First Nations buying Shearwater Marina in BC

[MurrayM]

This thread is in danger of being locked.

White people have bought businesses and failed and there have been hostile takeovers with adverse effects...nobody groups them all into one category and says, "they" screwed up.

Please check your racism, unintended or otherwise, at the door

 

[OldDan1943]

A very good idea if everyone accepts the arrangement.

Though I saw a situation here where a local aboriginal corporation employed an experienced non aboriginal orchardist to manage their orchard. Some in the corporation resented,very strongly,a non aboriginal issuing instructions and managing generally, including financial management; he was forced for his own safety to abandon his job and urgently leave town. Ended badly for both Manager and Corporation.

The failure was with the corporation. It would only work if he has the backing the entire board at least for a trial period.
When you and I think about it, we were employed at the convenience of our employer. Do our job, make a profit, why would anyone complain?

Perhaps the board should have employed this person to train others?

I am done. I do not wish offend anyone.

 

[CompuNerd]

Well, to get all meta, your judgment of my judgment is judgmental. So there.

Running a marina has challenges. It's also not rocket surgery. I think the First Nations owners should have every opportunity to make a go of it. Heroes can and do rise from the regulars.

 

[soin2la]

Running a marina has challenges. It's also not rocket surgery. I think the First Nations owners should have every opportunity to make a go of it. Heroes can and do rise from the regulars.

Correct.
The BC First Nations have a proven learning and expertise in aquaculture, resorts, major multi million dollar development projects, malls, housing, construction and many other enterprises. I’ve yet to see a rundown casino.

This is not the 1950s and First Nations people, including the Heiltsuk, are not as uneducated and lacking in business savvy as some would have us believe.

They have the resources, to engage those who know more, if and when needed.

In this endeavor, I believe it will be a smooth transition and long lasting success. My money says it will become an attraction, not just a convenient watering stop.

 

[MurrayM]

...This is not the 1950s and First Nations people, including the Heiltsuk, are not as uneducated and lacking in business savvy as some would have us believe...

Add to that recovery time from 70% of Central and North Coast First Nations People dying in the 1860's from smallpox, children then being taken away to residential schools, it being illegal for First Nations to own businesses, it being illegal for a lawyer to work for a First Nations person...well, you get the point.

The playing field starts to level out when you can not only hire a lawyer, but you can become one yourself.

 

[Peter B]

Dear people, that would be a really good place and note for this thread to end on, if you take my meaning..?

 

[EngNate]

Well, take it easy Pete, one or two thought something they cared about might be being maligned and that hasn't gone on here. The topic impacts thousands of PNW boaters and likely hundreds of TF members. It is the most important marine facility over about 300 miles of coast.

Anyhow, there's a small update on that, and a related local one: As early as:

July 9: Self isolation requirements for returning residents will be lifted
July 23: Travel to Bella Bella & Shearwater by BC residents will be permitted
Aug 1: Travel to Bella Bella & Shearwater by Canadian residents will be permitted

Proof of vax may be required of travelers. Mask mandates are still in place. A timeline for gatherings is being considered.

This week the HEDC people had a meeting with SW employees, the first communication they have had regarding the continuance of business, and their jobs. They announced that the current operations and employees' roles and jobs would be unchanged in the transition. I haven't had time to query more than one person at this point, an HFN guy, and his sentiments were positive. (Overall, though, the rank-and-file Heiltsuk aren't putting much hope into it.)

The Bridgeview guy did buy the Central Coaster, along with the tug and barges, and is taking over the leased terminal in Port Hardy. That business has been the biggest profit maker of the whole show for the last 10 years.
HFN is taking over the leased office/warehouse in Richmond. I don't know what they will want that for, it has been the corporate and marketing office and freight depot. Probably no choice on that with the lease. It must be pricey, adjacent to YVR. They are getting the four water taxis and the charter boat Pacific Lure.

Sorry I don't have any word on the marina opening, should know a bit more next week.

 

[soin2la]

I still say there are some smart people behind this and it will be a very successful takeover and the "rank and file" will not only come around but benefit.

The Richmond site is a prime spot and they most likely already have potential long term tenants lined up, or maybe a leaseback to Widsten, for the short term.

I wonder if ASD will be stopping in on his way back.

 

[firehoser75]

I agree with Nate. This "marina" (and facilities) is the only full marine facility on the central coast of BC with the nearest other one being miles and miles away. I did not see the discussions here about potential "issues" with new owners being anything but discussing potential challenges and learning curves for any people new to these types of operations. It is very possible that the new owners do have available to them people who are experienced in these types of operations.

Not everything is about "other issues". And not ALWAYS are inappropriate things being diliberately meant in discussions on this thread or even others. Hard as it is to believe, sometimes when for example shovels are being discussed, there are no hidden meanings or insults intended or otherwise. The subject is simply about tools and digging holes. In this case, I hear people discussing their concern for an important stop over for repairs and provisioning, and the learning curve that may be facing new owners. Any new owners. JMHO.
I truly wish the new owners good fortune and hope the experience at Shearwater actually improves, as I think it will.

 

[BandB]

I truly wish the new owners good fortune and hope the experience at Shearwater actually improves, as I think it will.

I wish them the best and hope they're successful. Taking over a single marina and making it profitable and successful is a very difficult challenge.

 

[rsn48]

White people have bought businesses and failed and there have been hostile takeovers with adverse effects...nobody groups them all into one category and says, "they" screwed up.


James Cameron ruined a wonderful little winery - Beaufort Winery. This winery is just north of Comox. We used to love every wine this little place produced, after a few years under Cameron's hand, sadly we ended up not liking any of the wines.

A Hollywood director is putting his Comox Valley winery up for sale.

James Cameron, director, producer, writer and editor, whose successes include multi-award-winning movies Avatar and Titanic, purchased Beaufort Vineyard and Estate Winery north of Courtenay in February 2014 for $2.7 million.

The 84-acre property, which includes buildings, a tasting room, wine bar and equipment, is now on the market for $5.6 million.

 

[EngNate]

Been buried in work lately and just getting to another update. Attached is Shearwater's published reopening plan which is posted on their website. Barring an unexpected covid spike, moorage will reopen July 23, and I understand they are nearly if not completely booked up. So far, the transition is smooth and all the staff, long-timers and new hires, have positive and hopeful attitudes. New faces include Heiltsuk who have moved back home from the city to work there. Shipyard workers from the village who've been rehired are happy to be back and others are happy about the prospect of going back soon. There is an air of "New Shearwater" in the matrix. But we have to wait and see about the executive management. I haven't met any of them and don't have a feel, only what I get from others (Heiltsuk), which is all anecdotal. I'll be spending a couple weeks on that side soon.

View attachment Shearwater-Opening-COVID-19-Summer-2021-final-.pdf

 

[soin2la]

Thank you for this, it is the kind of positive, oars in the water report I expected. I hope there continues to be "an air of "New Shearwater."

 

[kevin_j]

Is the boat yard open again?

 

[EngNate]

The shipyard is in operation but somewhat limited on available space and services. There is a mechanic. An electrical guy - that's me - is usually available but not on site all the time. Some welding/fabrication and fiberglass work can be done. The old-timer mechanic Rex is gone, and the other, Lorne, went with the tugs and barges. Most of the work being done in the yard is DIY.

 

[kevin_j]

The shipyard is in operation but somewhat limited on available space and services. There is a mechanic. An electrical guy - that's me - is usually available but not on site all the time. Some welding/fabrication and fiberglass work can be done. The old-timer mechanic Rex is gone, and the other, Lorne, went with the tugs and barges. Most of the work being done in the yard is DIY.

Awesome! I'm deciding if I want to haul out in Campbell River or Shearwater. Be doing my own work, so DIY works