A new Metro Transit ferry named in honour of a fallen soldier was unveiled in Halifax Wednesday morning.
Christopher Stannix graduated from Auburn High and attended Saint Mary’s University.
He enlisted with the Canadian Armed Forces in 2001 and was a member of the Halifax-based Princess Louise Fusiliers.
Stannix and five other soldiers were killed when their vehicle struck a roadside bomb in Afghanistan in April 2007. Stannix was 24.
“I’m sure that when you see his name on the ferry, he would also want you to remember the other 157 servicemen and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan,” said his father, Ken Stannix, at the unveiling.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.”
Darrel MacDonald served in the same regiment as Stannix and he submitted the soldier’s name to the Halifax Regional Municipality. More than 12,800 votes were cast online for the naming of the new harbour ferry, with 61 per cent of votes in favour of naming it after Stannix.
“Proud, proud to see the city recognize one of our own,” said MacDonald.
Stannix’s mother, Kate, said Wednesday’s ceremony was an emotional one.
“Your heart is full of emotion and it’s hard to find a word to describe it,” she said. “We’re very grateful and very proud.”
The Christopher Stannix is not ready to sail just yet; it will begin travelling between Halifax and Dartmouth on May 20.
“We have to go through a series of Transport Canada Inspections in order to carry passengers,” says Metro Transit Director Eddie Robar.
Thirty-three crew members need to be trained to use the ship, which is equipped with electronic controls instead of steering wheels.
Future passengers say they are excited by the addition.
“I’m looking forward to it,” says transit user Paul van der Est. “Especially the new schedule, every 15 minutes, it’s going to be a lot more convenient for getting downtown.”
“It’s even got that new smell, eh? Like a new car smell,” says Kate. “It’s just a beautiful, beautiful vessel.”
With files from CTV Atlantic's Matt Woodman
