The Working Waterfront book project seeks the cooperation of Vancouver port businesses and organizations in creating a contemporary photographic record of the working waterfront. The intention is to provide a lasting historical document that registers the scope of the waterfront's social, physical and economic landscape.


I first started photographing on Vancouver's waterfront in the 1970s and 80s, when one could wander the docks, service roads and railway tracks unchallenged. In the post 9-11 world this is no longer possible. At the same time, 25 years later, Vancouver's identity as a port city appears diminished compared with efforts to promote it as a leisure, real estate and recreation destination. The book seeks to address this imbalance. 


I wish to thank the many businesses and organizations that have provided assistance so far, and hope these photographs will encourage cooperation from other businesses, organizations and individuals whose livelihoods are centred on the waterfront. The project aims for completion as a published book in the spring of 2016.