PORT COLBORNE, Ontario (Aug. 5, 2025) — The Edward M. Cotter, Buffalo’s historic fireboat, returned to Port Colborne this week for the 28th year to take part in the city’s annual Canal Days celebration.

The Cotter has deep ties to Port Colborne. After its delivery voyage in November 1900, the boat stopped there for painting by local firefighters before its arrival in Buffalo. In 1960, it became the first fireboat to cross international waters to fight a blaze, when it responded to a fire that burned for four days at the Maple Leaf mill.

More than 5,000 visitors toured the vessel over two days during this year’s festival. An estimated 20,000 people watched the evening boat parade, led by the Cotter as it flowed water from all five deck guns.