Harbour authority board adds three new members
The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority has taken on three new board members for 2024.
Xwsepsum (Esquimalt) Nation Chief Jerome Thomas assumes the seat of former chief Rob Thomas. Also new to the board are independent directors Bruce Hallsor and Gail Stephens, who fill vacancies left by departing directors Doug Crowder and Margaret Lucas.
Songhees Nation has re-appointed Florence Dick to remain on the board as the Songhees Nation director.
“GVHA is excited to welcome our new and returning board members whose extensive experience will strengthen GVHA’s strategic planning that continues to focus on sustainability, reconciliation and our business and community partners while supporting a vibrant (K史amK史蓹m) and harmonious (X史膷i膷t蓹s) harbour,” said Christine Willow, chair of the board of directors.
The board represents eight members agencies: Xwsepsum Nation, Songhees Nation, Capital Regional District, City of Victoria, Township of Esquimalt, Destination Greater Victoria, The Chamber and the Victoria Esquimalt Harbour Society. The board also includes four independent directors appointed from the community.
Prince of Whales biosphere certified
Prince of Whales, the whale-watching and marine wildlife operator, says it is launching biosphere certification in its Vancouver, Victoria and Telegraph Cove locations. The company says the international sustainability certification reflects its dedication to environmental stewardship and aligns with its commitment to the 17 sustainable development goals of the United Nations’ 2030 agenda.
Nik Coutinho, Prince of Whales’ sales and marketing manager, said the company has adopted a variety of measures to diminish its carbon footprint and eliminate single-use plastics.
“It underscores our commitment to positive change in the local tourism industry,” said Coutinho.
As a member of 1% for the Planet, Prince of Whales already pledges a minimum of 1% of its annual revenue to environmental causes. The company also partners with organizations in conservation efforts and supports local initiatives through its Climate Positive designation.
Island Trust top executive to retire
Islands Trust chief administrative officer Russ Hotsenpiller has announced he will retire in June after eight years in the position.
Hotsenpiller was CAO for Strathcona Regional District prior to joining Islands Trust.
“My experience at Islands Trust has been fantastic,” said Hotsenpiller. “The preserve and protect mandate of the Trust is unique in local governance across the country. It has been an honour to work towards a better future for the region.”
Peter Luckham, chair of the Islands Trust Council, said Hotsenpiller demonstrated strong judgement, good humour, dedication and a commitment to the preserve-and-protect mandate.
The Islands Trust Executive Committee will form a hiring committee to find a replacement.
Islands Trust represents about 30,000 people living in an area that includes 13 major islands and about 450 smaller islands covering 5,200 square kilometres.
Farmer names vice-president
Farmer Construction has promoted Saeed Vafaei to vice-president of the company.
Vafaei has worked with several general contractors in Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver. In his current role, he is responsible for leadership of Farmer’s estimating, pre-construction and project management departments.
