The Columbia: History
The sixth of her class, Columbia was built by Burrard Drydock Company Limited, in North Vancouver. She was commissioned on 7 November 1959 and soon afterward left for service on the East Coast.

On 9 September 1960, Columbia sailed from Halifax to represent Canada at Nigerian independence celebrations. She returned to Halifax on 25 October after steaming 10,500 miles and visiting a number of African ports.

In March 1967, she departed Halifax in company with Crescent and Algonquin en route to Esquimalt for duty with Pacific Command.

Decommissioned on 18 February 1974, Columbia served as a stationary training ship in Esquimalt, her propellers replaced with no-thrust 'wheels' so that her engines might be run without leaving dockside.
Dive the Columbia with Dirk De keersmaecker... Just click on the image
Click on the image for the sinking of the Mackenzie and the Columbia
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The crew of HMCS Columbia in 1964
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Sink Day, 22 June 1996, Maude Island near Campbell River, BC / Photo: Doug Pemberton
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Diving the Columbia, 2002 / Photo: Doug Pemberton
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​C/O  VANCOUVER MARITIME MUSEUM
1905 OGDEN AVE
VANCOUVER
BC V6J 1A3
WHY DO WE MAKE ARTIFICIAL REEFS?

The diversity of marine life along BC's coastline is under increasing stress through overfishing, ecological damage, pollution, and loss of habitat. Artificial reefs in the form of large steel vessels address this issue by providing new habitat opportunities in areas without significant natural reef structures.  
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Retired, surplus and derelict ships, stripped of all dangerous and polluting components, make ideal long term complex marine habitat. Steel hulled ships are stripped, recycled and repurposed into man-made reefs. Within a short time in the marine environment they come to support self-sustaining ecosystems comprised of a wide variety of fish and fauna. The structures eventually mimic natural reef settings with their growing marine populations. Artificial reefs are also enjoyed as a prime destination for eco-adventure scuba diver tourism.
Please help the ARSBC continue its mission to create, monitor, and maintain artificial reefs in Canadian waters and beyond! 
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Donations of $25 or more will receive a tax-deductible charitable donation receipt. (Charitable Organization #139743397)
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