We are thrilled to announce that Wellington Seafood is now Sage Fish Market! This change marks a significant milestone in our ownership journey, and we wanted to share the story behind it, and a little of our hearts. For many years, Wellington Seafood served our community faithfully, and we are deeply grateful for its legacy. When our group took ownership of the shop, we recognized an opportunity to refresh the brand and align it with our vision for the future. We wanted a name that embodied our commitment to quality, sustainability, and a deeper connection to the natural world. 'Sage' was the perfect choice for many reasons. It symbolizes wisdom, a deep understanding of our craft, and the freshness of the products we offer. Just like the herb, we believe in providing natural, wholesome goodness to our customers. This name also reflects our desire to grow and evolve, bringing new ideas and experiences to our community while honouring a name dear to our hearts.
The name Sage Fish Market is more than a brand, it’s a tribute. Inspired by Doug and Betty Sage, with Betty's family roots tracing back to Bigwood Lodge fishing camp in Pointe au Baril, Ontario, the name honours a legacy of family, tradition, and life on the water. For Mike and Luke, their grandmother Betty held a special place in their hearts, and carrying her name forward is a way of keeping her memory alive.
That sense of honouring the past continues with Taylor, who trained under the late Stephane Lavoie at Wellington Seafood. Her mentorship under Stephane and her decision to join the ownership team ensure that the skills, values, and community spirit that shaped the market’s history will also shape its future.
Together, the Sage family legacy and Stephane’s mentorship are at the heart of Sage Fish Market - a place where heritage and community come together in every catch.

Mike has called Hintonburg home since 2012, where he built his career as a massage therapist and became a loyal customer of Wellington Seafood. His connection to seafood runs deep, having worked as a fishmonger from the age of 14 to 21. When the shop was at risk of closing, Mike stepped in to preserve its legacy and invited his longtime friend Taylor to join him as a partner. Soon after, his cousin Luke came into the fold, bringing his own passion for food, hospitality, and the outdoors. Together, they’ve reimagined the business as Sage Fish Market, committed to carrying forward the freshness, quality, and community spirit the neighbourhood has always known.

Since 2021, Taylor has been immersed in the art of fishmongering, learning under the guidance of the late Stephane Lavoie at Wellington Seafood. Stephane’s mentorship instilled not only the technical skills of the trade but also the values of integrity, community, and a deep respect for quality seafood. Carrying forward his legacy, Taylor has built her career on those same principles. Today, as a proud partner at Sage Fish Market in Ottawa’s Hintonburg neighbourhood, Taylor is excited to usher in a new chapter. Her journey represents a bridge between tradition and growth—honouring Stephane’s memory while shaping a fresh, community-driven vision for Sage Fish Market. With her hands-on expertise, warm approach to customers, and passion for keeping local fish markets thriving, Taylor embodies the next era of neighbourhood fishmongers.

As the newest member of the ownership group, Luke brings a deep passion for the outdoors, cooking, and adventure. After more than 12 years with Marriott International—one of the world’s leading hotel companies—he set out on a personal journey that led him to Vancouver Island. There, he spent two years immersed in exploration, fishing for salmon, crabbing, and clamming, while adventuring between Tofino and Vancouver on his motorcycle. Today, Luke shares his love for fishing, camping, and overlanding with his two young boys, Jacob and Thomas. Excited by the opportunity to join his cousin Mike and Taylor, he has been busy bringing his creativity, hospitality expertise, and energy to help shape the final touches on Sage Fish Market.

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