Strategic investments in food infrastructure are helping strengthen regional food systems, support local jobs, and create new opportunities for communities across British Columbia.

With support from the Food Storage, Distribution and Retail Program, The Dock+ Food Hub expansion in Port Alberni is increasing seafood processing capacity, improving food security, and helping create new opportunities for coastal producers.

The Dock+ is a shared food processing facility serving seafood producers, food businesses, and communities throughout the region. Completed in May 2026, the expansion included the addition of a High-Pressure Processing (HPP) machine, helping unlock new possibilities for seafood processing and distribution on the West Coast.

For Larry Johnson, President of Nuu-chah-nulth Seafood LP, The Dock+ has become an important regional asset.

“This food hub has been actually an amazing asset to the Valley,” said Johnson. “I was really pleased that we were able to connect many different agencies and groups of the province. The province came in and played a role.”

The expansion represents a collaborative effort between indigenous partners, industry, and government. Funding support from the Province of British Columbia, alongside investments from the Port Alberni Port Authority and Kuunna (a partnership between Nova Harvest and Huu-ay-aht First Nations) helped bring the project to life.

Expanding opportunities for West Coast seafood

A key component of The Dock+ expansion is the installation of a High-Pressure Processing machine. The technology uses extremely high water pressure to help preserve food quality, improve safety, and extend shelf life without the use of heat.

JP Hastey, President of Nova Harvest, helped bring this innovative technology to Port Alberni as part of the Dock+ expansion. The HPP machine will support new seafood processing opportunities, including oyster shucking and the creation of frozen half-shell and fresh oyster products.

“HPP is a technology that we are employing to pressure shuck oysters for separating meat from shell,” said Hastey. “That will create two products for us. One will be for frozen, half shell, and then another will be fresh meat tubs.”

The ability to process and freeze seafood products will help producers access new markets through cold supply chains that are difficult to reach with live products.

“Going forward, we’re going to be able to use this technology to create new products for the shellfish industry that can ship farther more efficiently, reduce carbon footprint, and elevate oyster growers up and down the coast,” said Hastey.

Building a stronger coastal food system

Beyond increasing seafood processing capacity, The Dock+ expansion is helping address broader challenges facing regional food systems.

“The opportunity for the Valley is for more jobs,” said Johnson. “Food security is a big thing these days, especially after COVID.”

By bringing together modern technology, local expertise, and collaborative partnerships, The Dock+ is helping create new pathways for BC-grown seafood to reach more consumers while supporting economic opportunities in coastal communities.