A decommissioned fire rescue vessel from Greater Sudbury has begun a new chapter of service after being donated to a local First Nation community.
From Municipal Service to Community Asset
The boat, known as Boat 22, was officially delivered to Wahnapitae First Nation on December 18, 2025. This marks a significant transfer of a former city asset to Indigenous stewardship. The vessel had previously served the Greater Sudbury Fire Service as part of its water rescue capabilities before being taken out of active duty.
Formalizing the Transfer
The donation process was formalized by the City of Greater Sudbury, which arranged for the boat's delivery. While the specific planned uses for the vessel by Wahnapitae First Nation have not been detailed in the initial announcement, such equipment can be valuable for a variety of community needs. These often include:
- Water safety and patrols
- Transportation and community access
- Environmental monitoring and stewardship
- Cultural and recreational activities on local waterways
The handover represents a practical example of municipal-Indigenous partnership, repurposing a civic asset for direct community benefit.
A New Home on the Water
This donation provides Wahnapitae First Nation with a capable marine vessel without the capital cost of a new purchase. For the City of Greater Sudbury, it represents a responsible method of decommissioning equipment by ensuring it continues to serve the broader region. The transfer underscores a collaborative approach to resource sharing between municipal and First Nations governments in Northern Ontario.
The community of Wahnapitae is located near the city of Greater Sudbury, making the boat a geographically logical fit for its new operational area. The vessel's future duties will now be determined by the needs and priorities of its new owners.
