Sept 19, 2017

Working with Synergy Enterprises, Victoria International Marina will be Canada’s first luxury green marina.

Community Marine Concepts has been working with corporate sustainability specialists Synergy Enterprises to develop a sustainability policy for the Victoria International Marina that will guide decision-making and ensure best practice for the leading-edge facility.

Prospective guests have already asked questions about waste treatment, energy use, and local ecological conditions – a testament to the changing views and priorities of yacht owners in recent years. The Pacific Northwest’s spectacular cruising waters have long been a draw for eco-tourists and those looking to experience the marine life that thrives in this ecological haven.

“The Victoria International Marina will challenge business-as-usual and prove that you can have a luxury marina with a small environmental footprint,” says Craig Norris, CEO of Community Marine Concepts. “Our team anticipates a strong opening for Victoria International Marina and know the marina will become a premier destination for eco-conscious travellers and boaters.”

The desire to explore without infringing on the ecosystem has driven Community Marine Concepts eco-development of the site. Located in Victoria’s middle harbour, the entire site has been customized and purpose-built to keep sustainability at the forefront of the marina’s operations, as this is an area that is often neglected.

Synergy Enterprises focuses on sustainable development and renovation planning, carbon accounting, and corporate sustainability. Jill Doucette, Synergy’s founding partner, has been enthusiastic about the project, saying, “the Victoria International Marina’s focus on environmental design and green practices will challenge the status quo with luxury facilities and careful consideration for our ecosystem.”

“The Victoria International Marina has done a great job of incorporating environmental considerations into the design of the space and into their operations. Since day one, the marina has set a high bar for eco-tourism in the region,” says Doucette. “The team has recognized that it has an opportunity to lead the way in a new era of eco-tourism in the region. Their commitment to sustainability is evident in their business, down to the smallest of details.”

Taking into consideration their environmental impact and ecological operations, VIM plans to pursue the highest level of certification for the Georgia Strait Alliance’s Clean Marine certification program, a comprehensive audit and operations program that ensures marinas are operating to the highest standards of safety and environmental responsibility.

The same sustainable approach has been adopted for the marina’s interior design plans. Examples of the high-quality materials guests will experience include: interface carpet tile, which utilizes repurposed waste nylon from discarded fishing nets; salvaged live-edge Western Big Leaf Maple furnishings; sustainably harvested and FSC certified teak; EcoLife leather from Green Hides; and locally-quarried marble and granite from Vancouver Island.

Victoria International Marina hopes to demonstrate innovative new clean technologies as well, like a Tesla electric vehicle and charging station and electric golf carts for the docks. Marina boats will use British Columbia’s low-emission hybrid electric engines to minimize fossil fuel dependency. Aiming for 90 per cent waste diversion, only a small percentage of waste produced and collected onsite will end up in the landfill. Collection facilities for a variety of hard-to-recycle items, including all used oil and oil products (such as containers and filters), will be accessible on-site.

For more information, visit www.vimarina.ca.