Subs nearing end of journey
By Maryanne Firth/ Tribune Staff
Friday August 12, 2011
HALIFAX — Just as they did during active duty, the Olympus and Okanagan continue to slip silently along Canada's waterways.
These days, however, they're not doing so unnoticed.
After all, it's difficult to miss the 1,250-tonne submarines that are taking a voyage from Halifax to Port Maitland — especially when they're travelling above the water.
Decommissioned by the Canadian Department of National Defense, the former submarines are being transported on floating drydocks and barges. At the end of the journey, they'll meet their fate.
The Oberon class submarines are scheduled to be scrapped by Port Colborne-based Marine Recycling Corp. at the company's Port Maitland shipyard.
Now it's just a matter of getting them there.
The Olympus, which was never officially commissioned, has already made the trek to Hamilton, where it sits awaiting the next stage of its voyage. It is expected to travel through the locks of the Welland Canal within the next few weeks to its final destination.
The Okanagan, still in Halifax, has been loaded and prepped for its travels. It was expected to leave on Thursday and arrive in Hamilton on Aug. 16 or 17.
"We're all ready to go, just waiting for the weather," Wayne Elliott, MRC's director of business development, told The Tribune over the phone from Halifax.
Heddle Marine Service and Mckeil Marine Ltd., both of Hamilton, were commissioned by MRC to lift and tow the subs from Halifax to Port Maitland.
Once both in Hamilton, the submarines will be refloated and placed on other barges for their transit through the canal. Upon their arrival in Port Maitland, they will be recycled while aboard the barges.
The project, which comes with a $4.5 million price tag, is expected to be completed in early spring, Elliott said.
Though it is going to be a challenge, he said it's a project the company is excited to take on and very much looking forward to.
"It's another win for the little guys in Port Colborne," he said with a laugh, adding he's always pleased to see work come to the area.
While much of these pieces of Canadian military history are being recycled, there are portions of the subs that will be preserved.
MRC plans to take the tops of the submarines, including the conning towers, to Derek Point Memorial Gardens in Port Colborne, where they will be on display. The company built the park, which also contains nautical pieces from various Great Lakes freighters, about eight years ago.
The submarine pieces will be placed to look as though one is submerging and the other surfacing.
When they are put into place, MRC will also place sections of the Fraser — a Canadian designed and built Laurentian class destroyer — in the park. The Fraser was recycled by the company in 2010.
About 100 tonnes from each submarine and the destroyer will be used at the park, located where the old Welland Canal meets the newest canal, to create the vessel exhibits.
Once completed, likely by next summer, the exhibits will be dedicated in memory of three local business leaders, whose names have yet to be announced, as well as in honour of the Canadian Navy, which celebrated its 100th anniversary last year, Elliott said.
"It's important to have reminders of our naval history. We have a great naval history in Canada," he added.
Prior to MRC taking possession of the Okanagan and Olympus, items holding historical significance were removed and donated to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in Halifax for preservation, said DND public affairs officer Jocelyn Sweet.
DND considers all possible options when disposing of its assets, she said, adding financial, environmental and security considerations are made before an option is chosen.
"The department selects the most appropriate option for each asset on a case-by-case basis."
Elliott is pleased MRC is able to preserve pieces of Canada's marine heritage locally. He has high hopes the park will provide joy to residents and visitors of all ages for years to come.
Until then, Elliott is encouraging marine enthusiasts and those simply interested in catching an unusual sight, to keep their eyes peeled over the next few weeks for the subs as they travel along the canal.
He's keeping his fingers crossed that the journey through local waterways takes place during daylight hours.
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