We should really expect nothing less from a city named after a leafy oak. Oakville Harbours was recently recognized for meeting the highest environmental standards in Canada. It’s not easy to create standards that allow for livable, healthy conditions all while enjoying recreational boating, but Oakville has done it again.
The Canadian Safe Boating Council awarded Oakville Harbours with its “Safeguarding the Environment” award, in recognition for its dedication to the environment and green recreation. Oakville Habours also received the “Boating Ontario’s Clean Marine Five Anchor Diamond” title, becoming the first municipal-run to do so in Ontario and only one of six in all of Canada to ever achieve such a high score.
Five Diamond Not Easy to Get
Think of it like a Michelin Star restaurant; there are many that have no, one or two stars, but a three star restaurant is truly a wonder to behold. The amount of hoops that any marina (much less a municipal marina) has to go through to get that Five Diamond designation by Boating Ontario; the standards are so exacting that only six organizations in all of Canada have been able to pass through the eye of the needle.
Here are just a few of the changes and standards Oakville had to earn the award:
- Promote good environmental practices with boaters (no dumping, maintenance, etc)
- High efficiency lighting and power
- Reduce and eliminate contamination exposure into the environment (directly or indirectly)
- Prioritize water and energy conservation
- Improve waste collection and recycling (shrink wrap recycling, hazardous waste handling, etc.)
- Industry approved spill training and kits
As you can see, those Five Diamonds were hard-won, but well worth it for a healthier environment that we can all enjoy for years to come.
“Oakville is leading on the environment”
Oakville Mayor Rob Burton, commenting on the award: “This award is further confirmation that Oakville is leading on the environment, and is another reminder that the town is dedicated to creating an even greener, healthier, and more livable Oakville.”
To achieve the designation, Oakville had to adopt hundreds of new environmental standards put forth by Environment Canada, Boating Ontario and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment.
Oakville’s director of Environmental Policy, Cindy Toth, also commented about the award: “The town makes every effort to implement sound environmental practices in every aspect of our operations. After instituting or enhancing a significant number of environmental initiatives, the town’s two harbours were audited by GreenLeaf Environmental, a third party firm, and received the highest designation, a feat achieved by very few marinas,”
And while those Five Diamonds aren’t so easy to get, they show the GTA and Canada how far Oakville is willing to go to live by its sustainable, livable principals.
Oakville is truly a haven dedicated to a greener, healthier more sustainable way of life - but why read about it when you can come see for yourself? If you’re thinking about buying or selling, give us a call today and see what the Goodale Miller Team can do for you.