THUNDER BAY -- More than 30 years ago Tom Chauvin had many opportunities to work on the former Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker Alexander Henry.
The vessel was constructed by the Port Arthur Shipbuilding Co. Ltd 50 years ago with the sole purpose of serving on the Canadian Great Lakes, which it had done from 1959 to 1984.
“I came to the shipyards in 1966 about ten years after they actually built it but I’ve had the opportunity to work on it,” Chauvin said.
“It was extremely well made but the main thing that happened is that all the machinery inside started to get outdated and they couldn’t replace the parts and the engines were outdates as well.”
Chauvin said the city would be crazy if they didn’t bring the vessel back to where it was created.
“It would be one of the biggest tourist attractions they’ve ever had in Thunder Bay, especially if it was located down in the Marina it would make that place a very attractive place to go,” he said.
“They could continue with a bed and breakfast and they could also have concerts around the ship or anything they want to do. It’s a goldmine…I wish I could own it.”
The former shipyard worker was heartbroken when the vessel was taken out of Thunder Bay because of what he could only assume was some engineering problems.
He believes the ship should’ve been kept somewhere in the city.
Lakehead Transportation Museum Society members presented options, background information and benefits to the community Saturday in regard to bringing the Alexander Henry back to Thunder Bay.
LTMS president Charlie Brown said the transportation history is slowly dying and if they don’t take advantage of it now they never will.
“It’s important not only for us from the Lakehead Transportation Museum Society because we look at this as a real revenue booster for the beginning of our other projects,” Brown said.
“It’s also important for the community because we are losing our transportation artifacts on a daily basis and this is one that was really iconic and would be a jewel in a crown for Thunder Bay.”
Brown believes there’s a growing support in Thunder Bay for these types of projects, so it’s crucial for the community to be vocal.
The funding opportunities in place hinge on what the city’s commitment to the Alexander Henry.
“We are looking at talking to the province, so we potentially are eligible for funding there as well at some point in time,” he said.
“We haven’t had serious talks about that yet and part of their agreement as well is that they’d like to see the city involved.
Brown added that it all depends on what the city wants to do in order to move forward.
