Environment Minister John Gerretsen Honours OMOA Clean Marine Member Marinas at OMOA Conference

At the Ontario Marine Operators Association 2009 Annual Conference in Kingston, Ontario November 29th, seven marinas were recognized for their efforts to exceed what had previously been the highest Clean Marine Eco-Rating of 5 Green Leaf Anchors.

John Gerretsen, MPP for Kingston and the Islands and Ontario Minister of Environment was on hand to make the presentations. Brennan Marine Limited in Gananoque, Deerbrook Marina Inc in St. Joachim, Maitland Valley Marina in Goderich, Marina Del Rey in Orillia, Mitchell’s Bay Marine Park in Mitchell’s Bay, Mariner’s Cove Marina in Mactier and Point Pleasant Marina in Parry Sound all moved up from previously top achieving Clean Marine 5 Green Leaf Anchors to newly created Gold level.  Minister Gerretsen congratulated these 7 members for their commitment to preserve Ontario’s fabulous boating environment.

Kevin Gallagher of Green Leaf Environmental Communications, who audit and rate marinas and yacht clubs on behalf of the Ontario Marine Operators Association explained that Ontario is well ahead of most anywhere in the world with almost 300 marinas now participating in the program and with 72 at the previously highest level of 5 Green Leaves.

Gallagher said the top-rated marinas had been asking, “Where do we go from here?  For 2009, we added 12 new and even more challenging criteria and set out three new levels to correspond to the added criteria.” These 7 marinas responded in spades and were recognized for their efforts.

In the future, meeting 4 of the new criteria will take a 5 Green Leaf-rated marina to Gold level. If they later achieve 8 of the 12 criteria, they reach Diamond level and achieving all 12 takes them to the Platinum level – the new pinnacle.

Minister Gerretsen also presented the Robert Eaton Environmental Award to one of Gerretsen’s constituents, Meg Mallory of William’s Marine Inc for her outstanding efforts in 2009.

Bob Eaton has been guiding the Clean Marine program since its inception and thanked the MOE for their financial support, as well as the substantial three-year funding injection by GE Capital Distribution Finance who stepped up when government funding failed to materialize 3 years ago.

While the Clean Marine Eco-Rating member marinas and yacht clubs can earn reduction in their insurance costs, being at the highest levels has become a point of pride for most participants.