This expansion, supported by a $2,995,786 government grant, will boost the seafood hub in Alberni Valley by enhancing infrastructure, supporting local food producers and creating economic opportunities.
PORT ALBERNI – The Dock+ is delighted to announce it has received a grant from the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food.
The Dock, operated by the Port Alberni Port Authority is part of the BC Regional Food Hub Network. The facility is 17,000 sq ft., and shared by seven anchor tenants, a cold storage facility, blast freezer and ice plant. Of the seven anchor tenants, five are CFIA certified fisheries and aquaculture processors, including Nova Harvest Ltd.
The Dock+ submitted the application in partnership with Nova Harvest Ltd. and Huu-ay-aht First Nations Fisheries LP (HFN Fisheries LP). The approval of this funding will secure over $4 million towards the expansion of the Dock+ facilities, marking a significant step forward in the continued development of a thriving seafood hub in the heart of the Alberni Valley.
The funding provided by the government of B.C. in the amount of $2,995,786 will enable the Port Alberni Port Authority to expand The Dock+ infrastructure by 3000sq ft and continue supporting local food producers and community partners, including Indigenous partners
J.P. Hastey is President of Nova Harvest
“Each of the partners brings a unique speciality and perspective to the venture that will both reduce risk and build the foundation for sustainable growth,” said J.P. Hastey, President of Nova Harvest Ltd.
Nova Harvest Ltd. is a vertically integrated oyster company, operating a hatchery and oyster farms in Barkley Sound and a CFIA federally licensed processing facility located within the Port Alberni Dock+ Food Hub.
J.P. Hastey, President of Nova Harvest Ltd., emphasizes the significance of the grant in diversifying processing operations and enhancing sustainability. “I am really proud of the collaboration we have formed with HFN Fisheries LP and Port Alberni Port Authority. Each of the partners brings a unique speciality and perspective to the venture that will both reduce risk and build the foundation for sustainable growth.”
The partnerships and investment are key components towards building a world class seafood industry on the West Coast. The combined expansion of The Dock+ and integration of High Pressure Processing (HPP) technology is the next evolution in innovative seafood processing. “We are really excited about the potential to develop shellfish products that can become available to a broader market through HPP processing.” says Hastey, “I see a very strong future for shellfish aquaculture in BC and think we are on a good path to solving production challenges, growing capacity and creating new innovative products to supply to a broader range of customers.”
Shelley Chrest, Chair of the Board of Directors for the Port Alberni Port Authority, expresses gratitude to community partners for their instrumental support in shaping The Dock+ project. “We want to acknowledge the support of our community partners, including the City of Port Alberni, ICET, and our local MLA and MP in developing the Dock+,” said Chrest. “This expansion will be instrumental in actioning the Port Authority’s vision of developing and supporting a local and regional seafood hub, while continuing to support small businesses and providing well-paying jobs in the community.”
“The expansion of Dock+ provides an opportunity for Port Alberni to further its position as a leader on the West Coast in the fish and seafood processing industry, while doing so in a way that is long-term and sustainable,” said Port Alberni Mayor, Sharie Minions.
The project will enhance seafood accessibility and affordability through cost reduction, improved distribution, labor savings, cold storage expansion, new technologies, food safety, and increased processing capacity. Additionally, First Nations groups will gain economic opportunities, and the local economy will see stimulation through job creation. The Dock+ processing space expansion and HPP machine will support 15 full time positions in Port Alberni and many other indirect jobs in the aquaculture and seafood sector around Vancouver Island.
Mayor Sharie Minions of Port Alberni highlights the importance of The Dock+ expansion for the region’s economy and sustainability efforts. “The expansion of Dock+ provides an opportunity for Port Alberni to further its position as a leader on the West Coast in the fish and seafood processing industry, while doing so in a way that is long-term and sustainable,” says Minions. “We look forward to continued opportunities for investment in our ocean economy, supported by partnerships with First Nations, seafood producers, and rural communities.”
For consumers this expansion will enable access to a wider variety of fresh and affordable seafood products. Globally it will contribute to environmental and economic sustainability and fostering innovation in the research and development sector.
The Port Alberni Port Authority is eager to embark on The Dock+ expansion project, which aligns with its mission of being an economic driver that facilitates maritime trade and marine commerce while respecting the environment and promoting community well-being. The funding was provided through the provincial government’s Food Affordability and Innovation Fund, delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC.
Business Examiner Staff