Canada’s oldest warship to receive up to $3.5 million for restoration

A contribution of up to $3.5 million was made to the Canadian Naval Memorial Trust for extensive repairs to Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship Sackville, announced the government of Canada today.

“Canadians can take pride in this contribution to HMCS Sackville, ensuring it will continue to showcase the expertise and values that the women and men of Canadian Armed Forces perpetuate to this day,” said Minister of National Defence, Harjit Sajjan.

The contribution agreement will be overlooked by the Royal Canadian Navy. The funds will cover the cost of labour, materials, and sub-contracting. Additionally, the Canadian Naval Memorial Trust and the Department of National Defence will develop a long-term plan to preserve HMCS Sackville.

“HMCS Sackville gives Veterans, their families, and the rest of us a place to pay tribute to those who fought for the freedoms we enjoy today. This an investment we are proud to make,” said Scott Brison, President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament for Kings–Hants.

Canada’s oldest warship and the only remaining Flower-class corvette, HMCS Sackville was commissioned in 1941. The ship played a crucial role in the Battle of Atlantic by escorting allied ships. The ship was then decommissioned after the Second World War in 1946.

However, it later returned to service in the 1950s s a federal fisheries research vessel. It was painted black and refitted with an on-board laboratory.

HMCS Sackville has been owned by the non-profit Canadian Naval Memorial Trust since the 1980s. The Canadian Naval Memorial Trust restored HMCS Sackville to its 1944 colours and appearance. In 1988, the ship was declared a National Historic Site.

Today, the ship operates seasonally on Halifax’s waterfront as Canada’s Naval Memorial and a museum ship. Over the years, the ship has received thousands of visitors including Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, in 2010.

“HMCS Sackville has allowed thousands of Canadians and others from around the world to physically explore a significant piece Canada’s military history. Today’s announcement ensures the experience will continue,” said Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth—Cole Harbour.

Tours and visits aboard HMCS Sackville will be discontinued until the repairs are completed, which are expected to finish sometime this summer.