The Marine Heritage Society seeks new tour boat.

Town Council

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Tour Boat Peerless

Larry LePage, Chairman of the Marine Heritage Society, came before Saugeen Shores Town Council to ask for a loan.

The group, made up of volunteers that have put in thousands of hours on the restoration of the Chantry Island Imperial Lighthouse and its Keeper's Quarters, came forward at the March 23rd meeting of Town Council, to ask for assistance in buying a new boat.

The island is only accessible by boat and the only boat allowed to dock, unless by special permission, is the tour boat. The group maintains that thousands of dollars are spent each year in tourism dollars in the municipality and keeping the island accessible is a key component to tourist dollars.

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25/03/2009 11:17 PM

The present boat, the Peerless, a refurbished rescue boat, is 32 years old and almost at the end of its life expectancy. According to LePage, it is also too heavy and unsuitable when waters are less than calm.
 

The group is looking at purchasing a new lighter boat that will ride the waters instead of 'ploughing through' as the Peerless does. In addition, the Marine Heritage, worked out a pay-back schedule of 12 years or less based on the price of some $115,000.

Although a decision wasn't made at Monday's council meeting, the response from council was in a positive frame. "This is an incredible group of volunteers," said Deputy Mayor Freiburger. "They always do what they say they'll do. I support them." Councillor Victoria Serda also agreed.

For the full deputation by the Marine Heritage Society, click here.
 

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