Here's the other iconic N.S. boat to be immortalized on a coin

A type of boat designed in Nova Scotiathat's becomea ubiquitous sight at East Coast fishing ports over the pastcentury will soon be found in the pockets of Canadians.

The new 2017 commemorative loonie,part of a design contest by the Royal Canadian Mint, willfeatureaCape Islander boat among other Canadian icons andlandmarks.

Featuringunmistakablehigh bows and anopen workspace, theboat is believed to have originated in Clark's Harbouraround1905. A write-up on the boat can be found on the town's website as part of its local history section.

"Most people now are pretty familiar with the Cape Islander boat," said Leigh Stoddart, mayor of Clark's Harbour, asmall communityon Cape Sable Island off Nova Scotia'ssouthwest coast.

'Pretty proud'

Stoddart said the coin's designer, Wesley Klassen of St. Catharines, Ont., did a good job of capturing the boat's likeness.

"It's pretty accurate," said Stoddart."I felt pretty good, pretty proud, because it's from my hometown."

The coin, which is meant to celebrate Canada's 150th anniversary,also features another Nova Scotia icon:the lighthouse at PeggysCove.

The design also includesVancouver'sLions Gate Bridge, a prairie grain elevator, theCN Tower, and the ChateauFrontenacin Old Quebec.

• St. Catharines man's design chosen for Canada 150 loonie

"They're all icons of Canada," said Stoddart. "People immediately recognizePeggysCove. So to have our boat in with that group of designs, it's quite something for us."

Inspired by cross-Canada trip

Klassen, 50, said his creation wasinspired by childhood memories of a road trip across the country with his family.

"Seeing the fishing boats, camping, having our lobsters cooked on the roadside lobster stands with the big black open kettles that's where I drew upon those ideas," he said.

Stoddartsaid he thinkshaving Clark's Harbour's famous export on the currency will bring greater exposure for the town of about 800.

"Where it originated right here in Clark's Harbour, yes, I think it will help us," he said.

Nova Scotia's most famous vessel the Bluenose has been featured on the Canadian dime since 1937. Every yeartourists flock to see a replica of the schooner in its home portof Lunenburg.

A lasting tradition

Cape Islander boats continue to be favourites for fishermen, although they are now made of fibreglass, not wood.

"A lot of them are built here in Clark's Harbour," said Stoddart."Right now we're on a boom. There's a backlog of about three years to get one built, actually."

Stoddartsaid the town will likely order a few of the commemorative loonies to give as gifts.

The coin is set to enter circulation in thespring.