BOATING ONTARIO ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF THEIR CLEAN MARINE PROGRAM FOR THE 2014 BOATING SEASON
Boating Ontario is very pleased to announce the launch of their world-renowned Clean Marine Program for the 2014 boating season.
The Clean Marine program began in 1998 with the cooperation of Environment Canada, and the Ontario Ministry of Environment and many dedicated individuals from within the marine industry. Today, over 50% of Boating Ontario members are Clean Marine members and every four years must pass a strict independent third-party audit as to their environmentally-friendly practices in all aspects of their businesses.
"Following the unexpected passing of Mr. Bob Eaton last September, both myself and the Board of Directors were absolutely committed to see this valuable and necessary program continue," said Al Donaldson, Executive Director of Boating Ontario. "Bob was without a doubt the driving force behind the success of this program."
"We are very pleased to announce that Brad Roberts will be helping to further the work of the Clean Marine program," announced Donaldson. "He brings a unique perspective to the position with his years of experience as a writer, project manager and family boater."
Roberts literally grew up on the water. He learned to boat from his Dad at the family cottage on Lake Simcoe, and worked as an ORCA-certified recreational canoeing instructor in his youth. He has owned seven different boats with his own kids as they explored the Trent-Severn, Georgian Bay and the North Channel. For the past two decades he has been writing boating articles, and producing boating television shows, cruising guides, and magazines.
"As I left Bob Eaton's celebration of life last fall, it occurred to me that thanks to his phenomenal efforts, the Clean Marine program is where it is today. It was just one of the many legacies Bob left. For the program to continue this successful track record, it would require someone who was passionate about the water and future generations," said Roberts. "I never considered it might be me until over the course of this past winter I saw nobody else coming forward, so I approached Boating Ontario and threw my hat into the ring." "I've raised my three daughters on our Ontario waters," he continued, "and I want to ensure that they and millions of others have the very same opportunity to raise their children in the same clean and safe environment my kids have enjoyed."
"Brad's perspective as both an industry insider, and as a long time consumer of the marine services that Boating Ontario members offer provides the Clean Marine program with an invaluable resource that I believe will benefit the program long term," said Donaldson. "We are committed to continuing, growing and expanding the program this year and beyond, and to that end we are looking for partners and sponsors to help us."
"I am humbled to accept this position, and hope that my years of working in middle-management with both private companies and on volunteer Boards of Directors will be as much of an asset as my passion for boating," said Roberts. "I truly believe that we have come a long way – but I also know that while there is more work to do – the opportunities to have a lasting impact and expand the Clean Marine program are virtually endless. I am excited to go to work to further the efforts of so many individuals including Mr. Eaton and to continue to make a difference for generations to come."
About Boating Ontario and the Clean Marine Program
Boating Ontario is the largest recreational marine trade association in Canada. Its members are provided with critical and regulatory support, information, advice and direction; and practical, money saving programs for all aspects of their marine business.
The Clean Marine Program has a mandate to preserve and protect our most valuable resource – Ontario's water – with an end goal to leave it for future generations in a better condition than we found it. Collectively, we achieve this goal through our sponsors, partners, and member marinas who have committed to following environmentally-responsible best-practices in all aspects of their business activities.
Media Contacts:
Al Donaldson,
Executive Director, Boating Ontario
Phone: 705 549 1667
