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Online Heritage Inventory

Britannia Shipyard - Phoenix Seine Net Loft

General Information
Thumbnail photograph of Britannia Shipyard - Phoenix Seine Net Loft
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Type of Resource: Building
Common Name: Britannia Shipyard - Phoenix Seine Net Loft
Address: 12451 Trites Road
Neighbourhood (Planning Area Name): Steveston
Construction Date: 1954
Current Owner: Municipal Government
Designated: Yes

Statement of Significance
Description of Site
The BC Packers Gill Net Loft is located on the original site of the Phoenix Cannery directly facing the foreshore of Steveston Channel. It is comprised of a massive rectangular wooden net shed with a hipped gable roof and shed addition, and any remains of net mending racks used in conjunction with the shed located on the east side.

 Statement of Values
The primary heritage value of the Phoenix gill net loft is its historical association to the canning and fishing industries in Steveston and its relationship to the other structures on the Britannia Shipyard site. Originally built as part of the Anglo-British Packing Company, its late construction date indicates the continued development of the Britannia site.
The use, repair and storage of fishing nets was an integral part of the of the fishing industry, and the net loft has aesthetic value as a good example of a structure constructed solely as a net mending and storage facility. Its massive size, large internal space, and wood piling foundation as a response to its location on the riverfront represent its use as a net loft.

 Character Defining Elements
Key elements that define the heritage character of the site include:
· The location of the gill net loft on the Steveston riverfront and its relationship to the river and the adjacent BC Packers Gill Net Loft
· The characteristics of the structure as it represents net mending and storage functions, including its scale, massing, and heavy timber construction
· Details of its construction such as the vertical board and batten siding, unique gabled hip roof design and wooden piling foundation
· The remains of the net mending racks which predate the shed but were used in conjunction with it, and which speak to its continuous use as a net mending structure.

 History
The BC Packers Gill Net Loft is located on the original site of the Phoenix Cannery directly facing the foreshore of Steveston Channel. It is comprised of a massive rectangular wooden net shed with a hipped gable roof and shed addition, and any remains of net mending racks used in conjunction with the shed located on the east side.

 Architectural Significance
Architectural Style
Working Industrial

 Building Type
Fishing Net Construction and Repair

 Design Features
The Phoenix Seine Loft is a massive rectangular building constructed on a wood piling foundation. The cladding is documented as being asbestos siding. The roof design is a unique kind of gabled hip and is covered in corrugated sheet metal. The windows are multi-paned wooden sash. The remains of a large number of wooden net mending racks are located in a tumult with marsh grasses on the east side of the structure. These racks predate the construction of the loft, but were used in conjunction with it.

 Construction Method
Wood frame construction. The roof type is considered unusual

 Landscape Significance
Landscape Element
Cultural landscape/Natural Environment

 Design Attributes
The site was originally part of the Fraser River marsh estuary, and has gone through extensive cultural modifications over the life of the Britannia Cannery and Shipyard. The site is an example of an evolved cultural landscape shaped through use by activity or occupancy, in this case, the fishing and boatbuilding industries. The relationship of the Phoenix Seine Loft to the river and the marsh is considered an important aspect of the landscape. The buildings and the boardwalk were originally constructed on piles above the marsh. The boardwalk served as the ‘main street’ for the Steveston riverfront. Much of the site today sits on land reclaimed through dredging operations in the 1950’s and ‘60’s, and there is evidence that a slough once cut through the site.

 Integrity
Alterations
The building has not been altered in conjunction with the development of Britannia Shipyard Park. The front deck and ramp was rebuilt in 1999. There are also wooden floats constructed to connect the Cannery and Shipyard building to the Seine Loft building and which continue on as a walkway to the west side of the Japanese Duplex.

 Original Location
Yes

 Condition
The building appears to be in good condition.

 Lost
No

 Documentation
Evaluated By
Denise Cook BLA, PBD (Public History)

 Date
Friday, November 3, 2000

 Documentation
Inventory Sheets by Foundation Group Designs, January 1990
“Heritage Inventory Phase II” by Foundation Group Designs May 1989
“Britannia Heritage Shipyard Park Concept Plan” Christopher Phillips and Associates 1992
Marilyn Clayton, personal communication, November 2000
Britannia Heritage Shipyard documents (various dates)

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