The vibrant Village of Steveston, B.C., touted as Canada's largest commercial fishing harbour, owes at least some of its charm to Prince Rupert.

Like many fishing villages on B.C.'s coast, Steveston, part of the Vancouver suburb of Richmond, had a long and proud tradition, which changes to the industry were threatening. 

Approximately 10 years ago, the Steveston Harbour Authority decided to face the challenges head-on.

"Since then, we have collected and gathered and established all kinds of fishing businesses and secondary services for the fishing and the marine industry right here in one publicly-owned site in Steveston," said Robert Kiesman, harbour authority chair, in a promotional video.

That effort also attracted $50 million in capital investment from industrial and government partners to consolidate the local industry.

There are now 45 businesses on site involved in every aspect of the fishing industry from the traditional salmon fishery to tourism. 

But it wasn't all about business.

"As part of this expansion and investment in the fishing industry, we were looking for a way to 鈥減retty up the place,鈥� as we operate an industrial site in an urban setting," Kiesman told The Northern View.

On a trip back to Prince Rupert a few years ago, Kiesman, who grew up in Rupert and worked in the fishing industry, was inspired.

"I was amazed at how the murals have improved the look of the town," he recalled. "We were particularly inspired by the murals created by Jeff King, the same talented artist you worked with, that we decided to bring him on board for our own mural projects."

Steveston now has four large murals and many other smaller ones enhancing the look of the harbour.

"It is our hope to infuse our local area with the same level of creativity and vibrancy that you have achieved in Prince Rupert," he said.