Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site is located in the historic village of Steveston, Richmond, British Columbia. It is a remarkable example of British Columbia’s rich maritime heritage, particularly its role in the development of the province’s fishing and canning industries.
Here’s an overview of its history:
Early Settlement and Development
The area that would become the Britannia Shipyards was originally inhabited by the Musqueam First Nations people, who fished and harvested resources from the Fraser River. European settlers began arriving in the mid-19th century, drawn to the fertile land and the abundant fish, especially salmon, in the river.
In the late 1800s, Steveston developed into a major fishing and canning hub. The Fraser River’s rich salmon runs attracted canneries and other industries. By the early 1900s, it was home to one of the largest fishing fleets in the world, primarily focused on the Pacific salmon fishery. Chinese, Japanese, First Nations, and European immigrants worked in the canneries and the boatyards.
The Birth of the Britannia Shipyards
Britannia Shipyards began as part of the canning industry. Britannia Cannery, built in 1889 by the Anglo-British Columbia Packing Company, was a central part of the shipyard’s history. To support the fishing operations, the company constructed a shipyard to repair and build fishing boats. The shipyard was essential to maintaining the fleet of fishing vessels that worked along the coast.
By the early 20th century, the shipyards evolved into a multi-functional site that included residential housing for workers, a boatworks, and various industrial buildings. Fishing boats, primarily wooden ones, were constructed and repaired there, contributing significantly to the local economy. In addition to the cannery workers, shipbuilders, and fishermen, many of the workers were Japanese Canadians, who played a crucial role in the boat-building and fishing industries.
Expansion of the Shipyards
In 1917, Britannia Shipyards was sold to Wallace Shipyards, one of the most prominent shipbuilding companies in the region. Under Wallace’s ownership, the shipyard expanded its operations, building not only fishing vessels but also tugboats and other small craft. The demand for ships during World War I and II further stimulated the shipyard’s growth. By this time, Britannia had become one of the largest shipyards in the Steveston area.
However, the shipyard, like much of Steveston’s canning industry, faced economic challenges after the war. Changes in fishing practices, mechanization, and the decline of fish stocks reduced the need for as many vessels and shipyard services.
Decline and Heritage Preservation
The post-World War II era saw a decline in Steveston’s once-booming fishing and canning industry. Britannia Shipyards became less active as the need for wooden fishing boats decreased. By the 1970s, the site was no longer in operation, and many of its buildings fell into disrepair.
In the 1980s, efforts began to preserve Steveston’s heritage, including the Britannia Shipyards. Recognizing its significance in the region’s industrial and multicultural history, the City of Richmond acquired the site. Through partnerships with local organizations, historians, and the community, the city began restoring the remaining buildings. In 1991, Britannia Shipyards was designated a National Historic Site of Canada.
The Site Today
Today, Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site is a vibrant historical and cultural attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into the early fishing, canning, and boat-building industries of British Columbia. Several of the original buildings have been preserved or reconstructed, including the Britannia Shipyard building, the Chinese Bunkhouse, the Japanese Duplex, and the Murakami Boatworks.
The site reflects the multicultural workforce that powered the region’s fishing industry, highlighting the contributions of Chinese, Japanese, First Nations, and European workers. It offers exhibits, guided tours, and hands-on demonstrations of boatbuilding techniques.
Key Historical Highlights:
Origins in the Late 19th Century: Initially built to support the local canning industry, it was integral to maintaining the fishing fleet.
Expansion under Wallace Shipyards: Expanded operations to meet the demand for new vessels during World Wars I and II.
Cultural Diversity: Showcased the role of diverse immigrant groups, including Japanese, Chinese, and Indigenous workers.
Decline and Preservation: Post-WWII decline led to heritage preservation efforts in the 1980s, culminating in its designation as a National Historic Site in 1991.
Britannia Shipyards stands today not just as a testament to British Columbia’s maritime past, but also as a symbol of the diverse communities that shaped the region’s history.
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