A big Canadian celebrity is moving to Hamilton

By

Published June 10, 2021 at 9:31 am

Hamilton is about to become home to a very recognizable Canadian celebrity.

Theodore TOO, a 65-foot reproduction of the original TV character from the CBC series ‘Theodore Tugboat,’ is leaving its home in Halifax with a four-person crew on Thursday (June 10) to sail to its new home in the Port of Hamilton.

Halifax has served as Theodore’s home base for the past two decades and his journey to Hamilton marks a new and important chapter in the little tugboat’s life.

When Theodore arrives in Hamilton, his engine will be converted to biodiesel as a symbol of his future as a ‘sustainability champion,’ in collaboration with Canada’s leading water education and conservation advocate, Swim Drink Fish.

“We’re incredibly honoured to join Swim Drink Fish and lend support to its work with Indigenous leaders and sustainability thought leaders in their mission-critical work rallying Canadians around a clean water strategy built on the conservation, restoration and protection of our waterways and Great Lakes,” said Blair McKeil, President and CEO, Breakwater Investments, and Theodore’s new owner.

“Tugboats have a big job on the water and Theodore TOO has an even bigger mandate now. We’re incredibly excited about the role he’ll play in promoting sustainability.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CP6Qa-XtAfO/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The happy little tugboat will also serve as an ambassador for Canada’s marine and shipbuilding industry, which, in recent years, is dealing with a critical labour shortage.

“There’s a big story to tell from software, electronics and systems needed for commercial, civil and defence marine, to propulsion, naval architects and shipbuilding,” McKeil said in a press release.

“Our hope is for Theodore TOO to bring awareness to both sailing and shore-based job opportunities, shining a bright light on industries supporting Canada’s supply chain including ports, cargo terminals, shipyards, offshore supply bases and shore-based manufacturing.”

In the interest of public safety and in compliance with COVID-19 and various provincial mandates, Theodore TOO will not be inviting individuals to board the vessel at various ports of call during his voyage but he can be followed via #TheosGreatLakesAdventure on social media.

insauga's Editorial Standards and Policies advertising