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

Duane KennettWharfage Manager

About Duane

Duane Kennett, Wharfage Manager (2007)

Duane oversees the Cove’s primary products and services – marina and haul outs – and he loves what he does. With deep experience in management and having completed two levels of AMI’s Certified Marina Operator course, he ensures that customers have a great experience at every point along their journey.

“I get to interact with customers and hear their wonderful stories – I feel like I get to contribute to their enjoyment of boating. I also feel fortunate to be a member of BC’s boating industry, which shares great camaraderie. What’s not to love?”

Previous Roles & Certifications:

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

• 16 years as a Store Manager at Rexall.

Phil BowersController

About Phil

Phil Bowers, Controller (2017)

Every team needs a great numbers person and that’s what Phil Bowers is for us. A Chartered Professional Accountant, Phil manages our books and systems, and keeps things running smoothly across our operations.

“Canoe Cove Marina is a fun place to work. The boating community is vibrant and there is a passion for all things marine.”

Previous Roles & Certifications:

• Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA)

• 18+ years of progressive experience in different industries including real estate, high tech, health care, and public practice.

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!

Gary ZulaufMaintenance Supervisor

About Gary

Gary Zulauf, Maintenance Supervisor (2012)

Great marinas and boatyards rely on great infrastructure and maintenance and Gary is our guru. When it comes to rebuilding and maintaining anything on site, his lifetime of experience ensures it’s done to the highest standard, and with a ton of passion.

“I love being outside all day and I love being part of the boats that come and go, and working with all of the characters in the yard. I live on my 38ft sailboat and take her out every week religiously – I love everything about it!”

Previous Roles & Certifications:

• Inboard/Outboard Technician, BCIT

• Travel Lift Operator

• Years of experience in the industry across Canada including eight years with the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority

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.”

Riley TurchetTravel Lift Operator

About Riley

Riley Turchet, Travel Life Operator (2019)

Riley is the newest addition to the team, working at the Cove has been his introduction to the marine industry and the boating lifestyle. Now that he’s experienced what it’s like to work with boats, he’s definitely got the bug!

“I love working with boats and being on and around the water. This is a great environment and a great community of people – I love the lifestyle!”

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!