An organization responsible for preserving and sharing the history of Old Saint-Eustache has received Level 4 recognition through GreenStep’s Sustainable Tourism Pathway, placing it near the top of the program’s five-level scale.
Patrimoine culturel Vieux-Saint-Eustache, known by its French acronym PCVSE, obtained a score between 75 and 89 per cent following an assessment of its governance, environmental practices and contributions to the surrounding community.
The recognition provides more than an environmental scorecard. GreenStep examined the organization’s social and economic benefits, its relationship with natural and cultural environments, its management practices and the environmental effects of its activities.
GreenStep’s assessment contains approximately 87 questions, with points assigned according to the environmental, social and economic importance of each action. Participants must also provide evidence for selected criteria before their final score and report are issued.
Under the program, Level 4 means that an organization is taking consistent and strategic action across the principal areas of sustainability and is progressing toward an industry leadership position. The achievement level remains valid for three years, after which a reassessment is required.
The Sustainable Tourism Pathway provides a formal assessment and achievement badge. It is separate from the fully accredited Global Sustainable Tourism Council certification process, although GreenStep says its Pathway criteria are based on its GSTC-recognized standard and can help organizations prepare for that more extensive certification.
Among the initiatives highlighted in PCVSE’s assessment were environmental measures adopted during the annual Pancake Festival, continued cooperation with community organizations and local businesses, and the organization’s management practices.
Michel Goyer, president of PCVSE, said the result reflects a collective commitment to acting responsibly in everyday operations, public events and the promotion of local heritage.
The organization received a detailed report identifying both its strengths and areas where further improvements could be made. Those recommendations will be incorporated into its sustainable development action plan, allowing PCVSE to measure its progress before its next assessment.
The result is particularly relevant for a heritage organization, where sustainability involves more than reducing waste or energy consumption. It also includes protecting historic buildings and cultural traditions, supporting the local economy and ensuring that tourism activity benefits residents as well as visitors.
PCVSE’s mandate is to preserve, promote and make accessible the historical, cultural and architectural heritage of Old Saint-Eustache. It carries out that work through exhibitions, educational programming, public events and tourism initiatives focused on the identity and history of the area.
Saint-Eustache Mayor Marc Lamarre said the recognition demonstrates that organizations can offer high-quality visitor experiences while adopting more sustainable practices. He added that PCVSE’s work produces social, economic and cultural benefits for the wider Saint-Eustache community.
While the Level 4 result acknowledges measures already in place, it also establishes a benchmark for what comes next. PCVSE has committed to continuing its improvements and will be reassessed every three years to retain the recognition and document its progress.
