Founded in 1941
The Corps was formed by a number of interested area citizens in 1941 with the first parade held at the old Port Hope library building and the Orange Hall on John Street, with the first annual inspection taking place in 1942. The corps was named after HMCS Skeena, a second world war destroyer that was lost after a grounding on Videy Island Iceland, in Oct 1944. Once firmly established, the Corps looked for more permanent quarters; it's own ship, and eventually moved into the old Gas Works building on John Street South. In 1956 the building was gutted by fire and all ships records, photo albums, scrap books, uniforms and equipment were destroyed in the blaze.
Later that same year the Navy League Branch purchased the former St Mark's Parish Hall on Mill Street for $20,000.00! Built in 1865 as a Presbyterian Church north of Walton Street, it was moved to its present location in 1907 to become St Mark's Parish Hall. After extensive renovations, it was officially opened on April 20th, 1958 by Hope Township resident, The Right Honourable Vincent Massey, Governor General of Canada. Our fine building on Mill Street, appropriately facing the new Library over the Ganaraska River, has been the Sea Cadet Headquarters since that day in 1958. Then in 1997, due to the need for extensive repairs, renovations and a refit, the Towns of Port Hope and Cobourg, as well as 258 individuals, businesses and organizations throughout the County, contributed close to $60,000.00, The Architectural Conservancy of Ontario, Port Hope Branch (ACO), was the leading donor with architect Philip Carter who provided the most valuable advice and support. The Ontario Trillium Foundation grant of $57,000.00 enabled the Navy League Branch to make further improvements so Community Organizations could use the building. A total of $117,000 was raised for renovations to the building. A new roof, entrance and furnaces were installed and upgrades to the main incoming electrical panel were completed. Also two windows at the front of the building were uncovered and dedicated to the HMC Ships Cobourg and Port Hope. Also a bronze plaque in memory of the corps’ namesake HMCS Skeena was added to the front of the building.
The Navy League building was rededicated to its primary purpose in October 2000 as the headquarters ship of RCSCC Skeena, as a Memorial to HMCS Skeena and to ongoing service to the community.
The Corps, RCSCC Skeena, founded in 1941, like all Corps in Canada, has experienced it's ups and downs, and at one point in it's history it came very close to being decommissioned. However, with dedicated leadership and determination the Corps survived and grew in strength and numbers.
Throughout the years, the corps has won many proficiency sailing awards, First Aid trophies, Rifle Shooting honours and Flotilla prizes, in competitions with other Corps. Recently our Drill Teams and Marksmanship teams have excelled at detachment operated competitions. Our cadets have also excelled in new events such as orienteering and biathlon, having the opportunity to compete at the provincial level, on multiple occasions. Of all the opportunities to participate in, Skeena is the only unit in central region that can say it has participated in every competition possible!
Hundreds of our Sea Cadets have proudly attended Camps and Courses, with their Officers, in Naval Establishments, all over Canada. Our Cadets have even been selected for training and cruises aboard Canadian Forces Maritime ships as well as participated in international exchanges to USA, Bermuda, Russia, England, South Korea, Japan and Iceland.
Every Sea Cadet, Officer and Instructor who has graduated from Skeena throughout the past 75 years has contributed something special to the Corps, and undoubtedly benefited from being apart of a proud ships company which bears an equally proud name.
Smooth Sailing and Go Forth !
Later that same year the Navy League Branch purchased the former St Mark's Parish Hall on Mill Street for $20,000.00! Built in 1865 as a Presbyterian Church north of Walton Street, it was moved to its present location in 1907 to become St Mark's Parish Hall. After extensive renovations, it was officially opened on April 20th, 1958 by Hope Township resident, The Right Honourable Vincent Massey, Governor General of Canada. Our fine building on Mill Street, appropriately facing the new Library over the Ganaraska River, has been the Sea Cadet Headquarters since that day in 1958. Then in 1997, due to the need for extensive repairs, renovations and a refit, the Towns of Port Hope and Cobourg, as well as 258 individuals, businesses and organizations throughout the County, contributed close to $60,000.00, The Architectural Conservancy of Ontario, Port Hope Branch (ACO), was the leading donor with architect Philip Carter who provided the most valuable advice and support. The Ontario Trillium Foundation grant of $57,000.00 enabled the Navy League Branch to make further improvements so Community Organizations could use the building. A total of $117,000 was raised for renovations to the building. A new roof, entrance and furnaces were installed and upgrades to the main incoming electrical panel were completed. Also two windows at the front of the building were uncovered and dedicated to the HMC Ships Cobourg and Port Hope. Also a bronze plaque in memory of the corps’ namesake HMCS Skeena was added to the front of the building.
The Navy League building was rededicated to its primary purpose in October 2000 as the headquarters ship of RCSCC Skeena, as a Memorial to HMCS Skeena and to ongoing service to the community.
The Corps, RCSCC Skeena, founded in 1941, like all Corps in Canada, has experienced it's ups and downs, and at one point in it's history it came very close to being decommissioned. However, with dedicated leadership and determination the Corps survived and grew in strength and numbers.
Throughout the years, the corps has won many proficiency sailing awards, First Aid trophies, Rifle Shooting honours and Flotilla prizes, in competitions with other Corps. Recently our Drill Teams and Marksmanship teams have excelled at detachment operated competitions. Our cadets have also excelled in new events such as orienteering and biathlon, having the opportunity to compete at the provincial level, on multiple occasions. Of all the opportunities to participate in, Skeena is the only unit in central region that can say it has participated in every competition possible!
Hundreds of our Sea Cadets have proudly attended Camps and Courses, with their Officers, in Naval Establishments, all over Canada. Our Cadets have even been selected for training and cruises aboard Canadian Forces Maritime ships as well as participated in international exchanges to USA, Bermuda, Russia, England, South Korea, Japan and Iceland.
Every Sea Cadet, Officer and Instructor who has graduated from Skeena throughout the past 75 years has contributed something special to the Corps, and undoubtedly benefited from being apart of a proud ships company which bears an equally proud name.
Smooth Sailing and Go Forth !