Name William Lyon Mackenzie Owner City of Toronto Awarded 1963 Launched 7 November 1963 Displacement 200,000 kg | Namesake William Lyon Mackenzie Ordered 1963 Construction started 1963 Weight 200 tons Builder Owen Sound | |
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Operator Toronto Fire Services (previous Toronto Fire Department 1964-1997) | ||
William Lyon Mackenzie # 334, named for Toronto's first mayor William Lyon Mackenzie, is a fireboat for the Toronto Fire Services. It was built in 1964 with a modified Tugboat hull to provide marine fire fighting as well as ice breaking capabilities. In 2004 the fireboat was refurbished and it is expected to be in service until 2037.
Contents
Initial design
As designed, the vessel was to be equipped with radar, echo sounder, radio, and daytime accommodation for the off-duty shift.
Equipment
The fire boat is equipped with:
The boat is mainly docked at 339 Queen's Quay West next to Fire Station #334. It is the main fireboat for the City of Toronto's Fire Services as well as an ice breaker for the City of Toronto. Built in Owen Sound, Ontario by Russel Brothers Limited. The William Lyon Mackenzie operates 12 months a year, providing emergency services within Toronto Harbour and the adjacent waters of Lake Ontario. The T.F.S recently purchased the William Thorton, a Mid-shore patrol built in 1982 for CCG and acquired by TFS in 2015. The William Thornton will be staffed by the crew of the Wm. Lyon Mackenzie as a backup/additional boat.
Refurbishment
In 2004, the vessel completed a $1+ million refurbishment that will extend the in-service life of the vessel by approximately 30 years. The main propulsion diesels engines were replaced and the "Aerial" platform was refurbished.
William Lyon Mackenzie is one of a few fireboats to ply the Great Lakes, Edward M. Cotter is operated by Buffalo Fire Department and operates in Lake Erie.
Operational history
The William Lyon Mackenzie was called upon to give the newly commissioned tugboat Iron Guppy a ceremonial shower when she joined Port Toronto's fleet, on July 23, 2016.