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J U N E 7 - 16 , 2 0 19 / C O M OX VA L L E Y BCSeafoodFestival.com
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2 | JUNE 2019 | BC SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
Reach For BC Seafood: Events And Shell-ebrations At The 13th BC Seafood Festival On Vancouver Island!
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reative chefs, endless events, and sensational seafood experiences are featured at this year’s Signature Weekend at the BC Seafood Festival in the Comox Valley. For those who are a lover of all things seafood it’s time to mark your calendars and buy your tickets to the largest seafood festival in Western Canada. The 13th annual BC Seafood Festival is once again being held in the Comox Valley, Vancouver Island, from June 7-16th. Back by popular demand, the BC Seafood Festival is featuring another fun-filled Signature Weekend, June 14 -16th, a perfect weekend for foodies who love to sample, slurp and savor BC seafood & spirits, music lovers, and families who want to explore & learn about cooking and the benefits of seafood. Events and celebrations include: celebrity chef demonstrations, cooking events, award-winning seafood tastings; interactive & educational displays; and competitions all showcasing the bounty of BC seafood on festival stages. The 2019 BC Seafood Festival: Other Special Ticket Events include: Shucked! Oyster Bar Happy Hour – June 14th. Kicks off the festival in style with the world’s largest oyster bar happy hour in Canada featuring delicious oysters from the pristine waters of Comox Valley. Baked n’ Boiled! Kitchen Party – June 15th Brings together the best of the East
and West coasts in a slurptastic seafood boil. Bounty! Seafood Brunch Cookout – June 16th The ultimate brunch seafood cookout offering the best BC seafood the West Coast has to offer. Ceviche! Ceviche! Ceviche! MasterClass – June 15th Mix together two of the top seafood chefs, with a whole lotta succulent BC seafood, and this MasterClass will be sure to take your ceviche making skills to the next level. Visitors can enjoy other exciting events, including the return for it’s second year, The BC Seafood Festival Chef Challenge presented by Garland Canada and FortisBC and a new Junior Chef Challenge.Families don’t miss out on the opportunity to devour the delicious seafood alongside the largest Kids Interactive Zone. Here children will be able to explore numerous touch tanks, interactive displays and seafood cooking classes.Tickets: For a limited time, the “Limited Release” Signature Weekend Passes for the BC Seafood Festival are available for purchase. Tickets prices are $15.00 per Day Pass, $25 for the Weekend Pass, and the Weekend Pass with food vouchers is $70. For information, Signature Weekend or other event tickets, and accommodations, go to BCSeafoodFestival. com or call the Vancouver Island Visitors Center 1-855400-2882. Inquire about a Free Signature Weekend Pass with Stays at participating hotels while supplies last!
BC SEAFOOD FESTIVAL | JUNE 2019 | 3
Chefs Chefs Everywhere! With Delicious Seafood To Eat At This Year’s BC Seafood Festival! A storm of seafood chefs and cooking competitions are heading to the 13th annual BC Seafood Festival being held in the Comox Valley, a regional well known for its culinary bounty and the largest producer of oysters in Canada.
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he 2019 BC Seafood Festival returns to the Comox Valley, June 7-16th, and will showcase an amazing lineup of local and regional chefs, mixologists and oyster shuckers. And, visitors to the 13th annual BC Seafood Festival Signature Weekend, June 14 – 16 th , will experience more chef competitions and seafood demonstrations than ever before. The BC Seafood Festival Signature Weekend 2019 features new and returning chefs par t ic ipat ing in numerous
demonstrations, cooking events, tastings and competitions, all celebrating the bounty of fresh BC seafood on festival stages. “We are incredibly excited about the chef lineup and seafood events at this year’s Seafood Festival,” says Nathan Fong, Chef Producer for BC Seafood Festival 2019. “The festival competitions have grown in popularity and prizes, and this year more chefs than ever are interested in competing. We are anticipating fast-paced competition in the BC Seafood Chef Challenge once again, and we are excited about the new Junior Chef Challenge featuring cooks from ages 8-12 years old.” Over 25 chefs from the Comox V a l l e y, I s l a n d a n d L o w e r Mainland will be participating in the Signature Weekend events. The exciting new 2019 Junior Chef Challenge will host the
next crop of aspiring junior chefs who will test their culinary skills. It will be a race against the clock to prepare a seafood
RECEIVE 2 TICKETS TO A 4-COURSE WINE PAIRING DINNER JUNE 14 - 16, 2019
masterpiece and win the judges over with creativity and delicious flavours! Other favourite events return for 2019: BC Seafood Festival Chef C h a lle n ge – P r e s e n t e d b y FortisBC and Garland Canada – June 15th and 16th. The ultimate seafood challenge using BC seafood ingredients featuring an exciting line-up of 12 chefs who will compete head-to-head in black-box heats to present unique BC seafood dishes to a group of discerning Judges. Featuring a top prize of $5,000 to the winning chef and a second prize of $1,500 awarded by FortisBC. The Fanny Bay Oyster Shucking C o m p e t i t i o n – J u n e 1 5 th. Showcasing the fastest shuckers in BC competing for the top prize. And, Guinness Book World Record Holder, Shucker
Paddy, will be returning in this “must-attend” event for oyster lovers! Best Caesar in Town Competition – June 16th. Where some of the best mixolog ists in Br itish Columbia will showcase their signature competition Caesar. The Ocean Wise Chowder Challenge – June 16 th. Offers tastings of delectable, ocean-friendly seafood chowders where you vote for your favourite, all in support of sustainable seafood. The winning seafood luvin’ Chef will receive a chance to compete in the next Ocean Wise Chowder Showdown in Vancouver. Tickets: For a complete list of participating local and regional chefs, information, tickets and accommodations, v isit BCSeafoodFestival.com. Or call the Vancouver Island Visitors Center 1-855-400-2882.
OVER 30+ FESTIVAL CHEFS! FEATURING…
40 KNOTS WINERY AT THE PRIME CHOPHOUSE & WINE BAR ON JUNE 9* *while supplies last
WHEN YOU BOOK YOUR STAY WITH ONE OF THESE PARTICIPATING HOTELS
Chef Nathan Fong
Chef Jean-Francis Quaglia
Fong on Food
Provence Marinaside
$139/NIGHT
+ taxes based on double occupancy
$149/NIGHT
+ taxes based on double occupancy
$159/NIGHT
+ taxes based on double occupancy
Visit BCSeafoodFestival.com to get your event tickets today! #BCSeafoodFest
Chef Andre Durbach
Jinhee Lee
Il Falcone
Foreign Concept
FOR MORE INFO
1-855-400-2882
4 | JUNE 2019 | BC SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
BCSeafoodonYourPlate.com
Daily Events & Tours From June 7 – 17 @ BC Seafood Festival!
TH
4 HOUR WHALE WATCHING TOUR
GUIDED WHARF TOUR
MANATEE HOLDINGS TOUR
June 7 - 17, 8:30 AM — 12:30 PM and 1:15 PM - 5:15 PM Price: Adults: $139; Child: $117 Depart from local Comox Valley Hotel Experience the beauty of Desolation Sound and the Salish Sea by boat, in search of the biggest and most exciting marine animals! Full day tours will provide guests with a BBQ lunch and refreshments.
June 8-9, 11, 14-16, 10:00 am & 2:00 pm Price: Free, registration required. All ages welcome. Depart from Comox Harbour Fisherman’s Wharf Enjoy a guided walk of the Comox Valley Harbour Authority Fisherman’s Wharf learning about the commercial fishing industry while stopping at different fishing vessels. Different gear types and fishing methods will be discussed as well as costs associated with being a commercial fisherman and benefits the industry provides to the coastal communities.
June 11-15, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm Price: $10 per person Tour through Manatee’s Royston Hatchery This public tour will feature an overview of industry best sustainable Seafood Industry practices with a tour of Manatee’s Royston Hatchery operation including geoduck, sea cucumbers, scallops and oysters.
DESOLATION SOUND YACHT CHARTERS – FISHING CHARTER/DAY TOUR June 8-13 & 15-16, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM Price: $1000 for 2 people Depart from Comox Marina Enjoy a Guided Fishing Trip or Day Tour on the water for 2 people on board a 2018 20Dv Weldcraft 25′ with Desolation Sound Yacht Charters. Picnic Lunch & Soft Drinks included.
7 HOUR BIG ANIMAL ENCOUNTER
June 8-13 & 15-16, 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Price: Adult: $199; Child: $169 Depart from local Comox Valley Hotel Spectacular scenery and a multitude of wildlife encounters which often include; Killer Whales, Humpbacks, Dolphins, Sealions, Harbour Seals, Bald Eagles, Colourful Seabirds. Presented by Big Animal Encounters.
LAND & SEA TOUR June 8-9, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm & 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Price: $60 per person Depart from Comox Marina Guests will participate in a land and sea tour provided by Big Animal Encounters and Ambassador Tours. Trips will include a tour through Baynes Sound, with the hopes of encountering some of the areas large marine sea life, as well as a visit to Macs Oyster Processing Plant to learn about the shellfish industry.
DAILY SAIL – DESOLATION SOUND YACHT CHARTERS June 10-16, 10:00 pm – 4:00 pm Price: $250 per person – Maximum 4 people Enjoy a day sail in Comox Bay and the Straight of Georgia with an experienced local skipper. Picnic lunch included.
FANNY BAY OYSTERS PLANT TOURS June 11 & 13, 10:00 am & 2:00 pm Price: $15 per person Tour through Fanny Bay Oyster’s processing plant Fanny Bay is home to the world-famous Fanny Bay Oysters; growers, processors, and exporters of farm-raised Pacific oysters and Manila clams. Attendees will get to see how Fanny Bay Oysters processes and ships its shellfish all over the world.
WINE TIME June 12, 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm Price: $95 per person Get picked up from a participating hotel in the Comox Valley Learn about wine making from grape to glass. Tours will include trips to three featured wineries, access to premium wines and a delicious picnic lunch all within for hours.
SIP & SAVOUR TOUR: PRESENTED BY AMBASSADOR TOURS June 13, 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm Price: Adult: $95 Get picked up & dropped off from your hotel or home A Comox Valley culinary adventure includes appetizers and your choice of wine or craft beer at 3 different restaurants in one night. Locations are kept secret to maximize the fun and excitement.
CRAFT BREWERY TOUR: AMBASSADOR TRANSPORTATION June 14, 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm Price: Adult: $95 Depart from Old House The Comox Valley Cider and Beer Adventure Tour offers beer, cider, spirit and food lovers an experience they will never forget! Our tours include custom air-conditioned transport, knowledgeable guides, tasty snacks, generous tastings and complimentary drinks.
NATURE WALK AT GOOSE SPIT June 15, 10:00 pm - 12:00 pm Price: $0 and great for families! Tour through nature rich Goose Spit Take a guided Beach walk with a Naturalist and learn more about the natural landscape surrounding the ocean and the sea life that lives there.
COMOX VALLEY & GLACIER SEAPLANE TOUR June 15-16, 4:45 pm – 5:20 pm Price: Adults: $179, Child: $90 Depart from Comox Marina
BC SEAFOOD FESTIVAL | JUNE 2019 | 5 BCSeafoodonYourPlate.com
The Comox Valley produces more than 50% of all BC shellfish.
Enjoy a flight over Strathcona Park and the Insular Mountains and take in unforgettable views of the 6,430-foot summit of the ancient Comox Glacier. Flights will also include aerial vistas of the City of Courtenay, Village of Cumberland and surrounding Comox Valley.
HELICOPTER TOURS June 15-16, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm Price: Tours range from $49-$210 per person Depart from the Courtenay Airpark Enjoy one of three tours that provide an overview of sights in the surrounding area. The City Tour at $49 per person includes an overview of Comox and Courtenay; the Island Tour at $149 per person includes a 20-minute tour around Hornby and Denman Island; and the Comox Glacier Tour at $210 per person includes a 30-minute tour over the Comox Glacier.
CEVICHE! CEVICHE! CEVICHE! MASTERCLASS June 15, 9:30 am – 11:00 am Price: $50 per person Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park Two of the province’s top seafood chefs will let you in on the tricks of their trade for creating a seafood ceviche that will be the talk of countless summer parties to come!
BAKED N’ BOILED! KITCHEN PARTY June 15, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm Price: $85 per person Filberg Heritage Lodge & Park, Comox Break out the fiddles when Eastcoast meets West at a good old-fashioned seafood boil! Simmering pots will chock-full of local shellfish and there’ll be tasty sides to go with. Plus craft-spirit tastings and, of course, plenty of music from The WhiskeyDicks!
BC SEAFOOD FESTIVAL SIGNATURE WEEKEND June 15-16, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm Price: Buy a day or Weekend Pass Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park The Signature Weekend (June 14 to 16) is the jewel in the crown of the entire Seafood Festival! Foodies will love the abundance of fresh BC seafood and local beer, wine and spirits. Take in action-packed competitions including the Fanny Bay Oyster Shucking Competition, Best Caesar in Town Competition, and the BC Seafood Festival Chef Challenge, presented by FortisBC and Garland Canada.
BOUNTY! A BRUNCH SEAFOOD COOKOUT June 16, 9:30 am – 11:00 am Price: $95 per person Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park Enjoy rubbing chefs with expert seafood chefs as they guide you through the creation of a delicious seafood dish, that you get to enjoy! Expert mixologists will be on hand to whip up perfectly paired cocktails to keep the kitchen party going!
PRIME CHOPHOUSE & WINE BAR SHELLFISH AND SEAFOOD BUFFET June 16, 10:30 am – 1:30 pm Price: $55 per person Prime Chophouse & Wine Bar, Courtenay Enjoy a Seafood Buffet provided by Courtenay’s Prime Chophouse & Wine Bar alongside a signature 40 knots Winery Mimosa.
DISCOVER THE COMOX VALLEY CYCLE TOUR June 8-17th, 1 PM - 5 PM Tickets: Adults $109, Child $89 Starting and finishing at the Comox Valley Harbour, and weaving our way through trails surrounded by lush forests, open roads with expansive views, and paved paths that will allow our guests to explore the community
beyond what you see by vehicle or by foot. And like all Island Joy Rides tours, we’ve sprinkled in tastes of local food and refreshments at a few of our favourite places along the way.
BC SALMON FARMERS ASSOCIATION PUBLIC TOURS June 8 & 15 Tickets: $60.00 Departs from Campell River Marina Guests will travel through Strathcona Park to Gold River by shuttle to meet the water taxi. You’ll travel in a covered boat through beautiful Nootka Sound to the salmon farm.
HOMALCO WILDLIFE & CULTURAL TOURS - PEOPLE, WATER, LAND June 7-9, 14-17 8:15 AM - 4:15 PM Tickets: Adults & Youth $395.00 Minimum Age 12 years Departs from Campbell River Marina The water and land of Bute Inlet provided the Homalco with transportation, food, shelter, medicine and more. Legends were born here and Homalco stories became interwoven with characters representing the creatures with whom they shared the earth and sea. Join us to uncover the stories of the bears, the ǰɛnxʷ (salmon), the χʷomaɬkʷu people and much more. You may even see χawgəs (the Grizzy Bear) or Mexaɬ (Black Bear) while exploring the Orford estuary.
SAFETY AT SEA SEMINAR – DESOLATION SOUND YACHT CHARTERS June 8 & 9, 12:30 PM Tickets: Free Comox Marina International yacht training skipper and instructor Derek Harvey, will go over checklists and how to be prepared before heading out on the water.
DESTINATION SEMINAR – DESOLATION SOUND. June 8 & 9, 2:30 PM Tickets: Free International yacht training skipper and instructor Derek Harvey will talk about Desolation Sound and give out some local cruising tips.
SHUCKED! CANADA’S LARGEST OYSTER BAR HAPPY HOUR June 14, 3:30 PM - 6 PM Tickets: $45
4 COURSE WINE PAIRING DINNER WITH 40 KNOTS WINERY June 9, 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM Tickets: $85 Enjoy a 4 course dinner paired with wines from 40 knots winery.
SEAFOOD & BEER June 12, 6 PM - 7 PM Tickets: $20 Come sample 30 Seafood bites over 3 courses paired with beer. Money raised goes towards the Charity Shore Rider Cleanup. This is a 19+ event.
SLURP! GIN & OYSTER SOCIAL June 12, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Tickets: $20
TERROIR MEETS MERROIR LONG TABLE DINNER June 13, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Tickets: $150 Enjoy a special long table dinner and winery tour of 40 Knots Winery.
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BC Seafood on Your Plate featured Chefs & Restaurants Andre Durbach Il Falcone
Slone Romano Atlas Cafe
Frank Pabst Blue Water Cafe
Richard Benson Ocean7 Restaurant, Kingfisher Resort
Kevin McKellar Prime Chophouse and Wine Bar
Welbert Choi Forage
Bob Hullin Avenue Bistro
Morgan Wilson Q at the Empress
Dai Fukasaku Fukasaku of Prince Rupert
Kevin Frisch Toscanos Trattoria
Alex Lavroff Garden Bistro @ O’Rourke’s Peak Cellars
Chris Andraza Fanny Bay Oyster Bar
Carmen Ingham The Pointe Restaurant
Stephan Halliwell Martine’s Bistro
Nigel McMeans Blackfin Pub
Mixologists Amber Bruce The Keefer Bar
Ronald St. Pierre Locals Restaurant
Kumiko Umeno Chicha Restaurant
Jeff Hall The White Whale Restaurant
Featured Chefs & Restaurants Sabrine Dhaliwal Pourhouse
Katie Ingram Elisa
Aaron Rail Kingfisher Oceanside Resort & Spa
Bobby Milheron West Restaurant
Jean-Francis Quaglia Provence Marinaside
BC SEAFOOD FESTIVAL | JUNE 2019 | 7 Charlotte Langley Restaurants Canada
Eva Chin Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar
Isabel Chung The Wildflower, Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Nathan Fong Fong on Food
Tabitha Ramsey Match Eatery and Public House
Ricardo Valverde Ancora
Lee Cooper Coquille Fine Seafood
Hamid Salimian Nextjen
Shelome Bouvette Chicha Restaurant
Tim Pawsey Hired Belly
Matthew Sullivan Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment
Ned Bell Ocean Wise
Jesse Weimer Locals Restaurant
Shucker Paddy The Ceili Cottage
Jada Berg Private Chef
Dominic Fortin Q at the Empress
Juraj Dado Bishop’s Restaurant
Rob Schreier Land and Sea Brewing
Lesley Stav NVICA, 4TH Generation Fishing
Wes Erikson NVICA, 4TH Generation Fishing
Quang Dang Top Table Group
Lars Jorgensen The William Tell Restaurant
Sonam Pontsang 1410 World Bier House
Yolanda MacLaren Custom Gourmet Catering
John Carlo Felicella BC Culinary Team
Dominic Fortin Q at the Empress
Derek Bendig The Wildflower, Fairmont
Vote&Win! BC SEAFOOD ON YOUR PLATE COMOX VALLEY, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA
*Content ends June 16th
8 | JUNE 2019 | BC SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
FESTIVAL AT A GLANCE REPEATING EVENTS LOOK FOR THESE SYMBOLS IN THE ADJACENT CALENDAR FOR DAYS THE FOLLOWING TOURS ARE OFFERED:
FRIDAY, JUNE 7 REPEATING EVENTS FOR THE DAY
FISHING CHARTER/DAY TOUR 9 AM – 4 PM CVHA Wharf DAY SAIL 10 AM - 4 PM CVHA Wharf GUIDED WHARF TOUR 10 AM / 2 PM CVHA Wharf DISCOVER THE COMOX VALLEY CYCLE TOUR 1 – 4 PM Comox Marina Park HOMALCO WILDLIFE & CULTURAL TOURS 8:15 AM – 4:15 PM Departs from Campbell River MANATEE HOLDINGS HATCHERY TOUR 11 AM Manatee’s Royston Hatchery
Check website for detailed schedule information and to purchase tickets BCSeafoodFestival.com
REPEATING EVENTS FOR THE DAY
SATURDAY, JUNE 8 REPEATING EVENTS FOR THE DAY
REPEATING EVENTS FOR THE DAY
FULL DAY/HALF DAY GUIDED FISHING CHARTER Check website for times CVHA Wharf LAND & SEA TOUR 10 AM - 12 PM / 1 - 3 PM CVHA Wharf
FULL DAY/HALF DAY GUIDED FISHING CHARTER Check website for times CVHA Wharf COMOX VALLEY IRON MIXED/ NOVICE/YOUTH START 9 AM / CVHA Wharf BC SALMON FARMERS ASSOCIATION PUBLIC FARM TOURS 9:45 AM - 3:30 PM Departs from Campbell River LAND & SEA TOUR 10 AM - 12 PM / 1 - 3 PM CVHA Wharf OCEANFEST - SAIL BOAT STADIUM RACING / VAN ISLE TT MATCH RACE SERIES - FINALS 11 AM / CVHA Wharf COMOX ISLAND IRON WOMEN START 11 AM / CVHA Wharf COMOX ISLAND IRON SUP LONG COURSE START 11:15 AM / CVHA Wharf SAFETY AT SEA SEMINAR 12:30 PM Comox Marina Park COMOX ISLAND IRON MEN’S START 1 PM / CVHA Wharf DESTINATION SEMINAR - DESOLATION SOUND 2:30 - 3:30 PM Comox Marina Park COMOX ISLAND IRON AWARDS 3:30 PM Comox Marina Park
SATURDAY, JUNE 15 REPEATING EVENTS FOR THE DAY
SUNDAY, JUNE 9 FANNY BAY OYSTERS TOUR 10 AM / 2 PM Fanny Bay Oysters
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12
4 HOUR WHALE WATCHING TOUR 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM / 1:15 - 5:15 PM Departs from Campbell River 7 HOUR - BIG ANIMAL ENCOUNTER 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM Departs from Campbell River
TUESDAY, JUNE 11
COMOX ISLAND IRON SMALL BOAT START 10:30 AM / CVHA Wharf COMOX ISLAND IRON SUP TECHNICAL RACE START 10:45 AM / CVHA Wharf OCEANFEST CONTINUES 11 AM / CVHA Wharf COMOX ISLAND IRON KIDS RACE 12 PM / CVHA Wharf K’ÓMOKS FIRST NATIONS - COOKING DEMO 12 PM / CVHA Wharf SAFETY AT SEA SEMINAR 12:30 PM Comox Marina Park COMOX ISLAND IRON AWARDS 12:45 PM Comox Marina Park DESTINATION SEMINAR DESOLATION SOUND 2:30 - 3:30 PM Comox Marina Park 4-COURSE WINE PAIRING DINNER WITH 40 KNOTS WINERY 4:30 - 6:30 PM The Prime Chophouse & Wine Bar
MONDAY, JUNE 10 REPEATING EVENTS FOR THE DAY
REPEATING EVENTS FOR THE DAY
WINE TIME 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM Multiple venues SLURP! GIN & OYSTER SOCIAL 3 - 5 PM Comox Marina Park SEAFOOD BITES & WINE 6 - 7 PM Cascadia Liquor Store
THURSDAY, JUNE 13 REPEATING EVENTS FOR THE DAY
FANNY BAY OYSTERS TOUR 10 AM / 2 PM Fanny Bay Oysters
HELICOPTER TOURS 9 AM – 6 PM Courtenay Airpark CEVICHE! CEVICHE! CEVICHE! MASTERCLASS 9:30 AM - 11 AM Filberg Heritage Lodge & Park BC SALMON FARMERS ASSOCIATION PUBLIC FARM TOURS 9:45 AM - 3:30 PM Departs from Campbell River NATURE WALK AT GOOSE SPIT 10 AM - 12 PM Goose Spit BC SEAFOOD FESTIVAL SIGNATURE WEEKEND 11 AM - 5 PM Filberg Heritage Lodge & Park COMOX VALLEY & GLACIER SEAPLANE TOUR 4:45 PM / CVHA Wharf BAKED N’ BOILED! KITCHEN PARTY 6 - 9 PM Filberg Heritage Lodge & Park
SUNDAY, JUNE 16 REPEATING EVENTS FOR THE DAY
TERROIR MEETS MERROIR 5 – 9 PM 40 Knots Winery SIP & SAVOUR TOUR 5:30 – 9:30 PM Multiple venues
FRIDAY, JUNE 14 REPEATING EVENTS FOR THE DAY
HELICOPTER TOURS 9 AM – 6 PM Courtenay Airpark BOUNTY! A BRUNCH SEAFOOD COOKOUT 9:30 - 11 AM Departs from Campbell River SHELLFISH & SEAFOOD BUFFET 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM The Prime Chophouse & Wine Bar
SHUCKED! CANADA’S LARGEST OYSTER BAR HAPPY HOUR 3:30 – 6 PM Filberg Heritage Lodge & Park CRAFT BREWERY TOUR 5:30 – 9:30 PM Multiple venues GALA DINNER BY THE SEA 5:30 – 10 PM Filberg Heritage Lodge & Park
BC SEAFOOD FESTIVAL SIGNATURE WEEKEND 11 AM - 5 PM Filberg Heritage Lodge & Park COMOX VALLEY & GLACIER SEAPLANE TOUR 4:45 PM / CVHA Wharf *Events accurate at the time of print. Please visit our website for updates. BCSeafoodFestival.com
BC SEAFOOD FESTIVAL | JUNE 2019 | 9 BCSeafoodonYourPlate.com
BC produces over 100 different seafood products from our waters.
Treat Dad to an Epic Father’s Day Featuring a Ton of Delicious Seafood!
A
re you looking for great ideas for family fun on Father’s Day? Plan on having a seafood adventure with the entire family at this year’s BC Seafood Festival in the beautiful Comox Valley on Vancouver Island. Discover how delicious and healthy seafood can be during the 2019 BC Seafood Festival Signature Weekend from June 14 - 16, 2019. Cheer on celebrity chefs, mixologists and oyster shuckers as they fight their way to win prizes including the coveted $5,000 top prize from the Fortis BC Chef Challenge. Signature Weekend ticketholders sample, savour and slurp the freshest BC seafood while enjoying featured BC wines, ciders and live music performances. Tickets for kids under 12 are free with the purchase of Signature Weekend passes! Treat Dad on June 16th to Bounty! A Brunch Seafood Cookout! Dads and seafood lovers get schooled by top seafood chefs to cook brunch during this hands-on intimate VIP cooking experience creating AND eating a delicious seafood dish. Mixologists will prepare cocktails to set-off this brag-worthy seafood brunch in style. Have Dad taste the weekend away at all the Tasting and Beverage stations featuring kelp and sea asparagus ice cream, artisan smoked oysters, wild BC halibut ceviche tacos and more! Family fun in the Kids Interactive Zone returns with touch tanks and interactive displays. Learn about wildlife rescue, sustainable seafood and aquaculture. Kids can visit the Storytime tent, play games and enjoy all things seafood! Get your little ones cooking in our Kids Seafood Cooking Classes for 5-12 years and 10-15 year olds! New for this year, “Learn to Shuck” classes for 12-18 year olds with sessions available during the Signature Weekend. Classes are FREE! Sign-up for the new Junior Chef Competition for a chance to compete to win an amazing $1,000 RESP contribution provided by
Kids Zone Touch Tanks
Seafood tastings throughout the Signature Weekend!
SEE SIGNATURE WEEKEND | PAGE 10
10 | JUNE 2019 | BC SEAFOOD FESTIVAL SIGNATURE WEEKEND CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9
Mindset Wealth and bragging rights! Four junior chefs aged 8-15 will be selected to compete. Just like in the big leagues, there will be a twist ingredient the junior chefs must incorporate into their dishes. And what’s a competition without a race against the clock? The junior chefs will have just 45 short minutes to prepare a seafood masterpiece and win the judges over with their creativity, plate presentation and, of course, delicious flavours. Baked n’Boiled Kitchen Party is a must-attend event for the entire family! Break out the fiddles where East coast meets West at a good old fashioned seafood boil! Simmering pots that are chock-full of local shellfish along with tasty sides are part of the fun along with music from The Whiskeydicks! BC Seafood Festival 2019 Signature Weekend pass tickets are now on sale at BCSeafoodFestival.com. Weekend Pass with 50 food vouchers $70, Weekend Pass
(no food) $25, Saturday or Sunday Day Pass $15. Enter now to win the Shuck-It! Let’s Go! Geataway contest. This culinary adventure prize getaway for two includes: • Two roundtrip flights with Air Canada to the Comox Valley Airport (YQQ) from anywhere in BC, • A three-night stay at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites, • Transportation to all events and activities with Ambassador Transportation • Two All-Access Passes to the BC Seafood Festival Signature Weekend June 14 to 16! • Half day Wildlife Tour with Big Animal Encounters • Two $100 dining cards to seafood restaurants • Two tickets on a Sip and Savour Tour For more information about the Comox Valley, accommodation, tickets and all the incredible events, go to BCSeafoodFestival.com or call the Vancouver Island Visitors Center 1-855400-2882.
Kids Cooking Classes – FREE!
SUPPORTING REGIONAL AGRI-FOOD INNOVATION Learn more at: www.islandcoastaltrust.ca
BC SEAFOOD FESTIVAL | JUNE 2019 | 11
Natural gas. Good for the catch of the day. Whether you’re grilling, searing or frying, cooking seafood requires a precise heat — so it’s no surprise that the temperature control offered by natural gas makes it the top choice for restaurants everywhere. And with natural gas ranges and cooktops, you can bring these professional culinary standards into your own kitchen. That’s energy at work. fortisbc.com/cookingwithgas
Connect with us
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Sample the diverse tastes of BC the next time you’re creating in the kitchen. From the finest seafoods, to spicy condiments and farm-fresh veggies, BC food products are among the best in the world. Reach for BC and feel good about supporting local growers, producers and the economy. Pass the kimchi!
BC SEAFOOD FESTIVAL | JUNE 2019 | 13
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BC Seafood Expo 2019 To Showcase Bounty Of Our Oceans By SeaWestNews ome of BC’s top chefs will join scores of seafood buyers, Seafood Industry experts, industry leaders and government representatives to network, meet and grow the seafood industry at the 2019 edition of the BC Seafood Expo. The event in Comox Valley on Vancouver Island on June 12 and 13 is one of the largest seafood industry trade events in the Pacific Northwest. The Expo is wrapped around the 2019 BC Seafood Festival which will be held from June 7 to 16. “The Festival is now the largest seafood festival in western Canada and the Expo and Trade Show components this year has attracted a record number of exhibitors, delegates, buyers and suppliers,” said John Watson, executive director of the Comox Valley Economic Development, the organization that collaborates with a wide range of seafood organizations and institutions to develop the Expo annually. “It is an excellent opportunity to showcase your services to a diverse range of both wild fishery and Seafood Industry sectors and leaders.” The expo features dozens of trade show exhibitors, leading speakers in their fields and provides a venue to network with
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industry leaders, international buyers, distributors, and educators for every type of fish, seafood, and seafood related products and services. The program is also packed with educational sessions covering, seafood business and leadership, Seafood Industry, food safety, policy, sustainability, traceability and transparency. “The BC Seafood Expo is a great opportunity to bring everyone together to talk about the business…It is really the only time every year that the entire seafood business gets together in BC,” said Jeremy Dunn, director of public affairs for Mowi Canada West. The Seafood Expo also brings attention to both the farmed and wild fisheries sector here in the province, said Dunn “Seafood is an incredibly important business for BC, having local, regional and national leaders gain a greater awareness and understanding is really important.” he said. As in previous years, Mowi which operates salmon farms around Vancouver Island, where 600 people produce 45,000 tonnes of sustainable farm-raised Atlantic salmon each year, will be staging farm tours for buyers and chefs. A n o t h e r o f t h e e x h ib i t o r s i s t h e
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Underwater Harvesters Association (UHA), a non-profit association formed in 1981 to represent the 55 British Columbia geoduck and horse clam licence holders. Association members also include crew members from the harvesting vessels and the geoduck wholesalers located in British Columbia. There are currently 34 First Nations participating in the fishery. “We are a big supporter of the Seafood Expo as it provides a platform to showcase to British Columbians the sustainability of our fisheries,” said Grant Dovey, UHA’s executive director. “Much of our harvest is exported to Asian markets and our primary interest is connecting with international buyers at the Expo and looking for leads” he said. The buyers’ delegation to this year’s expo is the largest of its kind, organizers said. They include buyers from China, Hong Kong, Korea, Japan, Vietnam and Singapore. Other members of the international delegation, organized by the Ministry of Jobs, Trade & Technology and Global Affairs Canada, hail from USA, Ukraine, Poland, Uzbekistan, Turkey and Serbia. One of the keynote speakers this year will be Mark Saunders, director of the
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International Year of the Salmon – Pacific Region. The International Year of the Salmon is a 5-year outreach and research initiative of the North Pacific Anadromous Fish Commission and the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization, with a focal year in 2019. The year aims to raise public awareness, gather stakeholders, stimulate science and inspire action to protect salmon. The highlight of the two-day Expo is the Flying Fresh Air Freight International Buyers’ Reception. Helmed by Brendan Harnett, Flying Fresh Air Freight Cargo is Canada’s top perishable freight forwarder. Close to 70 per cent of its’ business involves seafood and the company moves about 16 million kilos of Canadian farmed salmon, wild fish, lobster, geoduck, halibut and oysters all around the world. Award winning food stylist, Nathan Fong, Fong on Food, is the event’s Chef Producer, has brought together a dozen chefs for the International Buyers’ Reception with a wide range of talents from around the Comox Valley, Vancouver Island and BC. SEE BC SEAFOOD EXPO | PAGE 15
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BC SEAFOOD FESTIVAL | JUNE 2019 | 15 BCSeafoodonYourPlate.com
More than 9,000 British Columbians are employed in the seafood sector.
Drop By And Meet The 2019 BC Seafood Expo Trade Show Exhibitors •
Coastal Sea Products
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SOGDA Limited
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Poseidon Ocean Systems Ltd.
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Ocean Wise, Vancouver Aquarium
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Business Development Bank of Canada
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Foodmetrics Laboratories
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Buy BC
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Coast Capital Savings Credit Union
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Hummingbird Cove Lifestyles Ltd
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BC Salmon Farmers Association
Harbour Authority Association of BC (HAABC)
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Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Vancouver Island University
Creative Salmon Co. Ltd.
Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET)
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truLOCAL
Export Development Canada
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Mowi (Marine Harvest Canada)
Pacific Sea Cucumber Harvesters Association
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Coastline Market
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Farm Credit Canada
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MNP
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BC Shellfish Growers Association
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Gindara Sablefish
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Traceability Funding Programs
Pacific Urchin Harvesters Association
Blundell Seafoods
Great Little Box Company
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Underwater Harvesters Association
RiverFresh Wild BC Seafood
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White Box Food
Grieg Seafood
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Walcan Seafood Ltd.
Vancouver Island Salt Company
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Excel Career College
Global Affairs Canada
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DB Schenker of Canada
AgriMarine
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River Select Fisheries
Canadian Kelp Resources. Ltd
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Cermaq Canada
Export Navigator
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BC SEAFOOD EXPO CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14
Did You Know? Canada exported a record $6.6 billion in fish and seafood products in 2016. Fish and seafood are among Canada’s largest exports of food products. Canada’s most valuable species exported in 2016, were, lobster, Atlantic salmon, snow (queen) crab and shrimp. Lobster remains Canada’s top species exported in terms of value, with over $2 billion worth in 2016. Aquaculture is the fastest growing food production activity in the world and a growing sector in Canada. About 45 species of marine and freshwater finfish, shellfish and aquatic plants are now available. In 2015, the Seafood Industry industry generated over $1 billion in GDP, generating close to $3 billion in total economic activity. Approximately 72,000 Canadians make their living directly from fishing and fishing-related activities. About BC Seafood Expo Trade Show 2019 The BC Seafood Expo Trade Show 2019 will provide businesses the opportunity to meet face-to-face and showcase their products & services to seafood buyers, exporters, distributors and other providers from throughout BC and the pacific northwest. For more information and how to register go to bcseafoodexpo.com
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Campbell River Home To Canada’s Largest Commercial Diving School DiveSafe International Boasts In-Ocean Commercial Dive Training
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AMPBELL RIVER - “DiveSafe International is Campbell River’s best kept secret.” So says Kelly Korol, co-owner and Director of Training at DiveSafe International Ltd. Founded in 2005 by Kelly and his wife Catherine, DiveSafe International has grown to become the nation’s largest commercial diving school. Kelly’s deep relationships with Canada’s dive industry and Island Seafood Industry companies (built over his over-35-year diving career), coupled with the institution’s reputation for top-tier training programs, helps students find job placement at an astonishingly high rate. “Right now, we have two companies that are taking all the divers they can get from us,” says Kelly. “There will always be a few students who take our courses out of general interest, but every graduate who wants a job can get one almost immediately. We often have students graduate on a Friday and starting work at a well-paying job on Monday of the following week. For those interested in a career in commercial diving, we essentially have a 100 per cent employment rate.” DiveSafe International offers two main programs. The five-week Commercial Scuba program trains students to work in scuba equipment down to a maximum depth of 130 feet. With this international certification, Commercial Scuba graduates have opportunities in a variety of industries, including Seafood Industry, seafood harvesting, environmental inspection diving, vessel maintenance, scientific diving, the film industry and more. The 21-week Surface Supply program provides students with an internationally-recognized certification. Graduates acquire an Unrestricted Surface Supply Diver certification (50m) with Commercial SCUBA & NITROX endorsements. They can work in the industries above, but also have the certification to work in construction diving (dams, hydro projects, engineering inspections, infrastructure, etc.), confined area diving, offshore oildfield industry, geoduck industry, and underwater welding. All DiveSafe International, instructors are fully certified commercial divers with years of experience and recognized teaching certificates. These instructors still work in the commercial diving industry to
The classroom during a DiveSafe surface supply course in early 2018
DiveSafe’s industry connections and reputation for high-quality training helps students find jobs immediately after graduating
remain current in diving skills and knowledge. DiveSafe International is a fully certified trade training institution, governed by the Private Training Institute Board and the International EQA (Education Quality Assurance Organization). “I’ve been a commercial diver since 1984, and I’ve worked extensively all over the west coast and Alberta, focussing heavily on the Vancouver Island area,” says Kelly. “I’ve worked in almost all aspects of commercial diving, including Seafood Industry, construction, hydro dams, seafood harvesting, and more. “In 1997, I began working with North Island College as an instructor in their commercial diving program. In 2005, Cathy and I decided to start our own company, initially offering only the commercial scuba program.” In the beginning, Kelly taught courses alongside Peter Budden, who began as a part-time instructor. As the company grew, Budden moved into a full-time position, and he remains an integral part of the
Students are able to hone their skills an ocean environment, getting first-hand training with tides, current, weather and marine life
company to this day. Cathy continues to co-lead the company with the official title of CFOO (Chief Financial and Operations Officer). “It’s a marriage made in heaven,” says Kelly. “She is the administration whiz, and my business partner. She handles all of our administration, dealing with everything from student loans to liaising with government regulatory bodies. I’m the brawn - handling the operations, running the boats, and teaching.” In 2007, the company added on its UnRestricted Surface Supply/Underwater Welder program. Since then, DiveSafe International has steadily grown, housing a staff of 10 administrators and instructors. Today, they train more students than any other diving school in the country and are competing on the world stage. DiveSafe International has a growing international reputation, attracting
students from all over the globe. “We called the company DiveSafe International because we want to have an international reach,” says Kelly. “We’ve had a lot of students from countries like Russia, France, Egypt, Ireland, Mexico, etc.” The company is now large enough to look at expanding outside of Canada. Cathy and Kelly have already been making inroads to build their second location in Costa Rica, and are currently looking at an eventual overseas expansion. “We are Canada’s largest diving school,” concludes Kelly. “We certify more divers than any other school in Canada, and we do it in an ocean environment, so our divers have world-class first-hand training with tides, current, weather and marine life.” Find out more about DiveSafe International programs at www.divesafe.com
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Island Aquaculture Feeds Globe, Local Economies Comox Valley, Campbell River, First Nations Groups Among Industry’s Beneficiaries
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s global demands for sustainable food sources grow, Vancouver Island communities are benefitting from a thriving Seafood Industry industry. According to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization, the world’s population is expected to exceed 9 billion by 2050. The organizations’ State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2018 draws attention to the role of fisheries and Seafood Industry in meeting food, nutrition and employment needs for millions. The report states, “Total fish production in 2016 reached an alltime high of 171 million tonnes, of which 88 percent was utilized for direct human consumption….This production resulted in a recordhigh per capita consumption of 20.3 kg in 2016.” The report goes on to say that the annual global growth of fish consumption has been twice as high as population growth since 1961. Whereas in 2000, roughly a quarter of global seafood production came from capture fisheries and Seafood Industry, by 2016, that number grew to 46.8 per cent. With the largest coastline in the world and a wealth of lakes and rivers, Canada is well-equipped to contribute to these global needs. In December of last year, the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA) released its State of Farmed Seafood in Canada 2018 report. Highlights indicated continued strength and increased revenues. In 2017, total farmed seafood revenues increased to $1.392 Billion nationwide, in spite of a slight decrease in production and exports over 2016. Island communities, including the Comox Valley and Campbell River, are reaping the benefits of a growing demand for Seafood Industry. For instance, the Comox Valley has grown to become BC’s largest producer of shellfish in BC, bringing in 51 per cent of the province’s annual production. In
Aquaculture is a growing industry that’s sending product all around the globe PHOTO: GRIEG SEAFOOD
Richard Harry, Executive Director, Aboriginal Aquaculture Association PHOTO CREDIT: HTTP://WWW.SEAFOOD INDUSTRY.CA
addition, the area produces more oysters than any other community in Canada. In spite of its success, however, the region’s industry is not yet growing fast enough to meet global demand. Invest Comox Valley published a list of investment opportunities currently available to interested parties. They includes the following: • Purchase an existing shellfish farming operation; • Purchase and upgrade smaller scale or underutilized
tenures; Purchase an established and integrated farm and processing operation; • Apply for tenure and develop a start-up farm which could include the potential to add new species in the future; • Develop a seed nursery to provide oyster and clam seed to the industry; • Develop new input supplies. One way the Comox Valley promotes this industry is through its annual BC Seafood Expo & Trade •
Campbell River is home to offices for three of the world’s largest Seafood Industry companies: Cermaq Canada, Grieg Seafood BC, and Marine Harvest Canada
Show, which will be held from June 12-13 this year. Campbell River is another major industry hub, housing offices for three of the world’s leading Seafood Industry companies: Cermaq Canada, Grieg Seafood BC, and Marine Harvest Canada. According to the City of Campbell River, the industry provides direct employment to approximately 385 people in the community, and accounts for almost a quarter of Seafood Industry employment in the province. Taking the whole
Strathcona Regional District into account, this number jumps to 505 employees, which is 2.55 per cent of the region’s total employment. In addition, the strength of C amp b ell R i ve r ’s S e a f o o d Industry industry results in the growth of support service providers, including transportation (e.g. land or sea-based freight), technical support services, scientific and marine support services, SEE AQUACULTURE | PAGE 18
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equipment, supplies, and processing. 2015 statistics indicated that northern Vancouver Island was responsible for approximately 40 per cent of BC’s annual proportion of GDP generated by salmon farming. Province-wide, Seafood Industry is responsible for the creation of roughly 7,000 jobs. Nation wide, farming and production activities provide full-time jobs for more than 26,000 Canadians, who earned an estimated $1.2 billion in total wages in 2017. CAIA’s annual report demonstrates that First Nations groups also reap the benefits of a thriving Seafood Industry industry. It states that “more than 40 Indigenous communities are directly or indirectly involved in farming seafood across Canada….In addition to those Indigenous communities already participating in farming seafood, there are many others whose traditional territories have the biophysical capacity to support farmed seafood development. We estimate that future growth of the industry in partnership with Indigenous communities could deliver 3,480 additional jobs for Indigenous peoples earning $170 million within in
the next five years, and 8,230 additional jobs earning over $410 million within 10 years.” “There’s huge potential for First Nations groups to benefit from Seafood Industry,” said Richard Harry, Executive Director of the Aboriginal Aquaculture Association (AAA) in a 2018 interview. “A big challenge to many First Nations is access to capital and lack of equity, so we work to connect Aboriginals with the industry, using joint ventures and partnerships, and building skills and training.” Harry and his team are already involved in the fin fish side of Seafood Industry, with various Aboriginal communities generating revenue from arrangements facilitated by the AAA. The AAA is also working to help First Nations people break into new and growing Seafood Industry practices. For example, as geoduck farming is rising in popularity, Harry and his organization are helping to secure funding and contracts that enable First Nations to participate. “Some of the economic development funds we need are missing, as many First Nations are interested in getting involved in Seafood Industry, especially shellfish,” says Harry. “With geoduck farming Certain Island Seafood Industry products, like geoduck, are in high demand in Asia SEE AQUACULTURE | PAGE 19
PHOTO: GEODUCK.ORG
The Comox Valley has grown to become BC’s largest producer of shellfish in BC, bringing in 51 per cent of the province’s annual production. In addition, the area produces more oysters than any other community in Canada
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BCSeafoodonYourPlate.com
AQUACULTURE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18
specifically, we’re actively searching for the capital required to initiate some of these projects. It’s in its infancy, but we’re looking forward to a breakthrough soon.” Grieg Seafood BC provides one example of private Seafood Industry companies working closely with First Nations communities to help them benefit from the economic growth. Grieg’s Marilyn Hutchinson has been serving in the newly created position of director of Indigenous & Community Relations division. Hutchinson suggested the creation of the division in 2018 in order to develop and maintain strong relationships with the communities that are home to Grieg Seafood’s farms. In a recent interview with writer Bonnie Waycott, Hutchinson state, “Building relationships with local communities has been a part of Grieg Seafood for nearly a decade now. We saw that our provincial
government was adopting the recommendations of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which we felt would hopefully have a positive impact on our indigenous relationships. We created the Indigenous & Community Relations division in support of what we felt would be constructive change with the implementation of UNDRIP principles.” In spite of the enormous economic benefit to Island communities and the growing global demand for farmed seafood, the Seafood Industry industry is not without its critics, particularly surrounding issues of environmental protection. Those working in Seafood Industry, however, contend that much of the coverage referring to the sustainability of farmed seafood misrepresents current industry trends. CAIA’s State of Farmed Seafood in Canada 2018 report emphasized the industries efforts to “minimize environmental interactions through measures such as proper
Tim Johnson working, Seafood Industry technician on Grieg Seafood BC’s Nootka Sound farms in traditional Mowachaht Muchalaht territory off the west coast of Vancouver Island PHOTO: GRIEG SEAFOOD
The industry’s environmental practices are supported by regulations from both federal and provincial governing bodies, as well as international requirements and third-party sustainability certifications
siting, management of habitat impacts, and escape prevention measures — compliant with international standards for social, environmental and food safety responsibilities.” The industry’s environmental practices are supported by regulations from both federal and provincial governing bodies, as well as international requirements and third-party sustainability certifications. Last year, the Island’s shellfish industry suffered from misrepresentation in the media. “In the Winter of 2016/17 and again in the Spring of 2018, industry was doubly impacted by outbreaks of norovirus and the accompanying media, which spoke broadly to the product, rather than specifically to the problem,” said Darlene Winterburn, Executive Director of the BC Shellfish Growers Association (BCSGA) in a Business Examiner interview. “The outcome has been consumer misconceptions that subsequently result in lower levels of confidence in the product and losses in sales.” According to Winterburn, only five farms in a single, small geographic region were closed due to potential contamination this Spring. However, incomplete media coverage adversely affected the rest of
shellfish farmers, whose product had been declared safe for consumption. “Readers should question the headlines,” says Winterburn. “Farmers regularly test shellfish destined for raw consumption in the retail market and follow regulations to minimize hazards related to contamination of the water in which they farm. They volunteer their time to participate in government programs to monitor water quality and are proactive in closing farms when potential hazards are identified.” According to W interburn, B r it ish Columbians have many misconceptions about the Seafood Industry industry. “Shellfish farming provides a net gain to the overall health of surrounding ecosystems,” she says. “We do not add food or chemicals to the water. “Shellfish are filter feeders who get their nutrition from the water and, in fact, clean the water in which they live as they feed. Many cities, including New York, and many areas, including Chesapeake Bay, have reintroduced shellfish to restore water quality and improve local ecosystems.” To find out more about the Seafood Industry industry, visit www.Seafood Industryassociation.ca, www.bcsga.ca, or www.bcsalmonfarmers.ca.
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