Parks Canada relocates 200 year old British Gunboat
History in motion as 1812 era boat moves
Mallorytown Landing, Ontario – July 28, 2011 – The public has an opportunity to see months of hard work by Parks Canada staff come to fruition as the remains of a rare 1812 era British gunboat are relocated from Mallorytown Landing to Prescott, Ontario.
Moving a 54 foot long, 16 foot wide and approximately 13 tonne historic cultural treasure is a delicate process and logistical challenge. Relocation involves much more than quickly pulling the boat onto a big trailer for a 30 minute drive east, and the public is invited to come out and see the process unfold.
Starting from the gunboat’s current location at St Lawrence Islands National Park in a boathouse adjacent to the park’s visitor centre at 1121-1000 Islands Parkway, (just west of Country Road 5, exit 675 on Highway 401), the move will as follows:
Tuesday August 2, starting at approximately 9:00am, the boat will be rolled out of the boathouse and loaded onto a flat bed tractor trailer truck.
Thursday August 4, starting at approximately 9:00am, tractor trailer leaves Mallorytown Landing and will drive east along the Thousand Islands Parkway and then along Highway 2 to Prescott at approximately 20 km/hr. The route will take the boat along King Street in Brockville and Prescott.
Thursday August 4, between 1:00pm & 3:00pm, gunboat expected to arrive at Fort Wellington National Historic Site, 370 Vankoughnet St, Prescott, and will begin the slow process of entering the construction area.
- Parks Canada will salute the boat’s arrival with cannon fire.
- Celebrate with cake and music
- Get your picture taken with Parka, Parks Canada’s mascot
Friday August 5, starting at approximately 7:00am, gunboat is unloaded and set into place on the floor of the new Fort Wellington visitor centre.
Dates and times could change due to weather conditions or unplanned logistical challenges.
In 2011, Parks Canada is celebrating its 100th anniversary and its establishment in 1911 as the world’s first national parks service. To recognize this occasion, Parks Canada is inviting Canadians to come celebrate by visiting Parks Canada places across the country. Fort Wellington National Historic Site is open and looking forward to hosting those inspired by the milestone mega-move of a real piece of Canada’s history.