The Government of Canada Commemorates the Sinking of S.S. Valencia National Historic Event and three Heritage Lighthouses
News Release
June 9, 2017 Bamfield, British Columbia Parks Canada Agency
Today, Donna Zwicker, Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada Board Member, on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, commemorated the national historic significance of the sinking of S.S. Valencia by unveiling a Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada plaque at the Marine Sciences Centre in Bamfield, British Columbia. As part of the special ceremony, three heritage lighthouse plaques were also unveiled for Cape Beale, Carmanah Point and Pachena Point Heritage Lighthouses.
The Government of Canada is committed to connecting Canadians to the significant people, places, and events that contributed to our country’s diverse heritage. The sinking of the S.S. Valencia off the west coast of Vancouver Island in January 1906 was considered the worst maritime disaster to that point on the west coast of North America. It resulted in the deaths of 136 passengers and crew members. This tragic accident led to major improvements to Canada’s West Coast marine service including the construction of new aids to navigation, detailed charting, improved rescue facilities, and better land and sea communications.
Since the S.S. Valencia was a passenger steamer ship owned by the United States, responding collectively to the tragedy was an important step in Canadian-American diplomacy in the prewar years of the 20th century. The sinking of the S.S. Valencia offered an opportunity for Canada to assert its national sovereignty while answering concerns raised by the catastrophe regarding Canada’s maritime safety and rescue policy.
Situated in the rugged, coastal environment of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, the Cape Beale, Carmanah Point and Pachena Point heritage lighthouses illustrate the expansion of the lighthouse system serving the west coast of Vancouver Island. The lighthouses today not only serve as essential aids of navigation to mariners, but are familiar landmarks to hikers of the West Coast Trail, and are also symbols of the maritime heritage of the small communities that dot Vancouver Island’s west coast.
Canada’s national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas enable Canadians to experience their rich and varied history in a special way and will play a big part in the celebration of Canada 150. 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 the free entry to the national historic sites in 2017, and discover truly Canadian places and stories with Parks Canada!
Quotes
“Honouring those who lost their lives is equally important as commemorating the national historic significance of the Sinking of the S.S. Valencia and recognizing the important changes that stemmed from this tragedy including improvements to the west coast maritime protection. As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation of our great nation, it is important for all of us to learn more about the people, places and events that have shaped our rich cultural and natural history.”
The Honourable Catherine McKenna
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada
“We are grateful to the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada for recognizing the importance of the sinking of the S.S. Valencia as an event of national historic significance. Now the event will remain in the consciousness for generations to come!”
Heather Cooper,
Bamfield Community School Association
Quick Facts
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The 80-metre (252-foot) U.S. passenger steamer ship remained afloat for approximately 36 hours. Despite numerous rescue attempts, only 37 passengers survived the disaster.
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Declared a public highway in 1911, the West Coast Trail – variously called the Life Saving Trail or the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Trail – was built to facilitate the rescue of shipwreck survivors along the coast. The trail is now part of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
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Designated as heritage lighthouses pursuant to the Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act, the Cape Beale, Carmanah Point and Pachena Point lighthouses are administered by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and are staffed and operated by light keepers from the Canadian Coast Guard. The disaster of the S.S. Valencia specifically spurred the construction of Pachena Point lighthouse.
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Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of Environment and Climate Change regarding the national historic significance of places, people and events that have marked Canada’s history.
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Contacts
Laura Judson
Public Relations and Communications Officer
Parks Canada
250-654-4086
laura.judson@pc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca