HMCS Margaret Brooke Opens for Tours in Owen Sound This Weekend

URGENT UPDATE: The Royal Canadian Navy’s patrol vessel, HMCS Margaret Brooke, is now open for public tours in Owen Sound, Ontario, attracting crowds eager to explore one of the Navy’s newest ships. The event, part of a Great Lakes tour, kicked off on Friday and continues through the weekend, with hundreds expected to board the vessel.

Anchored off Legacy Ridge, the grey-hulled ship is manned by a predominantly young crew who are actively engaging visitors arriving by inflatable shuttle boat. The excitement builds as the ship gears up for its Sailor for a Day event on Monday, which is already fully booked.

This initiative comes as the Royal Canadian Navy faces a critical recruitment challenge, with current personnel numbers at around 17,100—leaving a shortfall of approximately 1,600 sailors. Vice-Admiral Angus Tophsee recently noted improvements in recruitment efforts but emphasized that the Navy is “not out of the woods yet.”

The HMCS Margaret Brooke, delivered to the Navy in 2021, aims to reach potential recruits in areas where Canadians typically do not see a warship. After visiting Sault Ste. Marie and making a stop at Neyaashiinigmiing, the ship will head to marine career fairs in Windsor, Toronto, and Montreal next.

This modern patrol vessel has an impressive history, including participation in multinational military exercises in the Arctic and providing hurricane relief after Hurricane Fiona struck Newfoundland. The ship has circumnavigated South America and assisted the U.S. Coast Guard in combating drug trafficking in the Caribbean.

During a recent tour, visitors explored the bridge, the flight deck, and the sick bay, with crew members sharing their personal stories. Gabe Buttigieg, a sailor first class, expressed his enthusiasm for the Navy, highlighting the travel opportunities and the unique camaraderie among sailors. “It’s such an old trade, to be a sailor, and it comes with some really fun traditions,” he said.

Recruitment efforts are also front and center, with stands set up along the east harbour wall, where all branches of the Armed Forces—Army, Air Force, and Navy—are actively taking applications and answering questions. Lilli Warrilow, a 13-year-old from Waverley Heights, tested her skills on a ship simulator, showcasing the Navy’s commitment to engaging youth in their recruitment efforts.

“The RCN is facing a shortage of people right now,” stated Lt.-Cmdr. Lucas Pang. “We tell them what the Navy is about and what opportunities exist.”

The HMCS Margaret Brooke represents one of six Harry DeWolf-class Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessels designed to operate in both polar and tropical regions. It features advanced capabilities, including a maximum speed of 17 knots (31 kilometers per hour), a crew capacity of 85, and self-load and unload capabilities with a 20-tonne crane.

Named after a decorated World War II nurse known for her bravery during a maritime disaster, the ship stands as a symbol of the Navy’s rich history and commitment to service. As the vessel prepares to depart for its next engagements, the Royal Canadian Navy hopes to inspire a new generation of sailors and strengthen its ranks.

For those interested in learning more or participating in Navy events, the HMCS Margaret Brooke is a must-see this weekend. Stay tuned for updates as the recruitment drive continues to unfold across Ontario.