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Howe Sound Co-operative Cannery
Many small farms began to develop on the Sunshine Coast in the early 20th century, producing fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy products. One of the main crops grown during this time was berries. After World War I, there was an excess of berries on the market, leading farmers had to band together and collaborate to remain profitable. They decided to create the Howe Sound Co-operative Cannery in 1921 to locally process berries for jam. 150 shares were sold at $25 dollars each to get the enterprise started.
The jam produced on Henry Road won the British Empire Trophy its first year of production, and could soon be purchased throughout British Columbia. During the Depression, the cannery became an invaluable institution, as it provided a stable income to farmers and fairly well paying employment for cannery workers. The cannery operated until 1952, when it closed due to unfavourable economic changes, lack of cheap labour, and advances in technology that rendered it financially unstable.
Watch this video vignette to explore the sweet history of the Howe Sound Co-operative Cannery:
The jam produced on Henry Road won the British Empire Trophy its first year of production, and could soon be purchased throughout British Columbia. During the Depression, the cannery became an invaluable institution, as it provided a stable income to farmers and fairly well paying employment for cannery workers. The cannery operated until 1952, when it closed due to unfavourable economic changes, lack of cheap labour, and advances in technology that rendered it financially unstable.
Watch this video vignette to explore the sweet history of the Howe Sound Co-operative Cannery: