Campbell River, British Columbia, May 22, 2010--On behalf of the Honourable Jim Prentice, Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Mr. John Duncan, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Island North, today unveiled a Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada plaque commemorating the national historic significance of the Motor Vessel BCP 45.
“The Motor Vessel BCP 45 is among the oldest and most well-preserved surviving examples of a wooden seiner, a class of vessel intimately associated with the commercial West Coast fishery during the 20th century that has all but disappeared from use,” said Mr. Duncan. “On behalf of Canadians, the government of Canada commemorates treasures like this because they are unique and authentic, and because of the story they tell. The vessel illustrates key technological changes in the West Coast fishery over a period of nearly 70 years.”
The Motor Vessel BCP 45 was built in 1927 at Vancouver’s Coal Harbour and launched at a time when seine fishing was coming into its own. With this innovation, the vessel’s original owner, British Columbia Packers, dominated the fish canning industry in the second half of the 20th Century.
“Many Canadians will remember seeing an image of the vessel on the Canada five-dollar bill from 1972 to 1986. We are proud to commemorate the national historic significance of this vessel as part of our shared history,” said Allen ‘Ollie’ Chickite, former captain of the vessel and Chief Councillor for the Cape Mudge First Nation.
The Motor Vessel BCP 45 is currently housed within the Campbell River Maritime Heritage Centre, in Campbell River, British Columbia and is accessible to the public.
“Each of Canada’s national historic sites represents a unique part of who we are as Canadians, giving us a strong sense of place as Canadians,” said Minister Prentice. “I know how important it is to preserve this heritage and to share the stories of these special places with Canadians. I am delighted to know that the story of this commercial fishing boat will be told to future generations.”
Parks Canada manages a nation-wide network of national historic sites that commemorate persons, places and events that have shaped Canada’s history and which offer visitors the opportunity for real and inspiring experiences.
For additional information, please see the accompanying backgrounder at www.parkscanada.gc.ca under Media Room.
Information:
John Aldag
Historic Sites Manager,
Coastal B.C. Field Unit
Parks Canada
(604) 513-4780
Backgrounder associated with this News Release.
Motor Vessel BCP 45 National Historic Site
