Scotch Pond in Richmond, British Columbia, has a fascinating history tied to the fishing industry, specifically the salmon fisheries that flourished in the late 19th and early 20th centuries along the Fraser River and the Gulf of Georgia. The pond is located near Steveston Village, a once-thriving fishing hub, and its story is closely linked to the broader history of Richmond’s maritime culture.
Origins and Early Use
Scotch Pond was originally a tidal marsh and mudflat area before being modified for industrial use. The name “Scotch Pond” comes from the Scottish Canadian Cannery built here in 1899 beside a tidal slough; the slough itself was later dredged in the early 1950s by the Canadian Fishing Company to create the moorage pond seen today. Long before the cannery era, the area around the slough was part of a year-round Musqueam settlement.
The pond was dredged and partially enclosed, creating a sheltered basin where fishing boats, particularly gillnetters, could be moored safely. The site also supported activities related to maintaining boats and preparing for the fishing season.
Role in the Fishing Industry
In its early days, Scotch Pond was an integral part of the salmon fishing industry. The pond served as a mooring site for boats that worked in the nearby Fraser River, one of the world’s richest salmon runs at the time. The pond’s sheltered waters were perfect for docking small fishing vessels during the off-season or in between trips.
By the 1880s and early 1900s, Steveston had become a booming fishing village, home to dozens of canneries and hundreds of fishermen. Scotch Pond played a vital role in supporting the infrastructure of this industry, providing a safe space for boat repairs and seasonal storage. Many of the fishers and boatbuilders associated with the area were Japanese Canadian (e.g., Atagi Boatworks near the head of the slough), alongside other communities working out of Steveston.
Decline of the Fishing Industry
The commercial salmon fishery experienced significant fluctuations throughout the 20th century, with economic pressures, overfishing, and regulatory changes causing a decline in the number of active fishing boats. As the fishing industry in Steveston began to shrink, so too did the use of Scotch Pond.
By the mid-20th century, the canneries began to close, and Steveston’s role as a major fishing hub waned. With fewer boats needing mooring and maintenance, Scotch Pond became less central to the fishing economy. However, the pond and surrounding areas were not forgotten. Instead, they became part of Richmond’s heritage and were preserved as a reminder of the region’s fishing past.
Scotch Pond Today
Today, Scotch Pond is maintained by the Scotch Pond Heritage Cooperative, a non-profit organization that manages the site and ensures its historical significance is preserved. While it is no longer a bustling fishing harbor, it is still used by local fishermen and recreational boaters. Some vessels, including heritage fishing boats, are still moored there, preserving the look and feel of the pond’s fishing days. The surrounding area, part of Garry Point Park and close to the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site, is popular for walking, birdwatching, and photography.
Historical Significance
Scotch Pond is an important reminder of Steveston and Richmond’s fishing heritage. Its story connects the Scottish Canadian Cannery and the broader, multicultural fishing communities that shaped Steveston—especially Japanese Canadian fishers and boatbuilders—and acknowledges an earlier Musqueam presence at the slough.
Conservation and Heritage
Efforts have been made to preserve Scotch Pond and maintain its historical integrity. It is now part of Richmond’s broader strategy to protect and promote its maritime history. With its proximity to historical sites like the Gulf of Georgia Cannery and Britannia Shipyards, Scotch Pond is part of a network of locations that tell the story of the Fraser River’s fishing industry and its importance to the region.
In conclusion, Scotch Pond is a small but significant piece of British Columbia’s fishing history. Its legacy reflects a purpose-built moorage shaped by the cannery era and the communities who worked there, connecting the past with the present and making it a cherished part of Richmond’s cultural landscape.
Beautiful photos, unfortunately the “Scotch Pond” is a misnomer. Its name is derived from the Scottish Canadian company” that existed early part of the 1900s. In over a hundred years there may have been 2 fisherman with Scottish descent that had any involvement in the area. The primary group were of Japanese descent. If you would like further information about the Scotch Pond feel free to contact me: John Kapp president Scotch Pond Heritage Cooperative.
Thanks so much for the clarification, John. I’ve updated my post to reflect that “Scotch Pond” takes its name from the Scottish Canadian Cannery (1899) and that the pond itself was dredged in the 1950s by the Canadian Fishing Company. I’ve also added context about the Japanese Canadian community’s central role in the area (including boatbuilding at the head of the slough) and the earlier Musqueam presence. I appreciate your work with the Scotch Pond Heritage Cooperative and would be glad to include any additional sources you recommend.