Unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-waututh) First Nations (Vancouver)
Clean Marine BC welcomes two boat clubs as their newest certified members, North Vancouver’s Burrard Yacht Club and West Vancouver’s Hollyburn Sailing Club.
Clean Marine BC is run by the non-profit Georgia Strait Alliance. The eco-certification program supports recreational boating facilities to reduce the impact of their operations on Burrard Inlet, the Salish Sea and beyond and recognizes them for these efforts. They are the only conservation group focussed solely on protecting and restoring the marine environment and promoting the sustainability of the Canadian waters of the Salish Sea, its adjoining waters and communities.
Some of the best practices recommended by the program include the reduction and containment of toxins, collection and disposal of various wastes, water and energy conservation, emergency preparedness, and habitat protection.
Highlights of Burrard Yacht Club’s independent certification include:
- All dock and breakwater foam flotation has been replaced or encapsulated, and replacement of toxic creosote pilings for docks is underway;
- Spill protection kits are visible and well placed for easy access in case of a spill;
- Hazardous waste is collected and appropriately stored and its disposal is contracted;
- A SeaBin will soon be installed to catch and remove marine debris from the ocean;
- A platform for eagles was built when a tree that the birds used to nest was taken down as part of a neighbouring development project.
Kathy Gregson, Commodore at Burrard Yacht Club, says; “Our Club and members have made significant commitments to environmental protection, and getting involved in Clean Marine BC has certainly helped us to identify the outstanding impacts that the club is having on the marine environment and assess ways to mitigate them.”
Cameron Burrows, Commodore at Hollyburn Sailing Club says; “We’re a Club that focuses on non-motorized water sports and getting people out on the water, and we wanted to partner with CleanMarine BC and Georgia Strait Alliance to help us identify additional areas where we can further reduce our impact on marine life and the marine environment.”
At Hollyburn Sailing Club, certification highlights include:
- Education is provided to members who perform work on their vessels, with proper precautions and best practices in place to avoid the release of toxins, prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, and it includes recycling of old sails;
- Property maintenance is done without the use of toxic chemicals;
- Wildlife-friendly pest prevention measures are utilized, and bird houses have been installed on the building;
- The Club is very active in the community, including providing safety boats and the use of its facilities for community events, and participating in local beach cleanups; and
- A quick turnaround of one-month from program enrollment to certification due to the Club’s commitment to environmental responsibility, stewardship and its already low-carbon footprint.
“Over 1,200 species call Burrard Inlet home, including orcas and all seven species of salmon,” says Georgia Strait Alliance’s Executive Director Christianne Wilhelmson. “Given the level of development and human activity on Burrard Inlet, the significance of the commitment of Burrard Yacht Club and Hollyburn Sailing Club in becoming Clean Marine BC certified cannot be overstated.”