Oakville’s harbours earn top environmental honour from Boating Ontario

The Town of Oakville’s three harbours – Bronte Inner Harbour, Bronte Outer Harbour, and Oakville Harbour – have earned the highest level of environmental achievement in the eco-rating system of Ontario’s marina industry.

At an awards ceremony during the 2025 Boating Ontario Conference (December 1-3), Boating Ontario officially presented members of the Town’s Parks and Open Space staff with its Clean Marine Program’s Diamond Elite Certification for Bronte Inner Harbour and Oakville Harbour. This is the first time either harbour has achieved the rating since joining Boating Ontario in 2006. The Bronte Outer Harbour received its diamond elite certification in 2024 – the first time since the Town assumed ownership of the former private facility in 2020.

The Clean Marine Program is an industry-leading environmental initiative that helps marinas voluntarily adopt and maintain eco-friendly practices. Participants undergo a 220-point assessment in key areas, such as waste reduction, water quality protection, energy efficiency, and hazardous materials handling. Marinas are ranked in the eco-rating system to achieve bronze, silver, gold, diamond or diamond elite designations. Re-assessments by Boating Ontario take place every four years, while self-assessments are done annually by the marinas to ensure continuous improvement.

Key areas of progress at Oakville’s harbours include:

• Environmental management and policies – incorporating the Clean Marine Policy into formal training for staff, and in dealing with contractors, and boaters; improved handling of hazardous materials; and stronger preparedness measures for spill protection/handling and emergencies;
• Water quality and habitat preservation – developing, upgrading and stabilizing shorelines to better control storm runoff; habitat-friendly dredging procedures and maintenance to boat/ship hulls; and increased efforts to protect and encourage local wildlife;
• Hazardous substance handling and reduction – improving how the Town responds to and reports on spills and emergencies; improved handling of fuel and pump services; and regular facility equipment maintenance;
• Water conservation and energy efficiency – installation of water-saving fixtures and timers/motion sensors to conserve energy in visitor facilities; monitoring of potential leaks and shorter repair times; and high-efficiency lighting systems;
• Waste reduction – routine inspections of facilities and local waters, as well as implementing comprehensive recycling and waste collection programs; reduced paper use and waste; and efforts to eliminate single-use items; and
• Emergency planning and environmental sustainability – development and implementation of a Bronte Harbour Emergency Plan. In collaboration with Boating Ontario, the development of a Boater Environmental Commitment form for boaters to sign annually and commit to environmental best practices in operating their water vessel. Also, the implementation of an improved and environmentally-safer fuelling procedure. 

To learn more, visit the Harbours page, or Boating Ontario website.

Quote

“This top environmental recognition reflects our community’s strong commitment to protecting our waterfront. Thanks to the dedication of Town staff and local boaters, our harbours are cleaner, safer, and better protected for generations to come.” – Mayor Rob Burton

Background

• Established by Boating Ontario, the Clean Marine Program’s certification process helps marinas, yacht clubs, and boatyards adopt environmental best practices to reduce their ecological footprint and protect Ontario’s waterways.