Toronto Port Authority's Outer Harbour Marina Achieves Gold Rating

TORONTO, Aug. 13, 2012 /CNW/ - Outer Harbour Marina has been awarded a 5 Green Anchor Gold rating by the Ontario Marine Operators Associations' (OMOA) Clean Marine program, making it one of the few marinas in the province to receive this prestigious eco rating.

This is the third year in a row Outer Harbour Marina has received an upgraded rating through the Clean Marine Program.  The Marina met several criteria that surpassed its 2011 rating of 5 Green Anchors.

"We are constantly aiming for environmental excellence and are extremely proud that our commitment to environmental initiatives has received recognition from the OMOA. Outer Harbour is a world-class marina and our environmental program is part of what makes it a superior facility," said Geoffrey Wilson, Toronto Port Authority President and CEO.

The 5 Green Anchor Gold designation recognises marinas that follow strict environmental best practices. In addition to fulfilling Toronto Port Authority's mandate as an environmental steward, Outer Harbour Marina implemented six environmental initiatives that led to the upgraded OMOA rating, including:

• Converting workboats to new technology engines
• Contributing to local environmental initiatives
• Educating marina customers on the Clean-Marine Eco-Rating Program
• Ninety per cent of the marina's lighting has been converted to high efficiency lighting including compact fluorescents
• Marina employees have attended approved spills containment courses and the marina has an approved spills containment kit at its fuel dock
• Marina slip users have signed an environmental commitment pledge

The marina has also undergone several infrastructure improvements and upgrades in 2012 including the purchase of new equipment; the introduction of a state-of-the-art floating docking system that can accommodate boats up to 100-feet long; Wi-Fi internet and a brand new barbeque pavilion.

About Toronto Port Authority

Toronto Port Authority was incorporated on June 8, 1999 as a government business enterprise under the Canada Marine Act as the successor to the Toronto Harbour Commissioners. It is a federal public authority providing transportation, distribution, storage and container services to businesses. The TPA owns and operates the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, Marine Terminals 51 and 52, and the Outer Harbour Marina. The TPA also provides regulatory controls and public works services to enhance the safety and efficiency of marine navigation and aviation in the port and harbour of Toronto.

SOURCE: Toronto Port Authority

Media contact:  Irene Quarcoo, [phone]/[phone] (mobile)