The HMCS Ojibwa is spending her first Christmas in Elgin County. Last Friday she was decorated for the holidays and received a Christmas present in the form of a cheque from the estate of John and Dorothy Palmer.
The “Lighting of the Boat” ceremony is in keeping with the tradition of the Royal Canadian Navy to decorate its boats and ships for Christmas. It’s perhaps the first of many naval and marine traditions which will come to the area along with the HMCS Ojibwa submarine.
The “Lighting of the Boat” ceremony is in keeping with the tradition of the Royal Canadian Navy to decorate its boats and ships for Christmas. It’s perhaps the first of many naval and marine traditions which will come to the area along with the HMCS Ojibwa submarine.
As darkness fell, the patio of the Schooner Galley in Port Burwell was packed and the Ojibwa was settling in to her new home as workers finished the final repairs from the removal of her travelling braces. Back on November 18th, she started her regal progression through the Welland Canal greeted by crowds of fans. Following arrival in Port Burwell on November 20th, she clung to her mobility for several more days, aided by the pesky unpredictability of the Otter Creek, then graciously put down roots in Elgin County as she was moved to her awaiting cradle on November 28th.
At the lighting on Friday congratulations were offered by Helen Haddow on behalf of the Elgin Business Development Corporation, MP Joe Preston who praised the effort of many volunteers and Jeff Yurek who noted how good the submarine looks here.
At the lighting on Friday congratulations were offered by Helen Haddow on behalf of the Elgin Business Development Corporation, MP Joe Preston who praised the effort of many volunteers and Jeff Yurek who noted how good the submarine looks here.
Above: Helen Haddow from ECFDC (top left); Dan McNeil receives cheque from Andrew Gunn (top right); MP Joe Preston and MPP Jeff Yurek (bottom right).
In accepting a cheque presented by Andrew Gunn, for $300,000 from the Palmer Estate, Ojibwa Project Executive Director Ian Raven and Project Co-ordinator Dan McNeil gave thanks for the financial contribution and also for the vision Andrew has brought to the project. Before their discussions with him, the focus had been on the potential tourism and economic benefits the sub could bring to the region. Andrew had turned their thinking “upside down” with his vision of an educational role for the Ojibwa – that focus has now become a vital element of the project.
Andrew noted the appropriateness of designating some of the John and Dorothy Palmer estate money to this project as they had enjoyed many drives to Port Burwell to see the sights and stop in at the fish market.
The contribution is one of several Palmer Estate donations made for local projects, selected because they will add to the quality of life for Elgin County residents and also honour the lives and interests of John and Dorothy Palmer.
Andrew noted the appropriateness of designating some of the John and Dorothy Palmer estate money to this project as they had enjoyed many drives to Port Burwell to see the sights and stop in at the fish market.
The contribution is one of several Palmer Estate donations made for local projects, selected because they will add to the quality of life for Elgin County residents and also honour the lives and interests of John and Dorothy Palmer.
Above: HMCS Ojibwa at Wellend Canal (left); watching the move in Port Burwell (right - photo by Mark Girdauskas).
HMCS Ojibwa was the first submarine built expressly for the Royal Canadian Navy. She will become a central focus of the Elgin Military Museum of Naval History, which will include an interpretive centre with exhibit space, classroom and meeting facilities. There are incredible stories to be told about the work of Canadian submariners and the museum will help to tell them.
Since inception, Project Ojibwa has overcome a long list of hurdles. During the process of getting her from the barge in Lake Erie off Port Burwell to her cradle on land, her legions of followers grew. Many become quite obsessed with the move of the massive 300 foot long submarine – “subsessed” perhaps. On-going support will be needed as Ojibwa takes her place as the heart of a museum which will honour a significant aspect of Canadian history. The gift of “Subsession” (souvenir items, clothing, bricks or a donation) would be a great idea this Christmas for your favourite history buff. Find out about Project Ojibwa and ways to support it at www.projectojibwa.ca.
Since inception, Project Ojibwa has overcome a long list of hurdles. During the process of getting her from the barge in Lake Erie off Port Burwell to her cradle on land, her legions of followers grew. Many become quite obsessed with the move of the massive 300 foot long submarine – “subsessed” perhaps. On-going support will be needed as Ojibwa takes her place as the heart of a museum which will honour a significant aspect of Canadian history. The gift of “Subsession” (souvenir items, clothing, bricks or a donation) would be a great idea this Christmas for your favourite history buff. Find out about Project Ojibwa and ways to support it at www.projectojibwa.ca.
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