Georgia Strait Alliance Newsletter
GEORGIA STRAIT ALLIANCE
Georgia Strait Alliance (GSA) is proud to announce that Richmond’s Shelter Island Marina has succeeded in achieving a prestigious 4-Anchor rating under its Clean Marine BC program – a full two anchor accreditation jump since their initial certification.
Shelter Island Marina will receive their Clean Marine BC flag at 11:30 am on Saturday May 24th at a special ceremony during the Marina’s 5th Annual Marina Days. The City of Richmond will be presenting the award to Terry McPhail, President of Shelter Island Marina, on behalf of GSA.
“We’re excited to have been awarded a 4-Anchor rating from GSA’s Clean Marine BC program”, says McPhail. “Over the past 2 years our staff has worked hard to ensure the environmental best practices we’ve put in place are adhered to, and increasing our rating by 2 Anchors is a real testament to our commitment to protect the environment. We’re looking forward to working with GSA to attain a 5-Anchor rating in the near future.”
Clean Marine BC is a voluntary environmental recognition program for marinas, harbour authorities, yacht clubs, and boatyards in BC. Launched by GSA in 2007, the program helps marinas and boatyards identify where improvements are needed and the environmental standards they must meet to become certified under the Clean Marine program. An independent auditor determines an eco-rating for the facility between 1 and 5 anchors with 5 being the highest level of environmental best practices. GSA awards marinas that pass the audit a certificate of recognition and the right to fly the Clean Marine BC flag. The rating is valid for 3 years.
“We are incredibly pleased that Shelter Island Marina has taken our program’s philosophy of continual improvement to heart, and that Clean Marine BC is having a tangible positive impact on the Fraser River and the Strait of Georgia”, says Christianne Wilhelmson, GSA’s Executive Director.
The 5th Annual Shelter Island Marina Day includes a swap meet, chowder cook-off and beer garden as well as a car wash and bake sale to benefit the ABA Learning Centre. All proceeds from the chowder cook-off will benefit the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue.
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, the place where 75% of British Columbians live, work and play.