To the Environment
To the Environment
Desmasdon's is constantly striving to better the way in which we do business. Our commitment to the environment shows in almost every aspect of how we conduct our business. We are Corporate Sponsors of the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve, we are big supporters of the Georgian Bay Land Trust, we are corporate sponsors of Georgian Bay Forever, we are members of the GBA and the Pointe au Bail Islander's Association, and we are a 5 Diamond member of the Boating Ontario Clean Marine Program, and we have one of the most advanced shop facilities in the province with regards to how we handle waste.
What is the Clean Marine Program?
Boating Ontario, along with over twenty marine industry professionals from Ontario’s boater and angler associations formed the Clean Marine Partnership to develop a voluntary program of "Environmental Best Practices" for the marine industry that is recognized as the leader in North America. Since 2001, Boating Ontario member marinas have been enrolling in the Clean Marine Program to ensure that their marinas are following these environmentally sound practices and protecting our waterways for all to enjoy.
What does it take to become a Clean Marine member?
It takes commitment and dedication. Each of the Clean Marine Program marinas must pass a comprehensive environmental audit to ensure compliance with the program standards set out in the Clean Marine Operations Handbook. This handbook, developed through the cooperation of Boating Ontario, Environment Canada and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment sets out more than 200 environmental practices that cover all aspects of marine operations from fueling to waste oil, shrinkwrap and paper recycling, to money-saving initiatives such as energy conservation.
Each marina is audited by Greenleaf, a third party firm who provides the marina with a detailed report on their compliance with the standards of the Clean Marine Program. Results of this audit are converted to a five point Eco-Rating system, with a low of one, and a high of five green leaf anchors. In 2009 upgraded standards were added to allow additional levels of achievement, to Gold, Diamond and Platinum 5-anchor status.
Desmasdon's also proudly sponsors The Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve:
Our Vision
Following the mandate of UNESCO World Biosphere Reserves, to be an international model of sustainability for eastern Georgian Bay, while protecting the ecological values of the region.
Our Mission
To facilitate cooperative action in support of the conservation of biodiversity and sustainable development through education and public outreach, that will foster a shared responsibility for the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve for the next seven generations.
Our Biosphere
Designated by UNESCO in 2004, the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve is an area of 347,000 hectares that stretches 200 km along the eastern coast from Port Severn to the French River, in the world’s largest freshwater archipelago, also known as the 30,000 Islands. The unique geography and geology of the area create more than 1,000 distinct habitat types which support a variety of rare species, including plants, mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. Visitors can explore a mosaic of open waters, sheltered bays, coastal wetlands, exposed bedrock shores, sand and cobble beaches, riparian vegetation and upland forests.
The Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve model aims to integrate core protected areas (such as provincial and national parks), surrounding buffer areas (mostly Crown Lands) and an outer transition area of communities that support sustainable development. The biosphere reserve does not affect existing jurisdictions but creates a forum for cooperation and operates through community partnerships:
- Protects the environment.
- Creates vibrant communities.
- Builds a healthy economy.