Blair McKeil. Photo credit: Breakwater Financial
Described as an “industry icon” in the world of marine transportation, Blair McKeil – who sat at the helm of his family’s Burlington-based business McKeil Marine Limited for the better part of three decades up until 2016 – has been named Hamilton Chamber of Commerce’s 2022 ‘Citizen of the Year’.
Created in 1938, the annual award is given to individuals who “demonstrate what it means to be a remarkable Hamiltonian.”
As this year’s winner, McKeil joins the likes of the Honourable Lincoln Alexander, Ron Foxcroft, Colin Millar, and several other distinguished community builders from the city’s storied past.
In an interview with The Hamilton Independent on Monday, McKeil said he was humbled by the recognition.
“It’s certainly an honour to be named amongst those that came before. It’s been an interesting road…I’ve been very fortunate.”
McKeil Marine was founded in 1956 by Blair’s father Evans, who saw an opportunity for a Great Lakes marine transportation company while working as a dredge labourer on the St. Lawrence Seaway.
Blair took over in 1992 and transformed the owner-operated tug-and-barge company into one of Canada’s leading marine service providers, delivering turnkey solutions to support customers in a wide range of transportation and project challenges along the St. Lawrence Seaway, East Coast, and Canadian Arctic.
Today, the company employs over 300 people and generates significant economic activity for the area.
While Blair sold off a majority interest of McKeil Marine in 2016, he remains vice chairman of the organization’s board and continues to help the company grow in various ways.
In 2018, he launched the mortgage administration firm Breakwater Financial.
According to interim CEO of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce Marie Nash, McKeil was selected as the 2022 Citizen of the Year not only for “providing jobs and prosperity for Hamilton”, but also for his “countless charitable actions” – of which Blair speaks most fondly of.
“It’s been a privilege to be able to do that (give back),” said McKeil. “It’s worked out quite well.”
Blair and his wife Kathy have given significant contributions – both in terms of time and financial donations – through the McKeil Family Foundation to a number of local organizations, including Mohawk College, McNally House Hospice, Carpenter Hospice Burlington, ProAction Halton, CityKidz, and the Lighthouse Theatre, along with countless other anonymous contributions over the years to many causes and organizations.
Blair has a particular passion for helping advance and support Hamilton youth, “especially high school kids trying to navigate a complicated world.” Over the years, he has hosted summer camps, provided annual scholarships to Mohawk College students, and has been an active supporter of the Inner City Outreach Ministry and Eva Rothwell Centre.
In 2021, Blair was instrumental in refurbishing and bringing the traditional brigantine training ship TS Playfair to Hamilton as an educational tool for teens. He also notably facilitated the purchase and transport of Theodore Too, a replica of the famous TV tugboat, from Halifax to Hamilton this past summer, making stops at a number of ports along the way.
“We just wanted to bring some normalcy, some simplicity back into peoples’ lives amidst the pandemic,” said McKeil.
“To be able to put a smile on children, grandchildren, and parents alike made it all worthwhile – you should have seen the lineups!”
Blair will be formally honoured at the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce’s in-person Outstanding Business Achievement Awards gala on May 11 at Carmen’s Banquet Centre.
