The former Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) Alexander Henry is a retired light
icebreaker, buoy tender, and navigational aid ship that served on
the Great Lakes from 1959 to 1985
THUNDER
BAY, ON, July 20, 2024 /CNW/ - Alexander Henry is permanently moored in
Thunder Bay, Ontario, on
Lake Superior. It is a retired
light icebreaker, buoy tender and navigational aid ship that served
as the first Canadian government-owned icebreaker on the Great
Lakes, from 1959 to 1985. Constructed in the former Port Arthur
Shipyard in 1958 for the Department of Transport's Marine Services
fleet, the ship was one of 49 large vessels incorporated into the
Canadian Coast Guard upon the agency's inception in 1962.
Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous
Services and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay–Superior North,
commemorated the national historic significance of CCGS
Alexander Henry with a
special ceremony to unveil a plaque at the Marina Park in
Thunder Bay. The announcement was
made on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change
and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Steven Guilbeault.
The ship is a well-preserved example of the shipbuilding program
of the era, embodying the government's commitment to marine
navigation through icebreaking, lighthouse supply, buoy
maintenance, and search and rescue mission support. The ship was
officially retired in 1985 and has since served as a museum ship in
Kingston and Thunder Bay, where it is now owned and
operated by the Lakehead Transportation Museum Society.
Alexander Henry has been
an exceptional educational tool to inform communities and members
of the public about the history of the Canadian Coast Guard and the
critical work it continues to do throughout Canadian waters.
Alexander Henry is
part of a long history of government support for marine navigation.
It is symbolic of the increase in industrial shipping activities
and commerce on the Great Lakes in the second half of the
20th century.
The Government of Canada,
through the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, recognizes significant people, places,
and events that shaped our country as one way of helping Canadians
connect with their past. The designation process under Parks
Canada's National Program of Historical Commemoration is largely
driven by public nominations. To date, more than 2,240 designations
have been made nationwide.
National historic designations illustrate the defining moments
in the story of Canada. Together,
they tell the stories of who we are and connect us to our past,
enriching our understanding of ourselves, each other, and our
country. Heritage places provide a wide range of cultural, social,
economic, and environmental benefits to their communities.
Quote
"Today, on Canadian Coast Guard Day, the Government of
Canada is proud to unveil the
official Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada plaque honouring the legacy of the CCGS
Alexander Henry. This retired icebreaker symbolizes Canada's commitment to maritime safety and the
impressive heritage of the Canadian Coast Guard. As a
well-preserved relic, this amazing vessel continues to educate and
inspire, showcasing Canada's rich
maritime history and our continued dedication to preserve our
nation's heritage for future generations. Congratulations to the
Transportation Museum of Thunder
Bay and everyone who played a part in acquiring and
preserving the CCGS Alexander Henry for the region to
enjoy."
The Honourable Patty Hajdu,
Minister of Indigenous Services, Minister responsible for the
Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario and Member of Parliament for
Thunder Bay–Superior North
Quick Facts
- The CCGS Alexander Henry
was responsible for the safe navigation of huge volumes of shipping
enabled by the construction of canals and locks, culminating in the
St. Lawrence Seaway in 1959, which allowed full-sized ocean bulk
carriers to travel the Upper St. Lawrence River and to all five of
the Great Lakes.
- Alexander Henry was also
used to extend the shipping season as long as possible, breaking
channels in the ice on Lake
Superior during the freeze-up in early winter and around
break-up in the spring.
- The vessel is one of the best surviving examples of the
government's icebreaker construction program of the late 1950s,
designed to meet Canada's
responsibilities off its coasts and on inland waters.
- Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of
Canada advises the Minister of
Environment and Climate Change regarding the national significance
of persons, places, and events that have marked Canada's history. Together with Parks Canada,
the Board ensures that subjects of national historic significance
are recognized under Parks Canada's National Program of Historical
Commemoration and these important stories are shared with
Canadians.
Associated Document
Backgrounder: CCGS Alexander Henry National Historic Site
Related Links
Parks Canada
Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada
Framework for History and Commemoration
SOURCE Parks Canada (HQ)