William Lyon Mackenzie (fireboat)


William Lyon Mackenzie, built by Russel Brothers, named for Toronto's first mayor William Lyon Mackenzie, is a fireboat for the Toronto Fire Services. It was built in 1964 with a modified Tugboat hull to provide marine fire fighting as well as icebreaking capabilities. In 2004 the fireboat was refurbished and it is expected to be in service until 2037.

Design and equipment

As designed, the vessel was to be equipped with radar, echo sounder, radio, and daytime accommodation for the off-duty shift.
The fire boat is equipped with:
Built in Owen Sound, Ontario by Russel Brothers Limited. The William Lyon Mackenzie operates 12 months a year, providing emergency services within Toronto Harbour and the adjacent waters of Lake Ontario. The boat is mainly docked at 339 Queen's Quay West next to Fire Station #334. It is the main fireboat for the City of Toronto's Fire Services as well as an icebreaker for the City of Toronto. The Mackenzie is one of a few fireboats to ply the Great Lakes, Edward M. Cotter is operated by Buffalo Fire Department and operates in Lake Erie. The Mackenzie does duty during the Canadian International Air Show, using its spray to make a very visible visual point of reference at the center of the display area.
In 2004, the vessel completed a million refurbishment that will extend the in-service life of the vessel by approximately 30 years. The main propulsion diesels engines were replaced and the "Aerial" platform was refurbished.
In 2015, the TFS purchased the William Thorton, a Mid-shore patrol built in 1982 for the Canadian Coast Guard. The Thornton will be staffed by the crew of the Mackenzie as a backup/additional boat. The Thornton replaced the Sora which the TFS had bought in 2006. The Thornton is named after William Thornton, the first known Toronto firefighter to die fighting a fire. Thornton died in 1848.
The Mackenzie was called upon to give the newly commissioned tugboat Iron Guppy a ceremonial shower when she joined PortsToronto's fleet, on July 23, 2016.

In popular culture

The Mackenzie has been featured in the TV series Mighty Machines, filmed in action by their film crew during an exercise.