Blue flag at Colchester marina symbolizes top eco-certification
With a symbolic blue flag fluttering in the sky above, Colchester Harbour Marina joined an elite rank of marinas and beaches on Wednesday.
Colchester has been honoured by the Blue Flag program which recognizes marinas and beaches around the globe that meet a strict set of criteria for water quality, environmental education and management, safety and accessibility.
Blue Flag Canada program manager Brett Tryon called the designation an “international symbol of excellence.”
With an official flag-raising ceremony on Wednesday, Colchester became the first marina along Lake Erie — and one of only eight marinas in Canada — to be awarded the world-renowned eco-certification.
“We’re very excited and proud to claim that honour for the Town of Essex,” said Essex Ward 3 Coun. Bill Caixeiro at the ceremony.
He said it’s fitting to raise the blue flag the same year that Canada celebrates 150 years, Colchester commemorates 225 years and Blue Flag Canada marks its 30th anniversary. A record number of 27 Canadian beaches and marinas will fly the blue flag in 2017.
Tryon said that Colchester Harbour Marina staff contacted Blue Flag Canada last summer to pursue the certification.
“We toured the site, we talked to staff about operations and we came up with a list of recommendations,” said Tryon, adding that the marina worked “diligently” to meet the program requirements.
Blue Flag Canada has 27 criteria for marinas, including things like spill awareness training for boaters, keeping toxins and sewage out of the water and using environmentally friendly cleaning products.
Colchester Harbour Marina went through two jury selections — one national and one international — before being informed in May they were awarded the certification.
“To me, it certainly speaks volumes to the fact that here in Essex, we’re trying to do the right things, not only for our citizens but for our environment as well,” Caixeiro said.
The marina will need to re-apply annually to “ensure that they are consistently meeting the standards,” Tryon said.
As part of the marina’s certification, individual boaters can sign an environmental code of conduct and receive their own mini blue flags.
Individual participants must agree to not use toxic products, to do their part to prevent the spread of invasive species and to respect wildlife, among other commitments.
“It’s a good incentive,” Tryon said. “They get to have this symbol of excellence, and it’s a point of pride for boaters and for the marina.”
Blue Flag is an international program, with more than 4,000 flags flying in more than 47 countries.
“No matter where you go in the world, when you see a blue flag, you know that the same strict standards are being met,” Tryon said.
“And that’s the same here for Colchester Harbour Marina.”