From Halifax to Hamilton: Theodore the Tugboat to call the Hammer home

Theodore Tugboat will soon be calling Hamilton Harbour home.

The iconic vessel has been purchased by Blair McKeil, president of Burlington-based McKeil Marine, according to a press release from former owner Ambassatours Gray Line.

McKeil is planning to enlist the familiar and friendly tugboat to promote the marine industry as well as encourage" Canadian youth to consider a seafaring career as Theodore travels port-to-port" around the Great Lakes and Atlantic Canada.

We really need Theodore's help engaging more awareness among young people of the very satisfying and lucrative marine career options available," stated McKeil.

The vessel - officially named Theodore Too - is a life-sized replica of the title character of a children's TV show, which aired on CBC from 1993 to 2001. It was built in Dayspring, N.S., in 2000, according to a Canadian Press report.

In the release, Ambassatours Gray Line CEO Dennis Campbell said when the company decided to sell Theodore, it was looking for a buyer that would harmonize" with the ship's roots.

The Halifax landmark was put on the market for $495,000 last summer - a sale spurred by a decline in tourism due to COVID-19.

While fielding inquiries from all over the world, it was the offer from Blair McKeil that felt like the best fit for Theodore's personality, experience and potential," said Campbell.

McKeil has deep connections" to the Maritimes, specifically Nova Scotia, according to the release. His father and paternal grandfather are from Pugwash and his maternal grandfather is from Cape Breton. He has business interests in the province and visits regularly.

And despite Theodore's upcoming departure from Halifax, Campbell said he is confident" that Maritimers will still get the occasional visit while he's out on promotional missions.

Prior to becoming a Halifax Harbour tour vessel, Theodore spent summers navigating the Great Lakes and has cruised as far as Florida representing and promoting Nova Scotia, stated the release. He's currently docked in Bedford, which is a suburb of Halifax.

The tugboat is expected to arrive in Hamilton later this spring, but the official date has not been confirmed and is subject to weather and COVID-19 protocols.

Theodore will be moored in the Hamilton Harbour once he arrives.

Fallon Hewitt is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach her via email: fhewitt@thespec.com