VICTORIA – 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,” said 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.”
“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,” added McKimmie.
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.
MLA, Murray Rankin and Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, said, “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 Salish Sea while continuing to provide an essential venue for tourism and leisure for the people of Oak Bay-Gordon Head.”
“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,” said Christianne Wilhelmson, Executive Director of Georgia Strait Alliance, the non-profit organization that runs Clean Marine BC.
Oak Bay Marina joins 32 other marinas, boatyards, yacht clubs, and harbour authority facilities in flying the Clean Marine BC flag.
