The British Columbia Aviation Museum here in Victoria is over the moon after learning it was the successful bidder to receive an Avro Lancaster bomber from the City of Toronto.
Museum President John Lewis says the Avro Lancaster is an iconic aircraft with a distinguished record in war. It was a major contributor to the Strategic Bombing Offensive in World War II, and in peace has served on both coasts in reconnaissance and search and rescue missions.
Comox served as the west coast base for Lancasters through the 1950s and 60s.
This particular plane -- a Lancaster FM104, was built in Toronto in 1944, was retired from service in 1966, and was displayed on the Toronto lakeshore for more than 30 years before being removed, and stored away.
The Lancaster will be moved to the BC Aviation Museum in North Saanich near Victoria International Airport over the next few months, and restoration will start immediately.
The long-term goal is to restore the aircraft to flying condition with help from Victoria Air Maintenance.
Lewis says many people at the BC Aviation Museum and the Victoria aviation community have worked hard to make the announcement possible.
Meantime on the other side of the country some airplane enthusiasts are calling it a sad day for Toronto after city councilors voted 30 - 5 to allow the airplance to be moved to BC.