At one end of the Steveston Harbour, The Gulf of Georgia Cannery’s red lettering, whitewashed wood and peaked roofs stand out against the blue of the Fraser River beyond. The immense National Historic Site — known as the “Monster Cannery” when it was built in 1894 — offers exhibits in West Coast fishing history as well as seasonal events and school programs. Once one of 15 canneries lining the shore, the site also hosts unique events in line with the community’s heritage, such as wine and beer festivals, film screenings, and Sunday markets.
Both a salmon cannery and later a herring reduction plant, The Cannery ceased operations in 1979. “The workers were told one day that the plant was closing the very next day,” says Mimi Horita, Marketing & Visitor Services Manager for the Gulf of Georgia Cannery Society. Born of the community’s desire to save the building, the Society maintains the site and continues to deliver programs with the strong support of many local volunteers.
“Thanks to support from Parks Canada as well as contributions from our community, we’re able to showcase and preserve an important part of BC’s history,” says Mimi.
