collection 989.274 - Canadian Coast Guard Collection

A variety of agencies have maintained aids to navigation and provided coastal rescue services since long before Confederation. The Canadian Coast Guard was established in 1962 to take over the functions of the former Marine Service of the Department of Transport. It operated as part of the Department of Transport until 1994 when it was transferred to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. In 2005 the Canadian Coast Guard was designated as a “special operating agency” to give it greater autonomy under Fisheries and Oceans. Unlike the armed coast guards of some other nations such as the United States, the Canadian Coast Guard is a government marine organization without naval or law enforcement responsibilities. However, Coast Guard vessels can carry law enforcement personnel from other departments like the RCMP.

The Canadian Department of Transport was established on 2 November 1936 through the merger of the Department of Marine, Department of Railways and Canals, and the Civil Aviation Branch of the Department of National Defense. It had a wide span of operational responsibilities. In addition to its railway and civil aviation responsibilities, the Department of Transport was responsible for the coasts including the management of lighthouses, management of harbours, inspection of steamboats, and registration of shipping. A 1994 federal government reorganization created Transport Canada, a department focused on policy and regulation rather that transportation operation. The Coast Guard was transferred to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans at the time.

Sir Alfred Yarrow, of Yarrow & Co. Shipbuilders in Scotland, purchased the B.C. Marine Railways Company in Esquimalt to create Yarrows Shipbuilding Ltd. Sir Alfred's son, Norman became Director in 1915 and Edward Izard, an Engineer trained at the parent firm in Scotland was the General Manager.

During WWII, Yarrows specialized in naval construction and produced 17 frigates. It expanded across Lang Cove in Esquimalt to create an additional building slip and fabrication shops at Munro Head. Yarrows was purchased by Burrard Drydock Company in 1946. Burrard Yarrows was purchased by Versatile Pacific in 1985. Versatile renamed the Esquimalt shipyard Yarrows Ltd. in 1991 when it sold its Vancouver assets but the shipyard closed in 1995.