The Dock+: A Growing Seafood Hub in B.C.

Summary

How is British Columbia strengthening its position in global seafood and food innovation?
British Columbia is building global strength in seafood and food innovation sector by expanding its Food Hub Network and advancing The Dock+ in Port Alberni to support growth, sustainability, and international market access.

• Major investment expands The Dock + processing capacity and introduces advanced HPP technology
• Collaboration among First Nations, producers and innovators drives regional growth
• Rising global demand creates new export opportunities for B.C. seafood businesses

A Network Built for Innovation and Regional Strength

British Columbia (B.C.) is building momentum in food processing and agri‑food innovation. The BC Food Hub Network includes 12 regional hubs that support food and agriculture businesses. These hubs offer shared commercial kitchens, processing equipment and technical expertise. They help companies move from concept to production and reach new markets.

Each hub reflects the needs of its region. This flexibility allows businesses to access services that match their stage of growth. The result is a stronger ecosystem that supports collaboration and practical problem solving.

The Dock+ Anchors Growth on Vancouver Island

The Dock+ in Port Alberni, located in the Vancouver Island and Coast region, is one of the most active hubs in the network. It is a 17,000 square foot shared space with a commercial kitchen. The facility is owned by the Port Alberni Port Authority and located at Fishermen’s Harbour. It provides start ups and small businesses with space, equipment and a supportive environment to grow their business.

The Port Authority manages harbour operations and long-term waterfront development. Port Alberni Harbour is one of North America’s finest deep sea inland harbours. It is also the closest deep seaport to the Pacific Rim with some of the shortest shipping times to Asia. It can accommodate large commercial vessels and supports improved connections to wider distribution networks.

Major Expansion Strengthens B.C.’s Seafood Sector

In June 2024 The Dock+ received a major investment. The B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food approved a grant that secures more than $4 million for expansion. The application was submitted with Nova Harvest Ltd. and Huu‑ay‑aht First Nations Fisheries LP. The provincial contribution of $2,995,786 will expand the facility by 3,000 square feet.

This investment supports the development of a seafood hub in the Alberni Valley. It will help more small businesses grow and create new economic opportunities. It will also strengthen local food security by increasing processing capacity for regional producers.

The expansion includes High Pressure Processing technology (HPP), which improves food safety and extends shelf life. It also supports new product development. Industry leaders see strong potential for innovative shellfish products that can reach broader markets.

A Sustainable Vision for the West Coast

The Dock+ expansion aligns with the Port Authority’s mission to support marine commerce while protecting the environment. It also supports well paying jobs in the community. The project will create 15 full time positions and many indirect jobs across Vancouver Island.

The expansion reinforces Port Alberni’s role in sustainable seafood processing and supports long term growth in the ocean economy through strong partnerships with First Nations, seafood producers and rural communities.

The project will reduce costs, improve distribution and expand cold storage. It will also increase processing capacity and enhance food safety. These improvements will make seafood more accessible and affordable for consumers.

Effingham Oyster Shows the Power of Collaboration

Eight businesses currently operate out of The Dock+. One standout is Effingham Oysters, a fast-growing producer with farms in Barkley Sound. The company originally used the shared facilities to increase processing speed and deliver high quality oysters to customers. Effingham Oysters worked closely with Nova Harvest, which supplies millions of seed oysters each year. Nova Harvest operates its processing plant at The Dock+ and is known for science-based innovation in shellfish aquaculture. Nova Harvest joined Huu-ay-aht First Nations Fisheries LP and The Dock+ in the successful expansion funding application.

Effingham Oysters has expanded quickly. After receiving support from the British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund, the company moved from The Dock+ into a larger building, then outgrew that space as well. It is now preparing to build a new 1,000 square metre processing plant. Its processing work supports its own farms and other local farms and it supplies oysters to local restaurants. Effingham Oysters also sponsors the Tofino Oyster Festival and sells to the B.C. public through Eat Canadian Seafood in Port Alberni, Codfather’s Seafood in Kelowna and to Lower Mainland restaurants through Wild and Live.

Canadian Seafood Processing, also owned by the Effingham Oyster owners, now occupies the former Effingham Oysters space at The Dock+. The company buys and processes sockeye, chinook, chum, prawns, shrimp, lingcod and halibut. Its workforce grows to more than 40 local employees in the summer. The company benefited from support through the British Columbia Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program in partnership with Hupacasath First Nation, along with an emergency preparedness grant. It uses trucking backhauls for efficient transport and produces ice on site. Onsite processing increases product value because work begins while fish is being offloaded. Canadian Seafood Processing has delivered fish to Toronto within 24 hours of landing it and has paid local fishermen 50 to 100 percent more than comparable salmon runs in 2025. This helped Port Alberni salmon runs generate an additional 3 million dollars over comparable sockeye runs and the previous five-year average, a major success linked to the Dock+ investment.

Effingham Oysters plans to expand into ASEAN markets. The company has exported to Singapore and Malaysia before and is now positioned for broader growth with support from Trade and Invest B.C. Effingham Oysters has been invited to join the B.C. Pavilion at Food and Hospitality Asia 2026. Prospects look favourable as demand for B.C. oysters continues to rise.

Quick Facts:

Top 3 B.C. Oyster Export Destinations in 2025 included United States (over $10 million), Singapore (over $700K), and Hong Kong (over $600K).

Global Opportunities in B.C.’s Seafood Sector

The Dock+ expansion shows how strategic investment can strengthen regional economies. It supports innovation, sustainability and global market access. For investors, B.C. offers a growing seafood sector supported by modern infrastructure and strong partnerships.

Trade and Invest BC is proud to champion B.C. businesses like Effingham Oyster and Food Hubs like the Dock+, creating pathways for growth and global impact. Contact us or learn more about how we connect local companies with international opportunities on LinkedIn, X and Bluesky.