The Tofino Resort and Marina has cancelled its annual tuna derby after hearing of “highly inappropriate behavior” connected to the event.
“Our first concern is for our staff and we are responding to the needs of those affected,” the resort said in a statement on its website. “We have brought in an interim manager and independent counselor and continue to take steps to ensure the absolute safety and wellbeing of our team.”
Race for the Blue was to be held Sept. 10 to Sept. 17 at the resort, which is co-owned by former NHL players Willie Mitchell and Dan Hamhuis, and Mill Bay businessman Andrew Purdey.
“We’re still collecting information and I don’t have any particular answers for you,” Purdey told the Times Colonist Wednesday.
The three bought the 63-room resort, formerly the Marina West Motel and Marina, in 2016.
Mitchell, who was born in Port McNeill, spent four years with the Vancouver Canucks during his 20-year NHL career. Hamhuis, born in Smithers, spent six years with the Canucks during an 18-year career.
Purdey, who founded Prince George-based Ruskin Construction in 1989, has expanded to include infrastructure projects around B.C., Alberta and the Yukon.
Purdey has also acquired several marinas in the region, including Port Sidney, Port Browning Marina on North Pender Island, Pacific Gateway Marina at Port Renfrew and MK Bay Marina on the Douglas Channel near Kitimat.
The Instagram account of Tofino Resort and Marina’s 1909 Kitchen + Bar restaurant said it was temporarily closed until Sunday. The Hatch Waterfront pub cancelled its Race for the Blue concert series.
“The safety and well-being of our team takes the [utmost] priority during this time,” the Hatch posted on its Instagram story.
RCMP Const. Alex Berube, spokesman for Island District RCMP, said he could not confirm or deny if there is an investigation into the inappropriate behaviour.
