Environment

Sustainable development

Rocky Mountaineer owes much of its success to the unspoiled scenery, fresh air and abundant wildlife of Canada’s West. As a result, the company continues to develop innovative sustainable tourism policies and programs that support all three pillars of sustainability: environmental stewardship, economic sustainability and corporate social responsibility. Established by the organization in 2003, the Caretakers program is designed to promote the development and implementation of sustainable operating policies and practices throughout Rocky Mountaineer.

Waste reduction

Rocky Mountaineer has set a target to reduce its waste by 50%. The plan involves increasing the level of recycling on all Rocky Mountaineer routes including the Whistler Sea to Sky Climb by implementing new policies and partnering with recycling operators in the various communities through which the train travels. In 2007 and 2008, the company recycled approximately 82% of its meal trays. The company also launched a composting program on the Whistler Sea to Sky Climb between Vancouver and Whistler, BC in 2008 with the assistance of a local waste management company that services the Squamish Whistler corridor. Disposable plates and cutlery were eliminated in all crew cars and replaced with washable dishes.

In addition, cutting edge technology has been installed on all locomotives, significantly reducing fuel consumption, exhaust emissions and noise pollutions. Rocky Mountaineer dreams of becoming the first passenger rail service in North America to operate a hybrid locomotive.

Saving salmon

The Rocky Mountaineer routes follow some of the most important salmon habitats in North America. Facing the pressures of climatic change, warm water and unpredictable flows, some of these once abundant populations of salmon have declined to the point that they are swimming a fine line between survival and extinction.

In a bid to help sustain and protect the natural environment along its rail routes, Rocky Mountaineer has entered into a long-term financial partnership with the Pacific Salmon Foundation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to rebuilding sustainable and naturally diverse Pacific salmon stocks. The eight-year commitment is the equivalent of two salmon life-cycles.

Local community initiatives

Rocky Mountaineer is dedicated to building strong community partnerships and enhancing economic sustainability in the regions along its rail routes. The company uses local businesses and suppliers whenever possible and guests contribute to regional economies through accommodation, dining, shopping and attractions. For example, since opening up its Rainforest to Gold Rush route to Quesnel in 2006, the district has seen an economic benefit of over $1.5 million.

Rocky Mountaineer donates to support local charity fundraisers and community initiatives. One such venture is fostering the growth of Olympic champions. The organization has offered to sponsor a local British Columbia athlete by investing CAN $15,000 over a three-year period, which goes towards training and competition costs. The athlete is from Kamloops, BC, the overnight stop for guests on two Rocky Mountaineer routes.