News
27.03.2026
Cermaq BC Leadership meet with Gold River Mayor and Council
Strengthening relationships with the communities where we operate
On March 3, 2026, Cermaq BC Managing Director David Kiemele and Corporate Relations Director Jennifer Woodland travelled to Gold River to meet with local Mayor Michael Lott and Council (Councillors Peter Wehmeier, Alison Pringle, Nikki Pichert and Henry Fossen). The meeting marked an important milestone following the merger as it was the first introduction of Cermaq’s vision for the combined company and its continued presence in the region.
A Long-Standing Relationship with Gold River
Although this was Cermaq’s first formal meeting with the municipal leadership, Grieg Seafood BC has had deep ties to the community for more than two decades. Over that time, the company has been a significant employer in the area and an important contributor to the local economy.
Maintaining a positive and constructive relationship with local governments is essential for Cermaq. Communities like Gold River are not just locations where we operate — they are important allies.
Conversations with local leaders help ensure that municipalities understand the work we do, the people we employ, and the economic role we play in their community. Support from local governments also helps ensure we can continue to innovate and grow in a responsible way.
A Community Built on Resource Industries
The Village of Gold River has a unique and resilient history. The community was originally built in the mid-1960s as a planned town to support a pulp and paper mill, quickly growing into a thriving resource-based community on Vancouver Island.
When the pulp mill closed in 1998, the town faced a major economic transition. Since then, Gold River has worked to diversify its economy through tourism, outdoor recreation, forestry, and aquaculture while maintaining its strong sense of community identity.
Today, Gold River is home to roughly 1,200 residents and serves as a gateway to the historic waters of Nootka Sound and the surrounding wilderness of Vancouver Island’s west coast.
Looking to the Future
Like many small coastal communities, Gold River depends on stable local employment and economic opportunities. Aquaculture provides that.
Without continued investment and activity from salmon farming, communities like Gold River could face further population decline and fewer opportunities — a challenge many BC resource-based towns, including Gold River, have already experienced in the past several decades.
For us, maintaining a strong presence in communities like Gold River is about more than just business. It’s about supporting local jobs, contributing to community stability, and working collaboratively to ensure coastal communities continue to thrive into the future.
Continuing the Conversation
The March 3 meeting was an opportunity to build relationships, share perspectives, and strengthen collaboration with the Village of Gold River.
We look forward to continuing these conversations with Gold River’s Mayor and Council and working together to support the future of sustainable aquaculture.
