Victoria ranked as the most sustainable destination in North America in the 2004 annual Global Destination Sustainability Index, an initiative of Earth.org, an environmental news website. The index measures the environmental and social sustainability performance and strategies of a city, its tourism supply chain and the destination management organization.
“Sustainability is core to our community values,” said Paul Nursey, chief executive of Destination Greater Victoria. “We are confident our ongoing dedication to responsible practices will continue to attract travellers seeking more environmentally friendly experiences.”
Victoria took top spot within North America, ahead of other Canadian cities including Montreal, Quebec City, Edmonton and Ottawa. Victoria placed 22nd internationally and was the third highest small city globally.
Initiatives including bike lanes, walkability, a safe and reliable water supply, and climate action plans are among Victoria’s attributes, as well as hotels with recognized sustainability certificates.
Thrifty Foods sells liquor stores
Voyage Liquor Merchants has acquired Thrifty Foods Liquor stores from Sobeys in Courtenay, Ganges and Mill Bay.
The stores will be rebranded in October and November.
“We are excited to bring the Voyage philosophy to these communities,” said Tanya Gaigneur, general manager of operations for Voyage Liquor Merchants. “Our goal is to create a welcoming experience where customers can easily find their everyday favourites while discovering new and exciting products.”
Voyage Liquor Merchants already owns and operates Beverly Corners Liquor Store in Duncan and Upper Ganges Liquor Store on Salt Spring Island.
Islands Trust names new CAO
Islands Trust Council has appointed Rueben Bronee as its new chief administrative officer.
Bronee succeeds Russ Hotsenpiller, who retired in June after more than eight years in the role. Julia Mobbs, Islands Trust’s director of administrative services, has served as the interim CAO since July.
The CAO position is the most senior staff position at Islands Trust, responsible for providing advice and implementing policies and decisions.
Bronee brings more than 15 years of public-sector leadership. He was most recently assistant deputy minister for communications, learning and engagement with the B.C. Public Service Agency. He has held executive roles in the Ministries of Advanced Education, Education, and Citizens’ Services.
Top honour for Sealand Flight
Campbell River’s Sealand Flight has been named entrepreneur of the year by the B.C. Aviation Council.
Sealand is a flight school and aircraft maintenance and engineering company that specializes in airplane modifications.
The council selected Sealand Flight for its pioneering leadership in sustainable aviation. In June, the school achieved a historic milestone by completing Canada’s first commercial electric flight in an all-electric Velis Electro aircraft.
Sealand Flight charged a nominal fee to a local Air Force cadet who went up in the plane as part of his future training program.
