Oak Bay Marina has achieved a strong four-anchor rating.
Oak Bay Marina joins 32 other marinas, boatyards, yacht clubs, and harbour authority facilities 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 33 Clean Marine BC certified marina, yacht club, boatyard and harbour authority facilities, and another 29 facilities have adopted the Clean Marine BC policy and are working towards certification.
About Oak Bay Marinas
Located ten minutes from downtown Victoria, Oak Bay Marina is situated in a sheltered bay in south Oak Bay, with spectacular views of Mount Baker. It provides the perfect destination for summer cruisers, as well as permanent moorage. On-site there are two restaurants, a chandlery, gift shop, fuel dock, boat repairs and free parking, www.oakbaymarina.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