Harbour Currents
February 2023
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
CEO announcement
The Board of Directors for the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Robert Lewis-Manning as the organization’s new CEO, effective March 22, 2023.Lewis-Manning takes over the role from Ian Robertson, who served GVHA for almost eight years. During his tenure, Robertson completed various infrastructure development and expansion projects; and advocated for support of the region’s tourism industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, among other accomplishments. Robertson will retire after a decades-long career that included roles with the Tourism Industry Association of BC and Rocky Mountaineer. Read more…
UPDATES
Shore power update
Eighty-five per cent of Cruise Lines International Association (member) ships coming online between now and 2028 will be able to plug into shoreside electricity, allowing engines to switch off at berth for significant emissions reduction. As cruise prepares for the future, so too does the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA).
GVHA is working hard to secure funding; having received commitments for 75 per cent of the cost, Ian Robertson, CEO of GVHA, continues to advocate for the final portion of shore power funding from the federal government. Robertson is in Ottawa this week, continuing the conversation and GVHA’s commitment to sustainability. More updates to follow in next month’s Harbour Currents.
Sustainability
In preparation for a busy summer season, the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) operations team and director of cruise development are working with the Community Liaison Committee (CLC) and port operators on pedestrian disbursement from the port to minimize the environmental footprint of cruise tourism to the community. Read more about the CLC below in, Your voice matters.
Sustainability efforts extend to motorized vehicle operations as well. Pacific Northwest Transportation Services continues to work with the City to identify optimal bus routing to minimize environmental impacts and traffic congestion while maximizing pedestrian safety.
James San Roman, sustainability manager with GVHA, started his position in January 2023. One of his key priorities is advancing the Green Corridor program, aimed at exploring the feasibility of accelerating the deployment of zero greenhouse gas emission ships and operations between Alaska, British Columbia and Washington. GVHA is a voluntary participant in the Green Corridor program.
Look for an update on the above initiatives in the March issue of Harbour Currents.
YOUR VOICE MATTERS
The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) is looking for 2-5 community members to join the Community Liaison Committee (CLC). The CLC is a working group of local business leaders, community leaders and community members who meet and share information, ask questions, identify concerns and provide input on GVHA projects and activities.
The CLC works with knowledgeable community members on issues brought forward by any member, resulting in solutions-focused outcomes and timelines. Learn more about the CLC.
CLC meets every two months virtually, and sub-committees (Transportation, Community Engagement, Visitor Economy) work together to make recommendations or look into concerns from the community. Members provide feedback for GVHA to consider in response to issues brought forward.
To join the CLC committee as a member at large, please complete this form.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Community Coffee Talk
Join us for coffee and informal conversation about your favourite harbour spaces, what’s happening at the port, marinas and an update on shore power. Feel free to send us your questions in advance, and we’ll be sure to add those to our discussion. Email us at gvha@gvha.ca
Our next Community Coffee Talk
- February 15, 2:30-3:30 pm
- Shoal Point Coffee House, 19 Dallas Rd, Victoria