The Society fulfills this task by providing self-guided tours, educational and group guided tours to 13,000 visitors who paid admission to view the ship from October 1, 2005 to September 30 th, 2006. This proven add-on tourist attraction is essential to the ever-growing tourist industry as it serves the community and international visitors in a variety of capacities.
Most importantly, the Society’s has taken on the primary responsibility to maintain all aspects of the boat in a safe and secure state. Ongoing maintenance of the restored vessel has started to consume a large amount of time and energy of the society. Restoration of the vessel began 18 years ago and several areas of the restoration have started to reach their life expectancy. These ongoing maintenance requirements will only continue to grow as the vessel continues to age. Maintenance of this jewel will require a commitment that extends for as long as the vessel is expected to grace Okanagan beach.
In 2000 the Society took the initiated to take over stewardship of the 1914 S.S. Naramata tug which is now in the final stages of restoration pending additional fundraising. The tug has been open for viewing as part of the public’s visit to the S.S. Sicamous for a number of years . It is with pride that our Society has provided and saved for our community another significant Okanagan heritage artifact that serves as a public marine museum and rental facility. We are happy to report that this achievement has been accomplished with no cost to the Citizens of Penticton.
The Society has recently undertaken the stewardship of the Canadian National Tug #6 and towed it to the Okanagan Inland Marine Heritage Park June 16th of this year. Goals for the tug are public access, full restoration and a vision to have it run on the lake once again.
In addition, the Society has initiated their 2001 site plan with the planned move of the Society owned 1914 S.S. Okanagan Stern Salon to its permanent home within the Okanagan Inland Marine Heritage Park , thus taking a s mall step to creating a truly unique heritage park. Detailed plans and specifications for the move have now been completed with City approval and it is hoped the move to its new location will occur soon. Fund raising for this work is almost all in place and the move will allow the Society to begin active restoration of the stern saloon as additional fundraising and volunteer work programs allow us to proceed.
A fourth season of professional heritage theatre was produced and performed on board the Sicamous. The Society presented 40 performances of the musical S.S. Sicamous Follies, Too during July and August saw 3,500 patrons who enjoyed another original musical showcasing the history and true accounts of life on board the S.S. Sicamous. Professional and talented local amateur actors delighted audiences with local history and music.
Over the last four years, the Society has expanded its role and mandate far beyond just the S.S. Sicamous by endeavouring to coordinate with city departments the creation of the Okanagan Inland Marine Heritage Park. By implementing our concept plan for the area surrounding the S.S. Sicamous, the Society is expanding and protecting a waterfront park by ensuring through acquisition of artifacts this park area is not in danger of corporate encroachment and will remain a public park for our citizens. Plans are now underway to begin serious consultation with the Parks Department and join together in creating an area that reflects our Living Legacy as the past blends with our future.
The Society has seen the endorsement of the Okanagan Valley’s heritage, historical and civic museums to serve as the official site to interpret the marine heritage transportation history. The transfer of significant artifacts, information sharing and alliances attest to the growing success and the confidence our Society has achieved. In February 2006, the Society was awarded from the City of Kelowna and endorsed by the Okanagan museum community, the historic CN Tug #6. This tug, once delivered to Penticton’s shores will sit beside the Naramata tug, launching a new era in the development of our Society and the Heritage Park planning.
As seen in the past year, the branding of the Sicamous is an established icon for many tourist-related offices. On the City of Penticton’s web site home page, the Sicamous, nestled in with the peaches proudly represents the “look” of Penticton, inviting all who visit the web site to come and explore our great heritage culture and region. The Tourism Development Department, The Penticton Western News, Penticton Herald, TOTA to name a few, all use the image of the Sicamous in its publications of Tourist Brochures and written media genres.
In view of this information, we are pleased to provide the Society’s accomplishments, in a categorical order, of the past year.
Hull interpretation
Cargo Deck: 10 interpretive panels, which explain through photos, diagrams and written information the beginning of the marine transportation and steam railways
Engine Room: 3 interpretive panels with mounted artifacts in a lighted open-case bring back the feel of the original engine room with an interactive component
Exterior B & C Deck Wood Rot is critical and extensive and is now slowly being addressed so that public safety standards are maintained. Funds now are unavailable to repair the rest. Please see application for Casino Funds Grant 2007.
B to C Deck Stairway Fire Door: design development and installation will completed by November this year.
Communication System Restoration of the original Gingle & Gong and Voice Tubes from the Pilot House-Purser’s Office-Cargo Deck now offers visitors an interactive experience.
Original Exterior Signage: re-creation of the 6 by 13 foot “Sicamous” sign o the Pilot House and the “Sicamous” name on the hull redone for aesthetic appeal
Artifact Collection & Digital Accessioning Program is successfully being continued with the accessioning of valuable CNR artifacts recovered from the CN Tug #6
The Volunteer Restoration Advisory Committee is active with the restoration projects in keeping labour and material costs down to maximize the Casino Funds. As it stands, the Society has $1,600.00 left in its Casino Funds account with the City, reflecting responsible budgeting.
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