Canadian Coast Guard celebrates 60th anniversary with open house in Victoria, start of operations on the west coast for CCGS Sir Wilfred Grenfell

Victoria – For 60 years, the Canadian Coast Guard has been helping mariners in need, responding to environmental threats on the water, and maintaining vital shipping corridors 24/7, 365 days a year. Today, Mario Pelletier, Commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard, officially opened “Coast Guard Day” as part of the Canadian Coast Guard’s 60th anniversary celebration in Victoria, and announced the start of operations on the west coast for the CCGS Sir Wilfred Grenfell.

Coast Guard Day is a one-day open house that provides the community of Greater Victoria with a glimpse into the many roles and services the Canadian Coast Guard plays in the marine community, and an opportunity to learn more about the wide range of exciting careers available.

The open house also provides an opportunity for the public to tour the CCGS Sir Wilfred Grenfell as the ship begins operations on the west coast of British Columbia. Originally from the east coast, CCGS Sir Wilfred Grenfell is a 67.68m high endurance, all-weather patrol vessel capable of carrying cargo, buoy handling, and longline helicopter slinging off the aft deck. After arriving on the west coast, CCGS Sir Wilfred Grenfell underwent a $17.3M refit under the repair, refit, and maintenance pillar of the National Shipbuilding Strategy as an important part of the Canadian Coast Guard’s fleet management plan.

Ensuring that the Canadian Coast Guard has the equipment needed to protect British Columbia’s waters and all who travel on those waters is a key priority for the Government of Canada. CCGS Sir Wilfred Grenfell will support Canadian Coast Guard programs including light station re-supply, aids to navigation, search and rescue, fisheries enforcement, and other Fisheries and Oceans and Canadian Coast Guard requirements.