Victoria groups celebrate sustainability certification, but cruise waste still a concern
Tourism can be both helpful and harmful for ecosystems on Vancouver Island.
That's why Greater Victoria groups are looking to get stamped with a sustainable seal of approval.
The Parkside Hotel is one of nine Greater Victoria businesses that just got "biosphere" certified.
The certification means that the hotel is committed to environmental sustainability, as well as cultural diversity, responsibility and equity.
"Travel has been historically seen as something that deteriorates a community, but 'sustainable' is really that no-trace kind of tourism," said Trina White, general manager of the Parkside Hotel and Spa.
The Parkside Hotel has rooftop gardens and its lobby is home to koi ponds that are filled with rainwater.
But what you can't see is that the hotel is also carbon neutral.
"The whole point is to make sure our greenhouse gas emissions are as low as possible," said White.
Destination Greater Victoria is also celebrating becoming the first urban centre in North America to get biosphere certified by the Responsible Tourism Institute.
"Sustainability is a decision-driver for about 80 per cent of leisure travels, and more importantly, the highly lucrative conference business," said Paul Nursey, CEO of Destination Greater Victoria.
While Victoria is making progress, an environmental group says things are far from perfect.
"Transport Canada has designated the B.C. coast as a toilet bowl by not matching our neighbours' rules on cruise ships," said Anna Barford, a shipping campaigner with grassroots environmental group Stand.earth.
Last season, Transport Canada asked cruise ships to not discharge sewage within three nautical miles of shore, but that request was not mandatory.
"Groups that are local to the coast, that are connected to the ocean, are taking the action that they can," said Barford.
"It just so happens that [Transport Canada] holds the pen on the regulations."
When it comes to shore power for cruise ships, which would allow cruises to charge and not idle in Victoria waters, the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority hopes to make an announcement soon.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
LIVE UPDATES Luigi Mangione, 26, arrested in connection with CEO shooting
Luigi Mangione was arrested in Altoona, Penn., after he was spotted at a McDonald’s, authorities say. The suspect was born and raised in Maryland and graduated from Ivy League University of Pennsylvania.
BREAKING Union reportedly drops wage demands in Canada Post negotiations
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) has reportedly dopped its wage demand to 19 per cent over four years, CTV News has learned.
Liberal government survives third Conservative non-confidence vote
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's latest attempt to topple the minority Liberal government in a non-confidence vote failed on Monday, thanks to the New Democrats.
Trudeau says dealing with Trump will be 'a little more challenging' than last time
Justin Trudeau says dealing with incoming president Donald Trump and his thundering on trade will be 'a little more challenging' than the last time he was in the White House.
Montreal man retiring early after winning half of the $80 million Lotto-Max jackpot
Factor worker Jean Lamontagne, 63, will retire earlier than planned after he won $40 million on Dec. 3 in the Lotto-Max draw.
Rupert Murdoch fails in bid to change family trust, New York Times reports
A Nevada commissioner has ruled against Rupert Murdoch's bid to change his family trust to consolidate control of his media empire in the hands of his son Lachlan, the New York Times reported on Monday.
Katie Holmes refutes story about daughter Suri Cruise’s fortune
Katie Holmes has posted a screen grab of a Daily Mail article, which reported that her 18-year old daughter, whose father is Tom Cruise, is now a "millionaire."
Family spokesman says slain Edmonton security guard had only been working 3 days
A spokesman for the family of a security guard who police say was murdered while patrolling an Edmonton apartment building last week says the man had only been on the job for three days.
Sask. hockey player recovering after near fatal skate accident during game
The Sask East Hockey League (SEHL) has released details of a near fatal accident at one of its games over the weekend – which saw a Churchbridge Imperials player suffer serious injuries after being struck with a skate.