A West Coast fishing boat that once graced the back of Canada's $5 bills isn't getting the respect it deserves, says the Campbell River group that restored it.
The once famous fishing boat known simply as B.C.P. 45 appeared on the back of Canada's paper currency from 1972 to 1986.
(Campbell River Maritime Heritage Society)
The Vancouver Island group is upset that federal Environment Minister John Baird cancelled plans to attend a dedication celebration after months of preparations.
The Campbell River Maritime Heritage Society spent years lovingly restoring the once famous fishing boat known simply as B.C.P. 45, which appeared on the back of Canada's paper currency from 1972 to 1986.
Now the much-publicized plans to unveil a commemorative plaque on Saturday have been scuttled because the minister isn't available.
But society officials say they'll throw the party anyway, and they don't believe Ottawa couldn't send someone else.
B.C.P. 45 was built in 1927 as a table seiner by Vancouver's Burrard Shipyards for Packer's Steamship Co., better known as B.C. Packers.
(Campbell River Maritime Heritage Society)
"I'm extremely frustrated and disappointed," said Maritime Heritage Society president Glenn Ashby.
Ashby maintains Ottawa picked out the date, then confirmed their attendance for Saturday's ceremony, only to pull out late last week after the society had already announced sold tickets for a raffle and gala dinner.
"We started the wheels in motion and everybody was excited and we were planning on proceeding, and now we're just sort of floundering around," Ashby said Tuesday.
But Gerry Borden, commemorations officer for Parks Canada, says the date was never confirmed. He said Baird was unavailable because of a B.C. caucus meeting this weekend.
"As much as the minister would like to be here, or have a representative from the federal government, there's no one available at this time," Borden said.
B.C.P. 45 was built in 1927 as a table seiner by Vancouver's Burrard Shipyards for Packer's Steamship Co, better known as B.C. Packers.
It now now sits as a centerpiece inside Campbell River's Maritime Heritage Centre. A true westcoaster, it was built with Douglas Fir planking, oak gunnels and capping, with cedar for top planking.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2007/10/10/bc-fivedollarboat.html
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