Greater Victoria Harbour Authority

Our day ashore in Ketchikan, Alaska, last week was incredibly inspiring. We were graciously hosted by Cape Fox Corporation and had the opportunity to go to Saxman Village and visit the Totem Park and @Saxman Beaver Clan House. It was a great day of learning. Many thanks to the Cape Fox Corp. for their hospitality and generous sharing from Frank H Seludo, Mayor of Saxman Village. Songhees Nation #esquimalt.

We're excited to announce that GVHA has achieved a 4.14/5 ranking in the Green Marine certification, a significant increase from our previous score of 3.43 in 2021. This ranking places the Breakwater District at Odgen Point among the most environmentally sustainable ports in North America. Green Marine evaluates key areas such as environmental leadership, greenhouse gases and air pollutants, community impact, waste management, and underwater noise. We're committed to continuing our work in protecting the environment while fostering a vibrant, sustainable harbour.

Did you know more than 80 small businesses are located across our 11 harbour properties? This October is #SmallBusinessMonth and we'd like to extend our gratitude to these amazing businesses for their contributions to our vibrant waterfront community. #SmallBizVI

Great couple of days in Juneau, Alaska with representatives of Xʷsepsəm Nation, Songhees Nation, and GVHA. We are grateful to learn from Rosita Worl, Ph.D. from the Sealaska Heritage Institute and Richard Peterson from the Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska. Due to inclement weather, Holland America Line made the decision to extend our stay in Juneau for safety. This meant we had time to venture to Mendenhall Glacier and connect with the Tlingit and Haida Cultural Ambassadors. We were also able to meet with McHugh Pierre of Goldbelt, Incorporated who hosted us on board the Goldbelt tram. The hospitality of the Alaskan Natives has been incredible, and we left inspired by the way they have put culture first in their development of tourism products and in their partnerships.

This week representatives from Xʷsepsəm Nation and Songhees Nation are visiting ports in Alaska on board Holland America Line's Eurodam to learn more about cultural tourism from Alaska Natives. Many thanks to the ship's officers and crew for their warm welcome.

Yesterday staff from GVHA were treated to a tour of CFB Esquimalt. This naval base has a long history. Established by the Royal Navy in 1855, it has served the Royal Canadian Navy since 1910. It is home to Canada’s Pacific Fleet. Hosted by Capt. Kevin Whiteside who is base commander at CFB Esquimalt, we toured Esquimalt Harbour where we saw a South Korean warship that had just arrived that morning, a Canadian frigate being refitted, tugs (old and new), a new tsunami-proof jetty, and much, much more. We learned about the base’s key role within the Canadian military and its commitment to the local community, which includes two First Nations and waterfront neighbours in Esquimalt, View Royal, and Colwood. It was particularly interesting to hear about the Canadian Navy’s work to remediate Esquimalt Harbour and how wildlife such as orcas, seals, and herring are returning to this area of water. We’d like to thank Capt. Whiteside and his team showing us around the base. We’d also like to thank everyone at CFB Esquimalt for their service to our country and for their commitment to our local community. #YYJ #cfesquimalt

For the second year in a row, Victoria has claimed the top spot in Condé Nast Readers' Choice Awards as the best small city in the world. More than 575,000 readers voted in the awards. Congratulations to everyone in this city who makes Victoria such a special place to visit.

In honour of next week’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, GVHA staff, including CEO Robert Lewis-Manning, are wearing these beautiful orange t-shirts, which are designed by Songhees artist Brianna Bear. “In Lək̓ʷəŋən, the word for flower is skʷeq̓ə, pronounced shh-quay-kwa,” said Brianna about her inspiration for the design. “I have heard some elders use this word to refer to our young children, that they are our little flowers. They are the ones blooming with opportunity and the ones to carry on our ways. But when we think of every child matters, we think of the love we couldn’t give the children in residential schools. We think about the teachings they missed out on, and the chance to bloom like a beautiful camas they were to be.” You can purchase these t-shirts from the Songhees Nation at the South Island Powwow at Royal Athletic Park on Monday.

Exciting news! The Canadian Council of Indigenous Business (CCIB) has certified the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) at the Gold level in its Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR) program. PAIR measures and confirms corporate performance in Indigenous relations. It certifies organizations at Bronze, Silver, or Gold level. GVHA had been certified at Silver since 2021. The program measures performance in Indigenous relations in four areas: leadership action, employment, business development, and community relationships. We’re deeply thankful to have strong relationships with the Songhees Nation and the Esquimalt Nation. It’s been an incredible journey to work in partnership with these rights holders who have sat on GVHA’s board of directors since our inception in 2002. Many thanks to the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business, and congratulations to the other organizations who were certified yesterday.

Tomorrow, we join the global community in celebrating #WorldMaritimeDay, which celebrates shipping and maritime industries across the globe. This year's theme, "Navigating the Future: safety first," highlights the importance of safety. At GVHA, we are proud to support a working harbour that safely connects our community, promotes environmental stewardship, and fosters economic growth. Thank you to all mariners and port workers for your hard work.