Community Responsibility
Youth Programs
1000 IKC is a dedicated sponsor of Gananoque Youth Services and Kingston Boys and Girls Club. We facilitate programs for both youth organizations on a cost recovery basis. We are also involved with fundraising initiatives to help children access our programs who would otherwise be left behind. The very heart of 1000 IKC revolves around creating positive opportunities for self development and our entire society benefits as children grow and experience the world in a healthy and stimulating environment.
Property Stewardship
We have committed to taking a stewardship role of Rotary Beach in Gananoque and of National Park Islands we visit regularly. Our guides report damages to property, clean up garbage, maintain trails, and promote ecological awareness to guests and other users. We recognize that the 1000 Islands biosphere is an extremely sensitive ecosystem and we are dedicated to role modeling minimum impact principals throughout our practices.
Source Water Protection Committee
The 1000 Islands Kayaking Company has been appointed representative of Tourism and Recreation on the Source Water Protection Committee for the Cataraqui Conservation Authority. Our role involves attending monthly meetings hosted by the Cataraqui Conservation Authority and communicating interests of stakeholders within the Tourism and Recreation industries. We have voting authority to influence legislation through the Ministry of the Environment according to the Clean Water Act 2006. This project provides a key link between educating the public on water management issues and representing the tourism industry on Municipal and Provincial legislation regarding source water protection.
Kipawa Fund
The Kipawa project is a nationwide effort to prevent a change in legislation regarding the rights to navigable waterways. Esprit Rafting on the Ottawa River launched a fundraising campaign to pay legal fees and prevent the destruction of this heritage river which will set a new precedence in watershed management. 1000 IKC has donated a free kayaking tour for two people for everyone who signed up for Esprit’s fundraiser. Our goal is to make their packages more attractive and generate more revenue for the Kippawa fund by supporting this fundraising effort. http://www.paddlingcanada.com/waterway-campaigns.asp
http://www.ispeakforcanadianrivers.ca//
Environmental Education Network
1000 IKC has a chair position on the Environmental Education Network, a sub-committee hosted by the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve. We provide a key link between the science and research of the 1000 Islands National Park and communicating their message to the general public and school groups. Without the presence of 1000 IKC, the National Park would not have the opportunity to deliver school based programs on the Park Islands. Through our specialization in Outdoor and Experiential Education, the National Park curriculum can be delivered in a much more unique, meaningful and influential way to students across the county.
Eco-Schools Designations
1000 IKC sponsors and actively participates in helping three local schools achieve their eco-school designation from the federal government. The Ministry of the Environment has committed to match every dollar a school saves in energy costs through the eco-schools program and donate that money back to the school board. We are involved by assisting teachers with resources and educational opportunities for students. Several elementary school environmental clubs have come on kayaking trips as a reward for their success and progress with this initiative.
Support for Local Business
It is important to us to keep our dollars in the community as much as possible. We are well aware of the concept of leakage and multiplier effects within the tourism industry and will place high value on the proximity of suppliers. We will promote other supporting attractions, package with local hospitality businesses, refer clients to local restaurants, buy from local suppliers and encourage community initiatives that support our economy.
Organics
One of the newest endeavors of 1000 IKC is the commitment to buying local with the help of Wendy’s Mobile Market. Find us in the local flavours listing online, an initiative of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve. The overall health of our ecosystem is equally important to 1000 IKC as is the strength of the local economy and human rights issues. By purchasing food from a local organic farm to supply our lunches we are:
* Making a statement about farming practices on a national and local level
* Reducing the use of toxic chemicals that pollute our own office
* Educating students and client about sustainability
* Improving the quality of our food served to clients
* Helping the agriculture industry adapt to future trends
* Promoting ecological awareness and stewardship practices
It is our goal to purchase all our food supplies within a 100 km radius and from organic suppliers by 2010.
1000 IKC is under review of the National Geographic Society as a model company for sustainable Geo-tourism development, designations will be awarded spring 2009.