The City of Richmond has unveiled a heritage boat restoration program at Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site in historic Steveston Village, and invites visitors to witness the restoration of heritage wooden fishing boats first-hand.

Located in the 1930s era Richmond Boat Builders building, this exciting new initiative offers a look into the work of the resident shipwright, whose restoration projects are bringing wooden boats back to life. This year’s project features the Crystal S, a locally built wooden gillnetter that once worked on the Fraser River. 

Visitors can watch boat restoration in action and explore new interactive displays and demonstrations highlighting the legacy and craftsmanship of wooden boat building. Through these experiences, people can learn about Steveston's rich boat building heritage and the history of Richmond Boat Builders, originally operated by the Kishi family - one of many Japanese Canadian boat building families who shaped Steveston's maritime industry.

“This interactive program brings our maritime heritage to life in a meaningful and dynamic way,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “We’re excited to offer visitors the rare opportunity to see the restoration process up close, while learning about the vital role these boats played in Richmond’s fishing industry.”

Throughout the summer, public programs and tours will be offered at Britannia Shipyards, offering visitors a deeper look into boat building heritage and the stories behind the diverse communities that lived and worked here to support Steveston’s fishing, canning and boat building industries. Enjoy daily boat-building themed demonstrations, or join a public guided tour offered daily at 10:30am and 1:30pm from now through to Labour Day, September 1.

For Doors Open Richmond on Saturday, June 7, Britannia Shipyard’s skilled shipwright will give an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the operating boat works, and share updates on the Crystal S restoration project. 

The City of Richmond gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport for this project.

Situated on the banks of the Fraser River, Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site is a rare collection of historic buildings that reflect the diverse community that thrived in Steveston during the height of the West Coast fishing industry over a century ago. The site is open daily during the summer season from 10:00am to 5:00pm. Admission is free.

For more information, visit britanniashipyards.ca or call 604-238-8050.