During the Cold War, Canada was called upon to help NATO forces defend against possible ballistic threats.
To protect Canadian waters, the Navy assigned shipbuilding facilities to help with the response, including the Burrard Dry Dock, who received a contract to build four anti-submarine destroyers. The first was HMCS Skeena, whose keel was laid in June 1951 and was launched in August the following year.
Due to rapid technological advancements following the launch, the ship was not commissioned into the Royal Canadian Navy until March 1957. That event is captured here by photographer Jack Cash.
Visit the MONOVA website for more information about the history of the North Shore and to plan your visit to MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver, now open at 115 West Esplanade in The Shipyards.
Currently, MONOVA: Archives of North Vancouver, at 3203 Institute Road in Lynn Valley, is open for drop-ins on Monday and by appointment Tuesday-Friday, 12:30-4 p.m. Contact: [email protected]
Navigate culture on the North Shore by using the North Shore Culture Compass.
