
Steveston Harbor, located at the southwestern tip of Richmond, British Columbia, has a rich and dynamic history that spans over a century. The harbor is situated in the village of Steveston, which is at the mouth of the Fraser River, and it has played a vital role in British Columbia’s fishing industry, immigration patterns, and maritime culture.
Here’s an overview of its historical development:
Founding of Steveston (Late 19th Century)
Steveston was founded in 1880 by William Herbert Steves, who envisioned the area as a bustling port and commercial center. Its location along the Fraser River made it a prime spot for the fishing industry, especially the salmon canning industry, which was booming in the late 19th century. The Fraser River was rich in Pacific salmon, and Steveston quickly developed into a significant center for salmon fishing and canning.
By 1890, Steveston had already grown into a busy town, and it became known as the “Salmon Capital of the World.” The first salmon cannery, called the Phoenix Cannery, was built in 1882. This industry attracted laborers from various backgrounds, particularly the Chinese, Japanese, and Indigenous peoples, who worked in the canneries and on fishing boats.
Golden Age of Salmon Canning (Late 19th and Early 20th Century)
Between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Steveston Harbor became one of the busiest fishing ports in the world. At its peak, there were around 45 canneries operating along the Fraser River, many of them located in Steveston. The fishing season was a hive of activity, with thousands of workers flocking to the area.
Many of the fishing boats were owned by Japanese-Canadians, and Japanese workers became a dominant force in the fishing industry. Their small gillnetting boats, known as “Japanese junks,” became a common sight in the harbor. However, racial tensions existed, and Japanese fishermen faced discrimination and restrictive licensing policies designed to limit their participation in the industry.
Decline of the Salmon Canning Industry (Mid-20th Century)
By the 1930s, overfishing and economic changes led to a decline in the number of operating canneries. Technological advancements, such as the introduction of fish processing plants and improved refrigeration techniques, reduced the need for local canning operations. Furthermore, the Great Depression added to the economic hardships of the time.
The Japanese-Canadian fishing community faced a significant blow during World War II. Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, Japanese-Canadians in Steveston, like elsewhere in Canada, were forcibly removed from their homes and sent to internment camps. Their boats were seized, and many never returned to Steveston after the war.
Post-War Changes and Revitalization (Late 20th Century)
After World War II, the fishing industry in Steveston Harbor began to recover, but the village’s character changed. Larger fishing fleets and new fish processing technologies transformed the industry, and while fishing continued to be important, the number of canneries declined sharply. The last remaining cannery in Steveston closed in the 1980s.
Steveston also began to shift from an industrial port to a more recreational and tourist-focused area. In the 1970s and 1980s, historic preservation efforts were undertaken to restore some of the village’s significant sites. The Gulf of Georgia Cannery, which had operated since 1894, was restored and became a National Historic Site in 1976. It now serves as a museum, showcasing the history of fishing and canning in British Columbia.
Steveston Harbor Today
Today, Steveston Harbor is a mix of commercial fishing operations, tourism, and recreation. While it remains one of Canada’s largest small-craft harbors and a center for the local fishing industry, the harbor is also a popular destination for tourists. The historic character of Steveston Village, along with attractions like the Gulf of Georgia Cannery Museum, the Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site, and the Steveston Fisherman’s Wharf, draw thousands of visitors every year.
Steveston’s connection to the sea remains strong, with local fishermen selling their catch directly off their boats at the harbor. The area has also gained a reputation as a filming location, notably serving as the backdrop for the fictional town of Storybrooke in the TV series Once Upon a Time.
Cultural Legacy
Steveston’s multicultural heritage is a crucial part of its identity. The legacy of the Japanese-Canadian community is especially significant, with efforts made to commemorate the contributions of Japanese-Canadian fishermen and their forced removal during World War II. The Steveston Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre and the annual Steveston Salmon Festival celebrate this heritage and the village’s ongoing connection to the fishing industry.
Conclusion
Steveston Harbor has evolved from a major hub of the salmon canning industry into a historic and cultural landmark. While fishing continues to be an important aspect of the harbor’s activities, Steveston’s legacy is now equally tied to tourism, heritage preservation, and community. The harbor, along with the surrounding village, remains a living testament to British Columbia’s maritime history and its diverse cultural influences.
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