Environment Awards

These awards recognize the efforts to preserve the environment for the benefit of residents and visitors alike, and for seeing the future through the eyes of tomorrow's children. Tourism Victoria presents three Environment Awards each year at the organization's Annual General Meeting. The awards are presented in three categories:

Individual – The Environment Award – Individual recognizes a Greater Victoria resident for their outstanding effort in developing and leading environmental practices.

Corporate – The Environment Award – Corporate recognizes a business in the Greater Victoria community for their outstanding effort in developing and leading environmental practices.

Organization – The Environment Award – Organization recognizes a society, non-profit or association in the Greater Victoria community for their outstanding effort in development and leading environmental practices.

Individual: Jennifer Davies
Jennifer Davies is a dedicated member of the community currently expanding her business - The Hair Garden Salon - due to a demand for her services. Jennifer offers an eco-friendly salon environment that focuses on using natural products that are gentle and non toxic. Natural hair dyes, makeup, skin care and even cleaning supplies are just a few things you can find at the Hair Garden. Jennifer is affiliated with such groups as The Green Collective, which offers a chance for the Vancouver Island community to choose eco-conscious products and services. She continually participates in the effort to promote environmental awareness and donates generously to several local events and charities. Jennifer is a leader in the green initiative and will continue to be a role model for business women, environmental efforts and Entrepreneurs alike!

Corporate: Maple Leaf Adventures
Maple Leaf Adventures is designed from inside out as an ecotourism organization: in a 360-degree view of the company, every action should have low/no impact on the environment, enhance conservation, support local communities and educate. Maple Leaf Adventures donates at least 1% of gross sales to coastal conservation - the first cruise company in the world to be part of 1% For The Planet. Canada and BC, along with the Wilderness Tourism Association (WTO), have recognized Maple Leaf as a steward of the environment. Maple Leaf donates hundreds of hours a year to foster ecotourism, including working with government on behalf of operators, serving in wilderness tourism organizations, and co-founding the Commercial Bear Viewing Association, to develop a responsible bear viewing industry and guides. Maple Leaf trips have no impact on coastal habitat. Voluntary conservation programs include bilge filtering, holding tanks, recycling, underwater noise reduction, and the ultimate fuel conservation: sailing. Maple Leaf Adventures is proving themselves as leaders in proving that ecotourism is a fun, inspiring - world-leading industry in BC - and that you can design a prosperous business while preserving the environment!

Organization: Fisherman's Wharf Community Association
The Fisherman's Wharf Community Association is the official organization of the approximately 50 residents who live in the 33 float homes at Fisherman's Wharf. They have a sincere respect and appreciation for their unique marine environment and actively work towards Environmental stewardship. The Environmental Committee has been active for 3 years in its work towards seeking an increased connection to the environment and adopting practices that promote a greener and more environmentally respectful lifestyle. The committee identifies four areas that they actively pursue their desire to have as minimal impact on the environment as possible. Through community education, lifestyle, gardening and transportation they are proving a green lifestyle is rewarding both personally and globally.

To see the full Media Release click here.

Past Environment Award Winners by Category

2008 – Ron Bates, Marine Mammal Research Group
2007 – Len Ross, founder, Watershed Stewardship Program for the Colquitz River
2006 – Robert Bateman, local artist
2005 – Merve Wilkinson, Wildwood Tree Farm
2003 – Robert ‘Hoke’ Hocomb, Horticulture Centre of the Pacific
2002 – Jack Eldridge, volunteer
2001 – Vic Derman, Saanich Councillor
2000 – Derrick and Gwen Mallard, founders, Citizens Action to Save the Environment Society
1999 – Anna Hall, West Coast Anti-Whaling Society
1998 – Andrew Petter, Greenways
1997 – Ray Zimmerman, Sea to Sea Greenbelt
1996 – John Roe, Gorge Waterway clean-up

2008 – Brentwood Bay Lodge & Spa
2007 – Elite Earth Friendly Cleaners
2006 – Tofino Bus
2005 – Buffalo Recycled Laundry Soap
2004 – Refuse
2003 – Sooke Harbour House
2002 – The Butchart Gardens
2001 – Angel Foods
2000 – The Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific
1999 – BC Hydro
1998 – Thrifty Foods
1997 – The Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific
1996 – Beautiful BC Magazine
1995 – Regional BC Transit
1993 – The Empress Hotel

2008 – Legislative Assembly of British Columbia
2007 – Island Chef’s Collaborative
2006 – Parks Canada
2005 – The Friends of Bowker Creek Society
2004 – Maritime Forces Pacific
2003 – The University of Victoria
2002 – Peninsula Streams
2001 – The Greater Victoria Bike to Work Society
2000 – The Land Conservancy of British Columbia
1999 – Car Share Co-op
1998 – Habitat Acquisition Trust Foundation and Society for the Protection of Ayum Creek
1997 – Victoria Compost and Conservation Education Society