On Friday, October 17, 2025, Chris Malette, Member of Parliament for the Bay of Quinte, on behalf of the Minister of National Defence, the Honourable David J. McGuinty, announced the official opening of the Canadian Coast Guard’s new search and rescue station in Cobourg, Ontario. This modern station is strategically located in the Cobourg Harbour, on the north shore of Lake Ontario.
The Canadian Coast Guard has a critical role in saving lives and assisting mariners in distress. It is a top priority of the Government of Canada to equip Canadian Coast Guard personnel with modern facilities and tools they need to carry out their crucial, lifesaving work.
The new station represents an investment of $6.8 million. It features a large workshop to carry out vessel repairs, maintenance and winter storage. The station has new accommodations; including five bedrooms, a kitchen, large common areas, laundry room, and exercise area for crews who live on-site while on duty.
The station features a new space, known as the “Ready Room”, where crew members have quick and easy access to equipment for search and rescue operations. Similar to a fire station, this area provides dedicated storage and preparation space for quick access to gear and equipment to allow crews to depart quickly.
After the ribbon cutting MP Malette was given a tour of the Coast Guard vessel Cape Rescue.
Quotes
“The new state-of-the-art Cobourg search and rescue station is a welcome upgrade to the Canadian Coast Guard fleet. Its new technology and features will provide a better facility for the crews who keep Canadians safe, ensuring they have everything they need to carry out their essential lifesaving work on the Great Lakes.”
The Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence
“The Canadian Coast Guard search and rescue station is a vital asset on Lake Ontario, playing a key role in ensuring the safety of boaters and mariners throughout our region. This new station will strengthen the Canadian Coast Guard’s ability to respond quickly and effectively in times of emergency to ensure our community feels protected and safe while on the water.”
Chris Malette, Member of Parliament, Bay of Quinte
Quick Facts
The Cobourg station was the first rescue station on the Great Lakes, initially established in 1872.
The new station in Cobourg features high efficiency construction materials, keeping it both cool in the summer, and warm in the shoulder seasons. It relies on minimal energy inputs coming from electricity, and as a result, the building emits zero emissions.
The Canadian Coast Guard operates nine search and rescue stations across the Great Lakes – in Amherstburg, Cobourg, Goderich, Kingston, Meaford, Port Dover, Port Weller, Thunder Bay, and Tobermory. These stations are open annually, typically from April to December.
Nationally, the Canadian Coast Guard responds to over 6,000 calls for marine assistance every year.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
