For Immediate Release – December 9, 2014
One year after hatchery fire, significant progress made
Local salmon hatchery rises from the ashes
It was one year ago, on December 11, 2013, that fire ripped through the Mossom Creek Hatchery and Education Centre located in Port Moody, BC. The fire completely destroyed the hatchery building and contents, including over 150,000 chum, coho and pink salmon eggs. The hatchery also had to put its 37 year salmon enhancement program on hold along with a successful Salmon Club run by local Centennial High School students.
The loss of this facility was a deep blow to many near and far. It was clear that the hatchery had to be rebuilt and that the assistance of a generous community would make this possible. Over the past year, the volunteer hatchery rebuild team has worked diligently to fundraise and also assist with actual construction. The first floor is nearing completion and may be ready to receive chum eggs as early as next week. The full hatchery and education facility will be open by late spring. The innovative 2 storey design will accommodate new programming, as well as allow several longstanding programs to continue.
This remarkably quick rise from the ashes would not have been possible without the help of hundreds of local volunteers, donors, community groups, businesses and corporate sponsors. As a way to celebrate this one year milestone, the Burrard Inlet Marine Enhancement Society will be hosting a Holiday Open House on Sunday, December 21st from 10:30 am – 1:30 pm. Visitors will be greeted with a tour of the building site and are asked to bring a donation for the local food bank.
About BIMES
Established in 1976, the Mossom Creek Hatchery site is recognized as the longest running community hatchery in the Salmonid Enhancement Program of Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
The Burrard Inlet Marine Enhancement Society (BIMES) is a 100% volunteer-run organization that focuses on education and stewardship activities in the Burrard Inlet area. BIMES manages the Mossom Creek site and has developed programming to support hundreds of students and community members each year through hands on learning activities that take place on site, in the watershed, and in “stream to sea” programs around the Burrard Inlet.
More information about BIMES and the Mossom Creek Hatchery & Education Centre can be found at www.mossomcreek.org. Directions are on the website.
If you would like to support the rebuild effort, tax-deductible donations can be made online at http://www.mossomcreek.org or by sending a cheque to Mossom Creek Hatchery, 300 Ioco Road, Port Moody, BC, V3H 2V7. Please make cheque payable to “Port Moody Foundation” with “Mossom Creek Hatchery” in the memo line.
Media Contact:
Tracy Green
Burrard Inlet Marine Enhancement Society
