Archana Cini, Lookout Newspaper

In April 1943, the first edition of what would eventually become the Lookout Newspaper rolled off the press.

It was titled the Gangway, an independent, weekly publication that reported on West Coast Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) news, edited by RCN personnel prior to publication. Volume 01, Number 01 was sold for 10 cents per copy, right here in Esquimalt. The first issue of the Gangway was published entirely in black and white ink. The pages of this first edition told stories of a West Coast rescue; paid tribute to sailors who gave their lives for our country; noted a change in command; showcased heart in everyday moments of service; and provided comic relief for those in the Defence community that needed it. Over 80 years later, in 2026, the Lookout Newspaper still tells stories like these.

In many ways, the final print issue of the Lookout, dated March 23, 2026, is very similar to its first 1943 issue. At the same time, it could not be more different.

Created to inform and connect sailors during a time of rapid growth for the navy, the Gangway quickly became an important link between those serving and the community around them. With the 1950s came an interesting change; the Gangway had been renamed to Dockyard News, and a few sparing splashes of red ink began to appear on pages marking special occasions like Christmas and New Year’s. In addition to Defence community stories, political illustrations; local pageant results; festive comics; religious poems; and advertisements began to share space with stories of Canadian heroism, war, and memory.

By 1964, Dockyard News had been renamed one final time to what it lives as today: the Lookout, a simple word that instantly reflected the vigilance and awareness required when spending time at sea. With these pages came messages of morale from RCN leadership and the perhaps not-so-coincidental appearance of sea-blue ink (still used as sparingly as red.) Over the decades that followed, the Lookout grew alongside the naval base in Esquimalt and the RCN itself, documenting everything from newly commissioned ships and international deployments to local sports leagues, family events, and community initiatives.

Like the navy it serves, the Lookout has continuously adapted with the times. Since 2001, every front page of the Lookout has been printed in full colour. 2011 was the first time entire publications were printed in colour; every photograph, every story. After the mid-2010s, key Lookout stories began appearing online, allowing readers far beyond the base to stay connected to the West Coast Defence community. In August of 2024, the Lookout transitioned from a weekly to biweekly print publication.

Through every stage of this 82-year evolution, the heart of the Lookout has remained the same: to serve those who serve. This work has only been possible thanks to the many journalists; editors; photographers; designers; creative professionals; and others who have contributed their talents over the years. Thank you — for your time, your efforts, your dedication, and your work. Each of you have helped preserve an incredible living history of our West Coast naval community.

On February 23, 2026, Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Esquimalt leadership announced that the Lookout would no longer produce a print newspaper. Now, we stand at a precipice.

This story you are reading comes from the final print issue of the Lookout Newspaper, Volume 71, Number 06. It is the last of its kind. With this final print issue, the Lookout marks the end of one chapter in its history — and the beginning of yet another. Moving forward, the Lookout continues its mission as a fully digital publication, delivering timely stories and features right here, where a digital biweekly edition will remain available. This shift will allow the Lookout to share stories faster, reach wider audiences, and tell the stories of the Defence community in new and dynamic ways.

Alongside this new era of journalism, the Lookout team will continue to support the operations of CFB Esquimalt through its suite of creative service offerings, providing everything from large-scale event materials to naval ceremony programmes and certificates. We also host and support several events throughout the year.

As the presses fall silent for the final time, the Lookout continues forward, still telling the stories that matter to our Defence community.

Today, and always, we shall stand as your #1 source of news for Maritime Forces Pacific and CFB Esquimalt. We serve those who serve.