Team - Canoe Cove Marina

Don PrittieGeneral Manager

Don Prittie, General Manager (2004)

Don is a veteran of the marine industry in British Columbia with decades of experience in senior leadership roles with organizations up and down the Coast. His vast experience has helped to lead the evolution of the Cove from a traditional marina and boatyard to a unique marine village. Don’s passion for the industry extends beyond his career and his personal love of boating, and includes countless hours of volunteer work to support boating in BC.

“I love being surrounded by people who love boats and who work in the boating industry. There is nothing you can do that is as relaxing, challenging and beautiful as boating in British Columbia. I started boating when I was six and never looked back!”

Previous Roles & Certifications:

• VP Operations, Oak Bay Marine Group

• GM, Young Life’s Malibu Club & Malibu Yacht Charters

• Certified Marina Operator, Association of Marina Industries, Level Two

Volunteer Work:

• President, Boating BC Association

• Past Board Chair, Greater Victoria Harbour Authority

• Past President, Maritime Museum of BC

Kelly LovellCustomer Service

About Kelly

Kelly Lovell, Customer Service (1980)

An institution at the Cove, Kelly started in 1980 in parts and service. Today he continues in his servicing role and is the first line of contact for customer inquiries.

“I love working in a place where no two days are the same. I enjoy meeting people from all over the world when they bring their boats here, and I really enjoy my co-workers, we have a great team!”

Previous Roles & Certifications:

• Over 40 years at the Cove…. enough said!

Jonathan ParkerWharfage Manager

About Jonathan

Jonathan Parker, Wharfage Manager

Having grown up on Vancouver Island, Jon has always been drawn to the sea and the communities around it. He has worked in many sectors of the marine industry from yacht clubs and search and rescue to commercial diving and manufacturing, and is well-suited to the position of Wharfage Manager at Canoe Cove.

“Visiting marinas has always been a highlight for me and I am really excited to be part of the team at Canoe Cove!”

Dereck KeenanSr Travel Lift Operator & Boatyard Supervisor

About Dereck

Dereck Keenan, Travel Lift Operator (2011)

Operating a 75 ton travel lift is not a task taken lightly. Fortunately for us, Dereck stepped into the role with a cool confidence and he hasn’t looked back. With a unique passion for both cruising in power boats and sailing, it’s no surprise that he loves hauling boats and working in the yard.

“I love my job; I get to be outside and work with machinery. There is a great community of people here and they keep things interesting and fun.”

FidoCanoe Cove Mascot

About Fido

Fido, Canoe Cove Mascot (2011)

This handsome yellow lab puts a smile everyone’s face who crosses his path. A retired service dog, he was sponsored as a puppy into the service program by FIDO, the telecommunications company, and the name stuck. He comes to work with his dad, Dereck Keenan, every day and enjoys lazy afternoons in the boat yard… and the occasional treat!

Phil MavisFacilities Manager

About Phil

Phil Mavis, Facilities Manager

Never far from the ocean, Phil grew up in different parts of Vancouver Island from Cedar to Port Hardy. He worked at his father’s marine repair shop in Cedar when he was young, and put himself through university working at Seafood Products in Port Hardy. Phil and his wife live aboard their 42 Hallberg-Rassy sailboat, having spent the summer of 2022 circumnavigating Vancouver Island, which they did after completing a five-year sojourn from St. John, New Brunswick to the Bahamas and back, on their previous boat!

“I really am excited about the opportunity at Canoe Cove Marina and look forward to meeting our many customers and community members moving forward!”

Melinda CallaghanCustomer Service

About Melinda

Melinda Callaghan, Customer Service

Growing up in Port McNeil and other coastal communities on Vancouver Island, Melinda has never been too far from the ocean and various marine industries. Her first position at Canoe Cove was in our service department for many years after which she served in other positions as needed. She is now spending most of her time in the office in customer service welcoming customers, answering telephones and booking haul outs etc.

“I like working at the Cove because it feels like home!”

Ralph SteenstraWeekend Staff

About Ralph

Ralph Steenstra, Weekend Staff

A long time live aboard at Canoe Cove on his 42’ sailboat, Ralph had a varied career as an Airline Pilot, Oil Company Executive, Small Business owner, and now our ambassador manning the office on weekends. Ralph grew up in the Netherlands but has lived in British Columbia for 52 years. On his retirement, Ralph sailed single handedly from Canoe Cove Marina around the world which ended up being a seven and a half year journey covering 70 thousand nautical miles.

Jacob HillTraveLift Assistant

About Jacob

Jacob Hill, TraveLift Assistant

Jacob grew up in the Deep Cove area of North Saanich and has been working at the Cove for the last year as a TraveLift Assistant. Prior to joining us he worked in construction on Saltspring Island, spent some time working on computers and he has experience at another boatyard.

“I like working around machinery and being outside and I really like to pressure wash boats!”

Myles McMorranTraveLift Assistant

About Myles

Myles McMorran, TraveLift Assistant

Myles has lived in Sidney with his family for the last four years. No stranger to working heavy equipment, he has spent much of his career running machinery in the remote north – so he is excited to work in the marine environment and to be home every night with his wife and kids!

Cadence MansonMaintenance Tech

About Cadence

Cadence Manson, Maintenance Tech

Cadence was raised in Nanaimo but recently moved to Brentwood Bay and came looking for work in the marine environment. Cadence likes the variety that comes with his position and is keen to learn new things every day.

“I like the energy I get from other staff, customers and marina tenants.” He is getting very used to saying “Good Afternoon!” as everyone is so friendly!