‘Tis the time for reflection
Social, environmental and economic impact lead the way
When we reflect on 2022, the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) considers the contributions and impacts of our deep water terminals, marinas and upland holdings on the Region.
From the 500,000 plus people who walk the Breakwater annually to the 1.7 million people who stroll the Inner Harbour lower causeway, our mandate remains clear: to stay committed to the stewardship of our community and commercial amenities and to look to the future with sustainability at the forefront of our decision making.
We remain resolute in upholding a triple bottom line: a focus on social, environmental and economic impacts within our financial framework. GVHA is proud to serve Greater Victoria.
Of special note this year, GVHA celebrated its 20th anniversary! A special thank you to our Member Agencies and Life Members for their leadership and support.
Member Agencies: Esquimalt Nation, Songhees Nation, Capital Regional District, City of Victoria, Destination Greater Victoria, Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, Township of Esquimalt, Victoria/Esquimalt Harbour Society
Life Members: Stewart Johnston, Ian Maxwell, Don Prittie, Paul Ridout, Bill Wellburn, Randy Wright. In memoriam: Bea Holland, Peter Lloyd, John Sanderson
Our best-kept secret of 2022
Our best-kept secret of the year? A visit from Ellie, the elephant seal, as we nicknamed her. Ellie came ashore to moult, and with help from Fisheries & Oceans, Victoria Police and our maintenance crew, Ellie found herself safely fenced off from the public next to James Bay public boat launch. After a few weeks, Ellie made her way back into the water. Thanks for visiting, Ellie!
More highlights from 2022
GVHA contributed a total of $172K in cash and in-kind donations (during this fiscal year) in support of community groups, including:
- 7,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space for Santa’s Anonymous
- Victoria Cruise Terminal parking lot for the annual Christmas Truck Convoy staging area
- Sixty feet of dock space dedicated for exclusive use by the Lekwungen People at the Inner Harbour marina
Through the First Nations Revenue Contribution Fund, $122K supported initiatives that furthered the economic and cultural interests of the Lekwungen People. These funds include a contribution of $50K from GVHA for Lekwungen placemaking signage and other First Nations projects.
Over 22 public events took place at the Inner Harbour, Breakwater District and Ship Point Pier locations, including:
- Classic Boat Festival – boasted record attendance
- Defence on the Dock – an annual community favourite
- Canada Day Ship Point Market
- Crabtoberfest
- Inner Harbour Summer Line-Up, featuring local and Indigenous artisans
- GVHA Marina Light Up drew a record crowd with over 1,100 cups of complimentary hot chocolate handed out
- World Ocean Day
The Breakwater District, Fisherman’s Wharf and the Inner Harbour were backdrops to four filming projects, including a Holiday movie!
The 2,000 annual plants that formed the Welcome to Victoria sign on the inner causeway continued to impress locals and visitors alike – hats off to our maintenance team for maintaining this much-loved community feature!
Community Coffee Talks resumed on the first Wednesday of each month. We gathered over coffee, hosted by Ian Robertson, CEO, to answer questions and share stories about your favourite harbour spaces.
GVHA maintained certification in the Green Marine and Clean Marine programs and continued as members of the Green Corridor project.
We hired a sustainability manager! They will join our team in January 2023.
PurpleAir monitors at the Victoria Cruise Terminal and Fisherman’s Wharf continued to show low particulate numbers suitable for outdoor activities.
Victoria welcomed the 9-millionth cruise passenger at the Victoria Cruise Terminal. The couple has visited Victoria over 30 times, each time arriving by cruise.
Cruise contributed $143M to the local economy, supporting over 1,600 jobs.
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