AECOM to oversee transformation of the iconic King Fahd International Stadium
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DALLAS — AECOM (NYSE: ACM), the trusted global infrastructure leader, today announced its continued collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Sport for site supervision consultancy services at the iconic King Fahd Sport City in Riyadh. This partnership comes as Saudi Arabia prepares to host two major international tournaments: the AFC Asian Cup 2027 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup™. AECOM will oversee the transformation of the stadium into a premier venue.
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'As Saudi Arabia accelerates towards the Kingdom's Vision 2030, we're proud to deepen our collaboration with the Ministry of Sport on this iconic project,' said Lara Poloni, AECOM's president. 'Around the world, strategic investments in infrastructure are driving growth and resilience, and this transformation reflects how sport can be a powerful catalyst for creating opportunity and improving communities.'
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Known as the 'Pearl of Stadiums,' the stadium has been a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia's sports culture since its opening in 1987. Drawing from its extensive global experience in sports infrastructure, AECOM will guide the enhancement to meet FIFA's rigorous standards, ensuring the stadium's readiness for prestigious international events. These upgrades will further solidify its position as a premier sports venue, aligned with the Kingdom's growing sports ambitions and the broader goals of Kingdom's Vision 2030, which is harnessing sports to drive economic growth, enhance quality of life, and strengthen communities.
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'Our collaboration with the Ministry of Sport highlights AECOM's commitment to delivering world-class infrastructure,' said Hamed Zaghw, chief executive of AECOM's Middle East and Africa region. 'By leveraging our expertise from major international events like the 2022 Qatar World Cup™, the 2012 global sporting event in London and 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, combined with AECOM Hunt's construction management experience on some of the world's most renowned sports facilities, we are proud to contribute to transforming the King Fahd Sports City into a global benchmark.'
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AECOM Hunt will serve as a key consulting partner in the stadium's transformation and brings extensive expertise managing the construction of sports and entertainment venues across the United States, including the Intuit Dome, Lucas Oil Stadium, Mercedes Benz Stadium and SoFi Stadium. With over 140 stadium projects in their portfolio, AECOM Hunt will provide unique insights to support a successful delivery of this landmark stadium.
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About AECOM
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AECOM (NYSE: ACM) is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients' complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams' partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2024. Learn more at aecom.com.
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All statements in this communication other than statements of historical fact are 'forward-looking statements' for purposes of federal and state securities laws, including any statements of the plans, strategies and objectives for future operations, profitability, strategic value creation, capital allocation strategy including stock repurchases, risk profile and investment strategies, and any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance, and the expected financial and operational results of AECOM. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ materially from those projected or assumed in any of our forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results, performance and achievements, or industry results to differ materially from estimates or projections contained in our forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following: our business is cyclical and vulnerable to economic downturns and client spending reductions; potential government shutdowns, changes in administration or other funding directives and circumstances that may cause governmental agencies to modify, curtail or terminate our contracts; losses under fixed-price contracts; limited control over operations that run through our joint venture entities; liability for misconduct by our employees or consultants; changes in government laws, regulations and policies, including failure to comply with laws or regulations applicable to our business; maintaining adequate surety and financial capacity; potential high leverage and inability to service our debt and guarantees; ability to continue payment of dividends; exposure to political and economic risks in different countries, including tariffs and trade policies, geopolitical events, and conflicts; inflation, currency exchange rates and interest rate fluctuations; changes in capital markets and stock market volatility; retaining and recruiting key technical and management personnel; legal claims and litigation; inadequate insurance coverage; environmental law compliance and adequate nuclear indemnification; unexpected adjustments and cancellations related to our backlog; partners and third parties who may fail to satisfy their legal obligations; managing pension costs; AECOM Capital real estate development projects; cybersecurity issues, IT outages and data privacy; risks associated with the benefits and costs of the sale of our Management Services and self-perform at-risk civil infrastructure, power construction and oil and gas businesses, including the risk that any purchase adjustments from those transactions could be unfavorable and result in any future proceeds owed to us as part of the transactions could be lower than we expect; as well as other additional risks and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements set forth in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof. We do not intend, and undertake no obligation, to update any forward-looking statement.
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Contacts
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Media Contact:
Brendan Ranson-Walsh
Senior Vice President, Global Communications
213.996.2367
Brendan.Ranson-Walsh@aecom.com
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The Province
24 minutes ago
- The Province
Canucks: Do Stuart Skinner's struggles raise Thatcher Demko's value?
Stuart Skinner is getting badly outplayed. So does that mean Thatcher Demko has more value? Get the latest from Patrick Johnston straight to your inbox Stuart Skinner is getting badly outplayed, so does that mean Thatcher Demko has more value? Photo by Steph Chambers / Getty Images In trying to understand the state of the NHL goalie market in the context of the ongoing Stanley Cup Final, you can absolutely look at the performance of Stuart Skinner. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors The Edmonton Oilers' main goalie has had a rough last two games. His team now trails the best-of-seven series 2-1 to the Florida Panthers. The Oilers' struggles the past two games are not all on Skinner, but you're not alone if you've thought, 'Man, the Oilers sure could have used a few big saves tonight.' Of course, Skinner hasn't exactly had a lot of help. According to Clear Sight Analytics, the Panthers have generated 27 high-danger chances through just three games — the Oilers gave up just 28 in the whole of the Dallas series last round, 32 across the five games of the Vegas series. That's a lot. If you're going to stick with below-average goaltending, you've got to defend in front better The Oilers have made a choice over the years to not chase after a high-profile netminder. They have stuck it out the past two seasons, paying a combined $3.5 million to Skinner and backup Calvin Pickard, basically a third of what the Panthers pay to just their undisputed No. 1 goalie Sergei Bobrovsky. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Calvin Pickard takes to the ice as Stuart Skinner is benched during the third period of Game Three Photo by Bruce Bennett / Getty Images It will be interesting to see what Florida GM Bill Zito does this summer. Bobrovsky's big contract comes to an end, and it wasn't a deal signed by Zito, rather by his predecessor Dale Tallon (who is now a Canucks senior adviser, for the record). You can look at the choice the Oilers have made with their goalies and note two things: First, that they've made two Stanley Cup Finals back-to-back with this tandem, so maybe goalies are an area you should hold your salary cap line on. But second, that maybe they should have found themselves a goalie that costs a little more? If they do go hunting for an upgrade, even a small one, will that happen this summer? There isn't exactly a surge of goalies coming available in free agency soon — but there could be a number of names available in the summer of 2026. And there are lessons here for the Canucks. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Why pay premium in the summer when you can shop before the (2026) deadline with a list that currently could include Demko, Markstrom, Bob, Gustavsson, Stolarz, Nedeljkovic, Brossoit, Andersen, Talbot and Ingram,' posits InGoal Magazine's Kevin Woodley. 'Sure, some will re-up, but that's a pretty good list to choose from ranging from great 1B to legit No. 1 starters.' Demko being in the list is a reminder of how the Canucks may have to make some choices in goal themselves: they've got Kevin Lankinen under contract, so half their tandem is clearly settled. But what's the thinking on Demko, who for all intents and purposes remains No. 1 on their depth chart, though he's coming off yet another injury-plagued season. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Alex Killorn of the Ducks is denied by Thatcher Demko and the post during April 5 meeting at Rogers Arena. Photo by Rich Lam / Getty Images In the moment, with the Canucks dreaming of becoming not just a playoff team again but a cup contender — with Quinn Hughes' future up in the air, how could they not push their chips in now? — you'd expect they'd want to hang on to Demko. When he's at his best, he's one of the NHL's best. But do the Canucks believe they can get his best? Or is he better suited to be a trade chip, especially when there aren't a ton of goalie options for other teams to choose from this summer? Of course, it's hard to fathom the Canucks trading Demko, even with his durability question marks, to a division rival. But what about other suitors, like say Utah? Or maybe just holding on to him altogether is the play: if he does recover his health, his form won't be far behind and if you get a big performance out of him you're going places. And if the task is to be a cup contender next year … But also: can you be a cup contender without a proper No. 2 centre? Can you find a No. 2 centre without including Demko in such a package? Having competent goaltending matters. How much it matters remains a question. But there's plenty of time to dig further into that. pjohnston@ Read More Vancouver Canucks Vancouver Whitecaps Sports Crime Local News


The Province
12 hours ago
- The Province
Hockey Canada trial verdict date set as defence questions woman's credibility
The lawyers representing five hockey players on trial for sexual assault called their accuser's evidence 'an exercise in fact-finding frustration.' Jane Sims Published Jun 10, 2025 • 6 minute read From left, Alex Formenton, Carter Hart, Dillon Dube, Cal Foote and Michael McLeod enter the London courthouse on May 20, 2025. (Photos by Mike Hensen and Derek Ruttan/The London Free Press) Digging through the testimony of a woman accusing Team Canada hockey players of sexual assault was, their lawyers say, 'an exercise in fact-finding frustration.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors In their closing arguments so far at the high-profile trial, defence teams for some players described to the judge how the complainant gave well-rehearsed, 'revisionist' answers to suit her 'agenda.' 'When you read through this witness's evidence, similarly to listening to it, it is an exercise in fact-finding frustration at every turn,' said Megan Savard, defence lawyer for goaltender Carter Hart. 'The manner of testifying obscures rather than illuminates the core of what she did, why she did it, what others did, how she felt and how and why she changed her account over time.' Savard said the way the woman testified was deliberate. 'The goal is to obscure because this witness knows that the truth will not serve her agenda, which is to see her non-consent story accepted and believed.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Savard made her comments at the conclusion of her argument Tuesday as the trial is in the home-stretch. Two more defence teams and the Crown still have to make arguments, but Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia set July 24 as the date for her ultimate decision. Hart, 26, Michael McLeod, 27, Alex Formenton, 25, Dillon Dube, 26, and Cal Foote, 26, all members of the 2018 championship team, have pleaded not guilty to sexual assault in connection with what happened in McLeod's room at the Delta Armouries hotel in London on June 18 and 19, 2018, where they were staying for a Hockey Canada gala and golf tournament. McLeod also has pleaded not guilty to a second charge of sexual assault for being a party to an offence. Consent is the central issue in the trial, which began in late April and has explored what happened at Jack's bar on Richmond Row, where McLeod met the woman – who was 20 at the time and whose identity is protected by court order – before bringing her back to the hotel for consensual sex. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The woman has testified she was intoxicated and forced into unwanted sexual activities when some of the team – up to 10 at one point – assembled in McLeod's room. The accused players have testified the woman was the aggressor, begging them for sexual activity. And, they say, all sex was consensual. Savard, Formenton's lawyer Daniel Brown and Dube's defence lawyer Lisa Carnelos all questioned the woman's credibility, pointing out she was often recalling what she was 'feeling' or 'thinking' or making assumptions based on her own character assessment. 'Once you realize what the witness is doing, it becomes impossible to accept any isolated, seemingly factual assertion about her state of mind at face value,' Savard said. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Brown echoed Savard's concerns about the woman's credibility, focusing on what happened between her and Formenton. 'This evidence in the case overwhelmingly establishes that (the woman) consented to have sex with Alex Formenton. (She) repeatedly asked someone in the room to have sex with her and Mr. Formenton agreed to do so, in private, away from the larger group with the use of a condom,' he added. 'They did this because she wanted to have sexual intercourse and he did this because he wanted to have sex. They both agreed. It's not complicated.' Brown went deeper into his analysis of the woman's testimony, and how it conflicts with the security video evidence from both Jack's bar and the hotel lobby and what witnesses said. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Where there was video evidence, it was demonstrated that (the woman's) testimony was exaggerated or false,' he said, adding that people who were in the hotel room couldn't corroborate her description of 'the oppressive atmosphere', where she claimed she was threatened, spit on and slapped. Brown reminded Carroccia that Formenton was still in high school at the time. 'What we know is that, especially when we're dealing with a case involving lots of young adults, sometimes consensual sex is regrettable later, especially when alcohol is consumed and inhibitions are lowered,' he said, noting that isn't just true for the woman, but also the players. 'That the sex in this case was unusual or unenjoyable or embarrassing or even regrettable doesn't mean it wasn't consensual,' he said. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Brown said the judge has heard the woman suggest 'multiple states of mind' during her testimony to bolster her claim she wasn't consenting: that she was too drunk; that she was an automaton and her mind and body separated; that her choice was taken from her; and that she is essentially a people-pleaser 'who had a difficult time saying no.' Brown said there was a fifth state of mind the defence thinks is the most truthful: that she was 'enthusiastically consenting to what happened in Room 209.' What she did, Brown said, was create 'a lie' to cover up cheating on her boyfriend and create a narrative to explain what people saw her doing at Jack's – kissing, hugging, grinding on the dance floor and holding hands with McLeod. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'It's a lot easier to explain to her friends and family that people did bad things to her rather than take responsibility for the choices she made,' he said, adding in her evidence, she placed blame on her friends, McLeod and the players. When the police closed their investigation in 2019 with no charges, the woman's 'quest for justice (was) just starting,' Brown said, and she pursued a civil action. 'She wants money. She wants a lot of money. She wants $3.5 million, and she's been told that whatever evidence she's claiming about extreme intoxication and whatever evidence she knows exists doesn't quite get her there. It's not enough,' he said. Her version became richer 'to create a story for Hockey Canada that she was coerced and forced into a sexual encounter.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Brown suggested the woman wasn't happy when London police re-opened the investigation because she knew her story would be scrutinized. She also didn't know about the video from Jack's, or undisclosed Facebook Messenger texts with her co-workers who were at the bar, which contradicted her version. So, Brown said, the woman testified her mind separated from her body and she took on 'a porn star persona' when she saw the men in the room after having consensual sex with McLeod. But Brown said the woman testified to making rational choices that were in contradiction with her automaton description. What the woman was doing, Brown suggested, was take 'bits and pieces of sort-of legal knowledge, tropes about how victims of sexual violence act and try to incorporate all of them into a unified theory.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The players, Brown said, never tried to 'obfuscate the truth' in a group chat that is evidence. 'It was a group chat designed to encourage the truth.' And Formenton was forthright, telling the police in 2018 he went back to the room he shared with McLeod after McLeod sent him a text message about sex and admitted fully to having consensual sex – a version that was corroborated by others. Carnelos said, given the woman's credibility issues, it 'would be very unsafe to convict Mr. Dube.' Unlike the woman, who, during the last seven years, 'continued to work on (her) narrative and not forget about this thing in pursuit of her civil claim,' the players were out living their lives before the case was re-opened. The resulting memory loss means no one can accurately re-create what happened in the hotel room, including the woman who has acknowledged gaps in her memory. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Dube's voluntary audio statement to the police in 2018 should be relied on and 'establishes consent to oral sex and communications between the complainant and himself directly.' Dube described the woman begging the men for sex 'to the point she was threatening to leave' and calling them names. His encounter with her was brief, and he stopped it. What is missing from the interview is any reference to Dube touching the woman's buttocks. Carnelos suggested Dube 'didn't appreciate the significance, or simply had forgotten it' compared to the oral sex. The only person to see it was Crown witness Tyler Steenbergen, who testified the touch as like 'foreplay,' 'playful' and didn't happen during any oral sex. Carnelos reminded Carroccia of 'a really, really important piece of evidence', which showed the woman was fully aware of what was happening in the hotel room. She pointed to player Maxime Comtois, who came back to the hotel with Dube and went to McLeod's room. The woman discovered Comtois spoke French and she had a conversation with him in French. 'That would suggest that her mind was in that room and she was not threatened and on her own evidence, during that interaction, was enjoying herself,' Carnelos said. The trial continues. jsims@ Vancouver Canucks Local News Vancouver Whitecaps News Crime


The Province
13 hours ago
- The Province
China tariffs bite into B.C. spot prawn season, but foodies queue for kiss of the sea
B.C.'s spot prawn season is ending this week, with live prawns selling at around $20 to $25 a pound. Published Jun 10, 2025 • 4 minute read Stewart McDonald, Owner of Salty Stew's Seafood, holds a basket of spot prawns on his boat at False Creek Harbour Authority, Fishermen's Wharf in Vancouver, on Thursday, June 5, 2025. Photo by ETHAN CAIRNS / THE CANADIAN PRESS Toronto resident Krista Jang showed off her 'haul' on the False Creek Fishermen's Wharf in Vancouver — a bag of sweet and meaty spot prawns, live and kicking and fresh off the boat. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors The actress was raised in Vancouver and spot prawn season is one of the things she misses most. Jang said she would have them 'Chinese style,' steamed and dipped in a little soy sauce and sesame oil to make the most of their 'pure and simple flavour.' 'I've had it my whole life,' she said last week of the bright orange crustaceans. 'I see that they sell (in Toronto), but it's so expensive, and it's much fresher and affordable here.' B.C.'s spot prawn season is ending this week, with live prawns selling at around $20 to $25 a pound. This spring's season began in mid-May and lasted less than a month. Domestic buyers like Jang make up only a small share of the market, but this year it was an important one, with China's 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian seafood putting a pinch on exports. Stay on top of the latest real estate news and home design trends. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. China has recently bought more than 80 per cent of B.C.'s prawn exports, and Christina Burridge, executive director of the B.C. Seafood Alliance, said the March 20 tariffs were a 'real problem' for fishermen and exporters. 'Chinese customers don't want to pay that tariff. So, they expect that the fishermen here and the exporters will reduce their prices by at least 25 per cent, but it's impossible,' said Burridge. Mike Atkins, executive director with the Pacific Prawn Fishermen's Association, said the Chinese tariffs were the latest burden on fishermen, as the cost of bait and fishing supplies increased. 'Our exporters this year are trying to shift markets a little bit, because it's tough to get it to China with the price, so they're trying to shift back to Japan, which (once) was our main market for spot prawns,' said Atkins. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'It is really tough for the fishermen this year.' About 1,500 to 2,000 tonnes of B.C. spot prawns are landed each year, and about 80 to 90 per cent are typically exported, said Atkins. A live spot prawn is held at False Creek Harbour Authority, Fishermen's Wharf in Vancouver, on Thursday, June 5, 2025. Photo by ETHAN CAIRNS / THE CANADIAN PRESS The B.C. Agriculture and Food Ministry said the combined value of the province's prawn and shrimp exports were more than $98 million in 2023, with China buying 78 per cent. Agriculture Minister Lana Popham said in a statement that tariffs were 'extremely challenging for our seafood sector,' and the province would 'continue to find new markets so that B.C. companies can thrive.' Lynette Kershaw of Prawns on the Spot in Richmond said their spot prawn products usually go to the public, but they also sell a certain portion of their frozen catch to the French Creek Fresh Seafood market in Parksville, which exports to Asia. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'I think with the tariffs, and just with the world situation right now, we have had a slowdown in selling that frozen product, so that will impact us,' said Kershaw, who has been selling spot prawns on Steveston Fisherman's Wharf for six years. But there hadn't been any slowdown in sales from local customers at the wharf. 'I think that's because the people who enjoy spot prawns know that it's a local delicacy. They know that it's a very short amount of time … I think people just want to treat themselves,' said Kershaw. Back at False Creek, fisherman Stewart McDonald and his crew were doling out bags of kicking prawns from a blue tank. Among those patiently waiting for a meal was a heron that the fishermen said was named Frank, prowling the wharf, and a plump harbour seal named Sparky, bobbing in the water and waiting for a handout. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. McDonald has spent 20 years harvesting spot prawns and selling them at the wharf. He said he can't complain about the market due to huge demand from loyal local customers queuing for a taste. Spot prawn season didn't use to be a big deal, but now it's celebrated, said McDonald. 'It's kind of like turned into a social event, like go wine-tasting or pick apples or berries,' he said. 'People look forward to this prawn season because it's only a short time, and it's earlier than most of the crops. The berries and the fruit hasn't come out yet, but the prawns are incredible … and people love them.' McDonald pointed out a particularly loyal customer, Dragon Watanabe, dragging a five-pound bucket of prawns to his car. He said he was buying for his uncle's restaurant — and issued a spontaneous invitation to see them prepared by 'a legend.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Watanabe's uncle, it turns out, is 75-year-old chef Hidekazu Tojo, reputed as the inventor of the California roll, and one of the most famous Japanese chefs in Canada. His restaurant, Tojo's, goes through 20 to 25 pounds of spot prawns from McDonald's boat each day during the season. 'Stewart brought us very high-quality ingredients, that's why I respect him, we are good friends,' said Tojo of a 20-year relationship that has included going out on McDonald's boat. In the kitchen, Tojo dropped three prawns into a pot of boiling water for precisely one minute and 45 seconds — any longer and the meat would be tough, he said. He lifted them out and gently peeled them, dressing them with a vinaigrette of cilantro and minced jalapeno and plating them with a few slices of melon. There's subtle heat from the jalapeno, in contrast to the slight sweetness of the prawns. Next is a 'Tojo's golden roll,' a sushi roll filled with raw spot prawns, Dungeness crab and salmon, topped with herring roe. There's an explosion of briny freshness in the mouth. It tastes like kissing the sea. Read More Vancouver Canucks Local News Vancouver Whitecaps News News