STEVESTON BUSINESS TO BUSINESS E-NEWSLETTER
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NEW BUSINESSES and BUSINESS HAPPENINGS IN THE COMMUNITY
HERE’S WHAT SOME PEOPLE ARE SAY ABOUT STEVESTON!
http://www.travellady.com/Issues/January05/1154CigarsSpasandSerendipity.htm and
Thursday, December 30, 2004,
Short Trips: Fishing is on the mind, from history to dining By JEFF LARSEN, Seattle Post-Intelligencer Photographer
STEVESTON VILLAGE, B.C. -- Steveston Village southwest of Vancouver boldly lists on its Web site 101 things to do (or consider doing) during a visit to that part of the world. Some of the suggestions are a little more esoteric than others -- "Toss your troubles away," compared to "Visit Britannia Heritage Shipyard and their new visitor center."
Vague or specific, the list paints a scene of what to expect when you visit the historic former cannery site and fishing village (pronounced STEEV-ston) founded in 1880 by William Herbert Steves and constructed along the south arm of the Fraser River in the city of Richmond.
The village was once home for the largest fish cannery industry on the North American continent. By as early as 1895, a dozen canneries operated around the clock here. One article describes how, during one week in 1895, 14 windjammer sailing vessels crowded the port's moorages and filled their holds with some of the 200,000 cases of canned salmon produced each year for transport to other parts of the world. Captains even emptied the ships' ballasts of rocks to accommodate the cargo. (The rocks eventually were used for Steveston street construction.)
Some of the waterfront buildings still remain from the village's historic past. They are such a contrast to suburban-style surroundings -- row upon row of look-alike condominiums and apartments -- that Steveston often is referred to as a small town within a city. Moored today at Steveston's modern marinas is Canada's largest Pacific commercial fishing fleet.
Logistically, Richmond is home to Vancouver International Airport and is close to the major BC Ferries terminal at Tsawwassen. Often referred to as the gateway to British Columbia because of its proximity to the Fraser River, Richmond is a sprawling, modern town of approximately 165,000 situated between the north and south arms of the river. The city celebrated 125 years of incorporation in 2004.
Richmond also is noted as a leader in B.C.'s high-tech industry. The area is connected to greater Vancouver and Delta by a system of tunnels and bridges under and over the Fraser and is only 20 minutes from the U.S. border crossing at Blaine.
At the turn of the last century, Steveston Village -- or just Steveston, as the locals often refer to it -- was considered one of the largest fishing ports in the world with 16 canneries at its peak in the early 1900s, six hotels, scores of saloons and gambling halls with an ethnic mix unrivaled in other parts of the province. A Saturday night on the Steveston waterfront typically was described as raucous, with more than 10,000 visitors typically flocking to the lively docks.
Until 1902, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery -- nicknamed "the monster cannery" -- was the largest fish cannery on the West Coast. In 1976 the cannery was designated as a National Historic Site and today is open for tours during the summer and fall.
A foot and bicycle entry to the gorgeous Garry Point Park -- called the West Dyke Trail -- is adjacent to the cannery property, which butts up against the west end of Steveston. The trail is an extension of the popular Heritage Trail that begins south of the cannery and the main fishing piers of Steveston proper. Free automobile parking is available at Garry Point Park proper as well. Free two-hour street and lot parking also is available throughout Steveston.
The West Dyke Trail meanders west along the waterfront through Garry Point Park, past a fisherman's memorial, then circles around and heads due north, where it skirts a huge marshy area along the waterfront called Sturgeon Bank. Besides its attraction for joggers, bicyclists and walkers, the trail is an obvious draw for birders any time of the year. During my short walk along the trail last week I spotted a red-tailed hawk, northern harrier (marsh hawk), two flocks of snow geese, a great blue heron, and a huge variety of water fowl in some of the estuary areas.
Unfortunately few of the park visitors with dogs paid attention to the leash requirement signage located throughout the park. At one point the park scene looked like a free-for-all for dogs.
Even this time of year, the fishing piers between the Heritage Trail to the south and Garry Point Park draw a lot of tourists. Around lunchtime, business was brisk at Fisherman's Wharf, where several boat skippers sold their fresh catch of tuna, rock fish, ling cod, shrimp, various bottom fish -- even octopus. The fishermen are allowed to sell only what they catch, but they can operate seven days a week from the pier if their catch is large enough.
A few coffee shops, gift shops and restaurants -- the latter predominantly featuring seafood -- are sprinkled around the fishing piers. The freewheeling owners of the slightly funky-looking PaJos takeout fish and chips restaurant near Fisherman's Wharf posted a sign noting that the restaurant would be open for only a few hours on sunny weekend days during the winter (if there are any), so call ahead. The restaurant has been a fixture -- and local favorite -- on the wharf for 15 years. It has three other locations in Richmond as well. Dave's Fish and Chips, another sacred fish and chips haunt a block east of the fishing piers on the main drag of Moncton Street, also has reduced operating hours during the winter months.
Along with a tremendous view of the fishing fleet and harbor from my table at the Sockeye City Diner -- situated on a pier called The Landing -- I thoroughly enjoyed a cup of seafood chowder, a small order of halibut and chips ($10.95 Canadian) and iced tea. I'll try PaJos and Dave's this summer.
The village of Steveston really comes in two parts -- the piers and Moncton Street, which is one block north of the waterfront and where most of the village-type shops are situated. The street features a variety of businesses, including the famous Steveston Cannery Cafe, Dave's Fish and Chips, Steveston winemakers (next to a lingerie shop), a crafts store, a small museum, Steveston Coffee Company, Heritage Court that features a variety of small shops, and Steveston Marine Hardware Limited.
At the intersection of No. 1 Road and Moncton Street is Heringers Quality Meats and gourmet shop, which features a tasty-looking variety of elegant cuts of traditional and specialty meats. Next door is the Prickly Pear Garden Center, which specializes in garden knickknacks as well as everything for indoor and outdoor gardening.
The Heritage Trail, which begins at the foot of No. 1 Road in Steveston and runs slightly southeast from the main pier area, is a striking example of how a community can effectively exploit its strengths while maintaining its historical legacy. Partly paved and partly boardwalk, the trail is a well-signed conduit to Steveston's past and the strong Japanese legacy that remains intact in Richmond and Steveston.
Visitors on foot or bicycle can explore on their own the 10 remaining buildings of the Britannia Shipyard, which are the oldest remaining structures on the Fraser River and listed as a National Historic Site. Four of the buildings have been restored and are open to the public from May through September. The Murakami Visitor Center, an interpretive center in the family's original 1885 home, chronicles the life of the 12-member boat-building Japanese family that was an integral part of the life and spirit of the cannery/fishing village community.
Steveston Village -- www.steveston.bc.ca
RAINTREE SPA
February Feature Treatment: Double Delight. Experience romantic bliss with a side-by-side full-body steam and Stone Therapy Massage surrounded with by rose petals and candlelight. 1.5 hrs, $185 for two. Offer expires Feb. 28, 2005
Achieving Balance In 2005 - Monday, Feb 21, 6:30-7:30pm Lead by professional business coach Erika Trimble, this workshop focuses on assessing current levels of satisfaction in each area of your life. You will learn how to: clarify a personal vision and goals; look at strategies for achieving balance and satisfaction in life; how to set priorities; how to make the moments in life count. Practical exercises include the "wheel of life" and developing a personal vision and goals.
Cost: $10. Seating is limited, so book your spot early. Net proceeds to Night of Hope.
Give the gift of balance with a Mind & Body Rejuvenation gift certificate
Aphrodisia Workshop - Wednesday, February 9 from 6:30-7:30pm - Celebrate the art of seduction this Valentine’s Day. Harness the power of aphrodisiac essential oils with ancient recipes for alluring massage and bath oils. Find out which essential oils have a particularly seductive effect. Set someone’s heart on fire! Special discounts on selected supplies will be in effect. Workshop fee is $20 per person (includes all materials). Seating is limited, so book your spot early.
Chinese New Year Tea Party - Monday, February 7 from 6:30-7:30pm - Join us as we celebrate the Year of the Rooster and learn how to peform a traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony -- with a fun twist. We’ll also be serving a selection of Chinese tea for sampling, with tea bricks and shaped teas on display. Cost: $5. Seating is limited, so book your spot early.
ELVES EMBROIDERY
25% Discount on Showroom items (Sports wear, hats and more) only every Saturday in February while stock lasts, and all sales are final. 10-5pm.
THE COMMUNITY ARTS COUNCIL OF RICHMOND'S
International Film Festival will present the film "The Story of the Weeping Camel" on Wednesday, February 23 at the Richmond Centre Famous Players Theatre. Show starts at 7:30 pm and tickets are only $9.00. This film was a popular favourite at the Toronto International Film Festival and is an unforgettable, incredibly moving documentary made by film students from Germany. This is delicate filmmaking with a keen sense of visual storytelling. Its extraordinary images demand our attention. Each ticket purchase entitles you to an entry in our draw for door prizes to be awarded at our May movie. Other upcoming films include: Facing Windows, March 23 --- Don't Move, April 20 --- Being Julia, May 25
We thank our sponsors: Papi's Restaurant, Basic Nature, Jack Falk Design Studio, The Arts Connection, Allranell Day Spa, The Richmond Review
The Arts Connection and The Community Arts Council of Richmond are partnering to provide outstanding finearts instruction in music, art, drama and dance for all ages. Call 604-241-0141 to find out abut our programs or visit our website at www.theartsconnection.ca
Looking for a new and unique idea for your child's birthday? The Arts Connection can personalize your child's special day! Theme parties for ages 2-12. In addition to the themes listed on our website (www.theartsconnection.ca) we are also offering dance and drama parties. Call us for further information. 604-241-0141
Looking for that special and unique gift that fits your budget? On your next visit to Steveston Village, stop by Courtyard Galleria in Heritage Court (3500 Moncton Street). Owned and operated by the Community Arts Council of Richmond, this lovely shop features pottery, jewellery, textile arts, jams/jellies and syrup, paintings, photography and much more -- all by local artists.
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