Greg believes in the importance of continuing this tradition with his children - stepdaughter Georgia and sons Zachary and Mackenzie.

"Many of those creeks and pine forests where I played as a kid and skied as a teenager are subdivisions now," he says ruefully.

"We must build the kind of world that we want to leave for our children and their children," says Greg. "This is why my brother and I have made a commitment to support organisations that are working to make it happen, such as Sierra Club BC."

Greg's passion for nature has inspired him to innovate the way he runs his family business - Best Western Inn-Kelowna. Five years ago, Best Western installed an advanced solar hybrid water heating system, one of the largest in Canada. Year-round, 100 solar panels heat between 60 and 90 percent of the water for the hotel’s 154 guest rooms, the swimming pool and two hot tubs. The system prevents 90 tonnes of greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere each year.

Greg's current project is installing a geothermal heating and cooling system, which will make Best Western virtually fossil fuel-free and save them $40,000 a year.

The Hotel Association of Canada has recognized Best Western Inn Kelowna's national industry leadership and commitment to protecting the environment with a 4 Green Key Accreditation.