From Vision to Commissioning
The Port Edward Story
Our relationship with the Metlakatla First Nation and the Metlakatla Development Corporation (MDC) began in 2021, as early discussions emerged around the potential for a northern hub of aquaculture and processing operations. What started as exploratory conversations has evolved over several years of sustained engagement, site visits, technical collaboration, and joint evaluation of infrastructure opportunities in the Prince Rupert region.
From the outset, discussions with MDC have focused on exploring how existing marine infrastructure and licensed tenures could be repurposed to support a more diversified and resilient coastal economy. Over time, this dialogue has included trials, funding collaborations, environmental baseline work, and ongoing evaluation of integrated aquaculture systems, including kelp cultivation and a processing capacity.
A consistent theme throughout this period has been the shared focus on long-term opportunity rather than short-term transactions. This has included parallel progress on permitting, early-stage site trials, and technical planning for processing infrastructure capable of handling rapidly perishable seaweed biomass at scale.
The Port Edward processing facility emerged within this broader context as a strategic opportunity to establish northern processing capacity. In 2024, Cascadia strengthened its regional presence with the appointment of Dan Pedde as Project Manager, Northern Developments.
In March 2025, Cascadia signed the lease for the Port Edward facility, formally advancing the project from planning into construction and commissioning. Since then, the facility has progressed through installation, commissioning, and early system validation, including turning on the power in January 2026 and first “practice runs” of seaweed processing in March 2026.
As with many first-of-kind infrastructure projects, the build phase has included execution challenges with contractors, including equipment delays and resulting scope adjustments. These changes led to a revised project plan and modest budget escalation, while ultimately increasing direct control over installation and commissioning activities.
By spring 2026, the facility had completed its final stages of commissioning, with secondary processing equipment installed. The grand opening celebration took place on May 14, 2026, marking an important milestone in the development of Cascadia's northern processing capability. Full operational capacity is expected by summer 2026.
From left to right...
Mayor Knut Bjorndal of the District of Port Edward, Ed Quilty Chair of the Cascadia Seaweed Board, Michael Williamson CEO and Co-founder Cascadia Seaweed, Fanny Nelson Edler from Metlakatla First Nation, Dan Pedde Project Manager of Northern Developments, Cascadia Seaweed.
Photo by Lonnie Wishart, Courtesy of Cascadia Seaweed
“This facility represents a significant milestone in building a fully integrated seaweed-based agricultural inputs company in Canada,” says Michael Williamson, CEO and Co-founder of Cascadia Seaweed. “We’ve built this business step by step from cultivation through to advanced processing, overcoming the challenges of scaling within this sector. With the facility now operational, our focus shifts toward expanding market adoption and growing our presence in agriculture markets, starting with North America.”
Importantly, Cascadia and MDC continue to explore potential joint venture structures for both farming and processing operations. The relationship continues to evolve, grounded in ongoing collaboration, shared objectives, and a long-term view of regional industry development.
