New Biosphere Commitment Program Member: Kelowna Yacht Club
Join TOTA in welcoming the Kelowna Yacht Club to the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program.
The Kelowna Yacht Club is located in downtown Kelowna, BC, on Okanagan Lake. The Kelowna Yacht Club is home to the largest freshwater marina in Canada and the largest lakefront dock that features stunning views of the mountains, Okanagan Lake, and Stuart Park all year round.
Sustainability Initiatives
With two of their four organizational pillars focusing on sustainability and stewardship of Okanagan Lake, the Kelowna Yacht Club is very conscious of the impact that the marina has on the lake. By utilizing the resources, tools, and assessments from TOTA’s Biosphere Commitment Program, the Kelowna Yacht Club was able to focus its sustainability efforts towards a set of goals that aligned with the complexity of their business while also aligning with other local businesses that have committed to protecting the future of the region.
Over the past three years, the Kelowna Yacht Club’s Environmental Committee Green Team has created and run several initiatives that support their ongoing stewardship of Okanagan Lake. Along with the recycling and composting program they have implemented onsite, the Club holds a “Dock Swap” event, which encourages members to repurpose boat parts and gear. As part of their sustainability program, they host a shore clean-up in April and September each year.
Twice a year the Kelowna Yacht Club hosts and participates in a clean up to clear waste and debris from the shoreline
When asked what other tourism businesses in the region should know about the Biosphere Commitment Program, Brenda Cortés, Environmental and Sustainability Coordinator, had this to say: “The program provides a clear framework for businesses looking to transform operations and perspectives,” Brenda also reported that Biosphere “helps businesses to adapt and start a journey to collaborate with the community, mitigate impacts, and help to gradually restore the land we all live as uninvited guests.”
While working under the Biosphere Commitment Program and collaboratively with other organizations, the Kelowna Yacht Club works more sustainably to protect the lake's ecosystem.
Biosphere Commitment Program
The Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program is a sustainability program offered by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association. The focus is to equip tourism businesses in the region with tools and resources to continuously measure, manage, and report sustainability management efforts. The program prepares businesses for a globally recognized certification, to show alignment of business operations with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Destination Certification.
Organizations can create customized sustainability plans through the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle platform and access dedicated support from industry experts.
Learn more about TOTA’s Biosphere Commitment Program