The Canadian Government honours the national significance of the CCGS Alexander Henry

The former Canadian Coast Guard vessel (CCGS) Alexander Hendrik is a retired light icebreaker, buoy boat and navigational aid vessel that served on the Great Lakes from 1959 to 1985

THUNDER BAY, ON, July 20, 2024 /CNW/ – Alexander Hendrik is permanently moored in Thunder Bay, Ontarioon Upper LakeIt is a retired light icebreaker, buoy boat and navigational aid vessel that served as the Canadian government’s first icebreaker on the Great Lakes from 1959 to 1985. The vessel was built in 1958 at the former Port Arthur Shipyard for the Department of Transport’s Marine Services fleet and was one of 49 large vessels incorporated into the Canadian Coast Guard upon the agency’s creation in 1962.

Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay–Superior North, commemorated the national historical significance of CCGS Alexander Hendrik with a special ceremony to unveil a plaque at Marina Park in thunder bayThe announcement was made on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and the Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Steven Guilbeault.

The ship is a well-preserved example of the shipbuilding program of the time, which embodied the government’s commitment to seafaring through icebreaking, lighthouse supply, buoy maintenance, and support of search and rescue missions. The ship was officially retired in 1985 and has served as a museum ship in Royal City And thunder baywhere it is now owned and operated by the Lakehead Transportation Museum Society. Alexander Hendrik has proven to be an exceptional educational tool for educating communities and the public about the history of the Canadian Coast Guard and the important work the Guard continues to do in Canadian waters.

Alexander Hendrik is part of a long history of government support for maritime shipping. It is symbolic of the growth of industrial shipping activity and trade on the Great Lakes in the second half of the 20^e century.

The government of Canadavia the Council for Historic Sites and Monuments of Canadarecognizes significant people, places and events that have shaped our country as a way to help Canadians connect with their past. The designation process under Parks Canada’s National Program of Historical Commemoration is driven largely by public nominations. To date, more than 2,240 designations have been made nationwide.

National historical landmarks illustrate the defining moments in the story of Canada. Together they tell the stories of who we are and connect us to our past, helping us to better understand ourselves, each other and our land. Heritage sites 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 be the official Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada plaque honoring the legacy of the CCGS Alexander Henry. This retired icebreaker symbolizes Canada’s dedication to maritime safety and the impressive heritage of the Canadian Coast Guard. As a well-preserved relic, this great ship continues to teach and inspire, and demonstrates Canada’s rich maritime history and our continued commitment to preserving our nation’s heritage for future generations. Congratulations to the Transportation Museum of thunder bay and everyone who played a role in acquiring and retaining the CCGS Alexander Henry so that the region can enjoy it.”

The Honorable Patty Hajdu,
Minister of Indigenous Services, Minister responsible for the Federal Agency for Economic Development for Northern Ontario and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay–Superior North

Quick Facts

• The CCGS Alexander Hendrik was responsible for the safe navigation of enormous volumes of ships, made possible by the construction of canals and locks, culminating in the St. Lawrence Seaway in 1959, which allowed large bulk carriers to sail across the Upper St. Lawrence River and to all five Great Lakes.
• Alexander Hendrik was also used to extend the shipping season as long as possible by breaking channels in the ice on Upper Lake during the frost period in early winter and around the break-up in spring.
• The ship is one of the best-preserved examples of the government’s icebreaker building program of the late 1950s, designed to meet Canada’s responsibilities for the coasts and inland waters.
• The Historic Sites and Monuments Board was established in 1919. Canada advises the Minister of Environment and Climate Change on the national significance of people, places and events that have left their mark Canada’s history. Together with Parks Canada, the Council ensures that areas of national historic significance are recognized under Parks Canada’s National Program of Historical Commemoration and that these important stories are shared with Canadians.

Linked document

Background information: CCGS Alexander Henry National Historic Site

Related Links

Parks Canada
Council for Historic Sites and Monuments Canada
Framework for history and remembrance

SOURCE Parks Canada (Head Office)

Contacts: Megan Miller, Public Relations and Communications Officer, Parks Canada, Northern Ontario Field Unit, (email protected); Kaitlin Power, Press Officer, Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, 819-230-1557, (email protected)