New search and rescue Coast Guard station officially opens in Port Weller

Last Thursday, the Canadian Coast Guard officially opened its new search and rescue station in Port Weller. According to the Coast Guard, the new station is strategically located on the south shore of Lake Ontario. It is expected that this new and modern facility will enhance search and rescue operations in the region. 

“The new Port Weller search and rescue station represents our commitment to a well-equipped Canadian Coast Guard; the safety of Canadians and mariners depends on it,” said David McGunity, Minister of National Defence. “The upgraded space will provide a better facility for crews and support them in the crucial lifesaving work on the Great Lakes.”

The role of the Canadian Coast Guard is to help save lives and assist mariners in distress. 

The new search and rescue station cost the federal government some $7.6 million. The overall project included the restoration and preservation of the 1931 former lighthouse keeper’s dwelling, which is recognized as a federal heritage building. In the past, the lighthouse keeper’s dwelling was used as employee quarters, but now it has been integrated into the facility and serves as office space.

The new facility includes a large workshop for vessel repairs, maintenance, and winter storage, as well as living space for duty crews, including five bedrooms, a kitchen, common areas, a laundry room, an exercise area, and a “Ready Room.” Designed similar to a fire station, the Coast Guard “Ready Room” offers dedicated space for rapid deployment during emergencies. 

Construction of the new station began in March 2022. The facility was ready for occupancy in the fall of 2024 but didn’t officially open until this month. 

“Our crews in Port Weller operate in one of the busiest areas in Canada; supporting them enables better service to mariners and those in need on the water,” said Kevin Brosseau, Commissioner of the Canadian Coast Guard. “This new station is a tangible representation of our continued work to modernize our fleet and infrastructure across the country, for the benefit of Canadians.”

The new station incorporates solar power systems, backup power generation, water treatment facilities, and a septic system. It also features efficient HVAC equipment and energy-efficient building materials, which the Coast Guard says will help with long-term operational sustainability.

The Coast Guard operates nine search and rescue stations across the Great Lakes, including in Port Weller. The stations operate annually, usually from April to December, and are supported by a Cape class rescue vessel. Nationally, the Coast Guard responds to over 6,000 calls for assistance every year.