There are 3 docks in Crofton, BC, the public boat launch dock, the much larger BC Ferries loading/unloading dock for service between Crofton, BC & Vesuvius on Salt Spring Island and finally there is a modest Federal Fisheries & Oceans Canada dock used primarily by the fisherman and local boaters that wish to leave their boat in the water for longer periods of time.
The Federal Fisheries & Oceans Canada dock was in need of some upgrades and repairs so in came the crew from Salish Sea Industrial Services to look after the repairs!
Here’s an archived view of the dock being repaired.
More about Salish Sea Industrial Services.
Salish Sea Industrial Services is a marine industrial services company based in Victoria, British Columbia.
Background and Ownership
Founded in 2012, the company was established by Chief Andrew Thomas of the Esquimalt Nation, the late Chief Robert Sam of the Songhees Nation, and Ian Maxwell from the Ralmax Group of Companies. It’s a joint venture partnership between the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations (with significant Indigenous ownership) and the Ralmax Group. Salish Sea is a proud Registered Aboriginal Business (also known as an Indigenous-owned business) and operates as a private, tax-paying corporation. It has been recognized for its contributions, including winning Joint Venture Business of the Year at the 2014 BC Aboriginal Business Awards.
What They Do
They specialize in marine industrial services, particularly pile driving and dredging, but offer a broader range of work focused on marine and waterfront projects around Vancouver Island and the region.
Key services include:
- Marine construction (e.g., building and repairing wharves, docks, and barge terminals)
- Pile driving and drilling
- Dredging
- Water and land-based construction
- Maintenance, restoration, and deconstruction/demolition
- Marine safety and support
- Equipment rental and supply
- Employment and training programs (they provide skilled trades and general labour training/placement for the Victoria industrial market, supporting local Indigenous employment)
They’ve been involved in projects like repairing facilities in Victoria’s Inner Harbour (e.g., Ship Point), removing derelict and abandoned boats along BC’s coast (including funded federal programs in areas like Pender Harbour and Sooke), and other marine construction/repair jobs. Their work often emphasizes reliable, high-quality, on-time delivery in tight marine environments.
Yeah! But what’s the real scoop?
Well, I’ll tell ya. I got a chance to visit with, talk to and ask all the dumb questions almost daily while they were working on the project! The crew was open to answer, share the plan, keep us informed and just generally pleasant to see down at the waterfront. I would welcome them to administer almost any project they felt qualified to do!
The time they took, to attend to the inquiries of this old man who visits the waterfront daily was greatly appreciated, the waves, the hellos and the genuine friendship is greatly appreciated. Special thanks to John & Sam!
Have a great day everybody! Stay safe around the water!