The small craft harbours in B.C.: Substantial benefits to the economy, First Nations and coastal communities - Summary report

Final report

Prepared for

Canada Fisheries and Oceans
Vancouver, BC

Prepared by

GSGislason & Associates Ltd.
Vancouver, BC

Report date: 9 March 2021

Summary

Background

• The Small Craft Harbour (SCH) program consists of 94 fishing harbours along coastal BC
  • 82 harbours managed by 57 Harbour Authorities (HAs), and
  • 12 additional harbours under the responsibility of DFO
• The SCH program plays an important role in the economies and social fabric of coastal communities

Study objectives and approach

• Objectives
  1. to assess the province-wide economic impacts of the SCH network of fishing harbours, and
  2. to describe the community benefits inc. benefits to First Nations that the network of facilities provides
• Approach
  • interview program with 20 individuals from Harbour Authorities and the fishing industry (including interviews with First Nations organizations)
  • analysis of boat counts, financial statements and other SCH information, review of existing reports

Economic impacts (Exhibit A following)

• $1,185 million expenditures associated with the 94 SCH fishing harbours for 2018 -
  • Commercial fishing: $888 million
  • Aquaculture: $143 million
  • Recreational boating: $84 million, and
  • Other $70 million.
• SCH harbour facility income of $18.5 million - $15.1 million operations plus $3.4 million DFO and Other
• Every $1 of income to SCH harbour facilities is associated with $64 in industry sales
• Total impacts including direct, indirect supplier, and induced consumer spending impacts from economic activities tied to SCH facilities are (see Exhibit A):
  • $1,090 million in Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
  • $625 million in wages and benefits, and 12,200 person-years of employment
• The majority of economic impacts flow from commercial fishing, processing and retailing whereas the majority of HA revenues come from recreational boaters

First Nations and community benefits (Exhibit B following)

• SCH harbours provide a focal point for community events and activities
• SCH harbours allow residents of remote aboriginal and non-aboriginal communities to travel to central communities to visit friends and families, obtain services and supplies, seek medical attention, attend events etc.
• SCH harbours benefit from substantial volunteerism, e.g., HA Boards of Directors, committees, projects
• Community self-reliance is enhanced and community partnerships are promoted
• Marine safety is fostered, emergency response capability is provided
• SCH harbours are part of the identity of coastal communities and contribute to the quality of life
• Significant benefits flow to First Nations - business income, wages, jobs and FSC harvesting opportunities
• Without the SCH facilities, government could not meet its goals and commitments to reconciliation and increasing economic opportunities for First Nations through fisheries access
• There are no other harbour facilities that could replace or substitute for the network of SCH facilities

Exhibit A: Economic impacts associated with British Columbia SCH harbours 2018

Exhibit B: First Nations and community benefits from the network of small craft harbours

• Economic stimulus to local economy
  • “working waterfront” jobs and income inc. fishing
  • HA operations and contract suppliers
  • groceries and other supply purchases by working vessels
  • tourist visitation
• First Nations benefits^{Footnote 1}
  • commercial fisheries including PICFI
  • FSC fishing and hunting opportunities
  • cultural events e.g., funeral processions, canoe races
  • access to ancestral burial grounds
• Essential service to intercommunity travel including First Nations travel
  • visiting friends and relatives
  • supplies to isolated communities e.g., lumber, groceries
  • access to schools and education, medical appointments
• Community events and activities
  • Van Isle 360 Yacht Race
  • “Festival of Lights” at Christmas
  • “Kids for Cancer” Herring Sale (Steveston)
  • Prawn festivals (e.g., False Creek and Cowichan Bay)
  • sailing clubs for children (e.g., Fanny Bay)
  • music festivals
  • “walking the floats”
• Safety and emergency response capability
  • safe refuge
  • Coast Guard Search and Rescue (SAR) stations
  • attend on-the-water emergencies e.g., BC Ferries ship sinking, Tofino whale watching boat sinking
• Enhancing community self-reliance
  • community planning and partnerships
  • engaging broader community
• Volunteerism
  • significant volunteer time and ethos