Cascadia Seaweed opened its Port Edward processing facility on May 14, 2026, culminating a multi-year development effort in northern British Columbia. The facility represents the company’s entry into regional processing capacity for seaweed-based agricultural products.
The project emerged from discussions that began in 2021 between Cascadia and the Metlakatla Development Corporation. Initial conversations explored opportunities to repurpose existing marine infrastructure in the Prince Rupert region. Over subsequent years, the parties conducted site visits, technical evaluations, and trials focused on kelp cultivation and processing systems.
Cascadia signed the lease for the Port Edward facility in March 2025. The company brought power online in January 2026 and conducted initial processing runs in March 2026. Secondary processing equipment was installed during the final commissioning phase in spring 2026.
The build phase encountered execution challenges typical of new infrastructure projects. Equipment delays and contractor issues required scope adjustments and budget revisions. The changes gave Cascadia more direct control over installation and commissioning activities. Full operational capacity is projected for summer 2026.
Michael Williamson, CEO and co-founder of Cascadia Seaweed, described the facility as a milestone in building an integrated seaweed agricultural inputs company in Canada. He said the company developed operations incrementally from cultivation through advanced processing. With the facility operational, Cascadia plans to focus on market expansion in North American agriculture sectors.
The facility processes rapidly perishable seaweed biomass, addressing a technical challenge in scaling seaweed agriculture. Cascadia positions its products for use as agricultural inputs, targeting markets where seaweed-derived materials can serve as alternatives to conventional products.
The Port Edward location provides access to marine resources and existing infrastructure in the Prince Rupert region. The facility supports Cascadia’s strategy of establishing northern processing capacity as part of a diversified coastal economy.
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