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New access to restored dock at the cannery

The North Pacific Cannery is opening its season with a community day on May 1.
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The North Pacific Cannery opens its season on Sunday

The North Pacific Cannery is opening its season with a community day on May 1.

The public will have a chance to view the working dock, the heritage site where generations of workers would arrive at the cannery and capture the first glimpse of their workplace and home for the summer.

Seven years of reconstruction and conservation work has gone into the working dock with an estimated budget of $2.3 million.

Lesley Moore, the general manager of the cannery said the public can view the working dock from two viewpoints to get a sneak peak of what is coming for those who are interested in the process.

“I thought it was a great opportunity to say to people, come on out, see what we’ve been doing over the winter. Stretch your legs and enjoy the view,” Moore said.

It’s also an opportunity to see the work being done by Steve Milum, the manager of conservation and operations. Since March, he has been working on reconstructing the cannery with a crew of 16 workers who are a part of a newly funded carpentry program.

The North Pacific Cannery Industry Trades Training and Conservation Project has received at least $800,000 in support from the province and other partnerships in the area.

“It’s a big win. It’s paid in large part through the EI program and it supports the cannery, which is a huge community space,” Milum said.

On opening day, the public can learn more about Milum’s conservation project, they can also grab a bite to eat at the cafe and staff will be around for anyone who wants a guided tour of the cannery.

Admission on opening day is by donation and after the celebration the cannery will be open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from May to June.