Island Provider in Ladner Slough | photo: Ted Nodwell
THE DELTA FISHING HERITAGE SOCIETY (DFHS) is pursuing its dream of establishing an Interpretive Centre that would display the rich fishing heritage of Delta from the earliest days of aboriginal subsistence fishing to present-day commercial fisheries.
This facility would also serve as an educational centre as its primary purpose and be located on the Fraser River estuary. Placement is key to enhance awareness of the symbiotic relationship and ecological importance of the lower Fraser River to fish, bird and fauna habitat, and ultimately ourselves.
DFHS is investigating possible sites for the Interpretive Centre that are on the estuary and connected to Delta’s fishing heritage… former salmon canneries are deemed ideal. One possible location on the lower Fraser River estuary is the site of a former salmon cannery Brunswick No. 2 built in 1897 by the Brunswick Cannery Co. ~ George Dawson, Alfred J. Buttimer and George I. Wilson. The cannery was acquired by the British Columbia Packers’ Association in 1902 – 1903 and continued to operate until 1930. After 1930 the cannery was used as a fish camp for the Imperial Plant at Steveston, and then as net and boat storage. In 1961 the site was acquired as part of the Roberts Bank expropriation. In 1983 the then-derelict and reduced buildings were demolished.
Remains of Brunswick No. 2, circa 2012 | photo: Richard Mayer
We are exploring all of our options and are presently compiling a prospectus that will outline the who, what, when, where, why and how for realizing this facility. DFHS will be developing partnerships to transition from dream to reality, with respect to land acquisition and built facility.
Organizations and individuals with the interest and wherewithal to assist DFHS in realizing its mission and ultimately, our dream, are invited to contact John Stevens, President.
For more information on DFHS, our purpose and projects, please contact the Society.
