The Government of Canada Commemorates National Historic Significance of the Sternwheel Steamer Snagboats on British Columbia’s Rivers 

June 29, 2017                                      New Westminster, British Columbia                                                                     Parks Canada Agency

Canada’s national parks, historic sites and marine conservation areas enable Canadians to experience their rich and varied history in a special way and play a big part in the celebration of Canada 150. To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation in 2017, the Government of Canada invites Canadians to experience nature and learn more about our history.

Today, the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities and Member of Parliament for Delta, on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Catherine McKenna, commemorated the Sternwheel Steamer Snagboats on British Columbia’s Rivers National Historic Event by unveiling a plaque at Westminster Quay, at the berth of the Samson V Museum in New Westminster, British Columbia.

The Government of Canada is committed to connecting Canadians to the significant people, places and events that contributed to our country’s diverse heritage. Operated by the federal Department of Public Works, these steam-powered sternwheelers were used to remove hazardous “snags” in the water and to maintain aids to navigation, bridges and wharves on some of British Columbia’s most important transportation, fishing and logging rivers.

Sternwheel steamer snagboats, such as the Samson V, the last representative example of such a vessel in Canada, were used on the West Coast because their design allowed such highly manoeuvrable vessels to operate and perform a variety of functions on relatively shallow, fast flowing rivers.

As part of the centennial of national historic sites, Parks Canada invites Canadians to be inspired and captivated by the stories of the people, places and events that shaped the Canada of today. Take advantage of free admission to national historic sites in 2017, and discover truly Canadian places and stories with Parks Canada!