HMCS York

HMCS York plaque at the Canadian National Exhibition grounds in Toronto, Ontario

HMCS York is a Canadian Forces Naval Reserve Division located in Toronto, Ontario. Before the move to its current location on Lake Shore Boulevard West, it had been situated on the grounds of the Canadian National Exhibition. Today, it serves as a training unit to 200 full-time and part-time naval personnel.

History

The base was established in 1942 to replace the Royal Canadian Navy Volunteer Reserve Half created in 1923. During World War II, it was a premiere naval recruiting depot in the British Commonwealth and home to 17,000 personnel.

The base is home to the Canadian Forces Sailing Association.

Facilities

Although located on the Lake Ontario shoreline, the base has no docking facilities for naval ships. RHIB are deployed at the base, but the docking facilities to the south of the HMCS York belong to the National Yacht Club of Toronto for private vessels.

Prior to 1947 the base was located at two other locations:

• 1395 Lake Shore Boulevard West: ? - 1942
• Canadian National Exhibition Automotive Building: 1942 - 1947.

It moved to the current base at 659 Lake Shore Boulevard West in 1947.

Moto

The base's moto is “Good Hope”.

Personnel

Current commanding Officer at the base is Lieutenant Commander Timothy O'Leary, CD.

• Naval Reserve air squadron, VC 920: 1953 - 1963.

Lodger units at HMCS York:

• Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps Vanguard[1]: 1958-present.
• Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron 618 Queen City[2]: January 10, 1956 - present.

Notable former members

• Leading Seaman Robert Binder MB, recipient of the Medal of Bravery.
• Lieutenant Gordon B. Jackson - first commander

External links

• HMCS York