Canada’s oldest naval vessel visits the Sault
Crowds showed up by the thousands to view Canada’s oldest and longest serving naval vessel. HMCS Oriole spent the Canada Day weekend docked at the Port of Sault Ste. Marie, where the crew offered free tours of the 101-year-old sailing ship.
The Oriole was first launched in 1921, and was eventually commissioned into the Royal Canadian Navy in 1954. These days, Oriole serves as a training vessel, with a crew complement of 21.
Sailor 3rd Class Miguel Tremblay says unlike the RCN’s modern fleet, every task aboard Oriole is done manually.
“Nothing is mechanical, everything is done by hand,” said Tremblay. “Just to leave a harbour in comparison to our big warships, you undo the lines and it’s all by engine. Here, everything is done by hand. The anchor is the worst thing in the world. Any sort of anchor, that’s all done by hand.”
Tremblay says Oriole has undergone some upgrades over the years, giving the crew some amenities the ship wouldn’t otherwise have.
“We have outlets and plugs now, which is great, we have modern toilets, so that’s a nice feature to have at sea,” he said, adding the navy is also trying out wifi on the ship to give the crew a means to communicate with home.
Tremblay said Sunday over 3,000 people have toured the ship while it was docked in the Sault over the Canada Day weekend. Most remarked on how well the century-old vessel is aging, particularly the wood work. Tremblay says keeping the wood in good condition is in itself a full-time job.
“It’s a lot of work maintaining her,” he said. “One of the skills I’ve learned is wood work, something I never thought I’d (learn) on a navy vessel. Most of our ships are steel and paint. This one is wood, so it’s a lot of wood work, and care and love for sure.”
HMCS Oriole will set sail for Thessalon on Monday, with tours to be offered the following day. The journey from the Sault to Thessalon is expected to take close to nine hours.
Even at 101-years-old, the crew says Oriole will likely remain in service for some time to come.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.