Cruise ship sails into Midland, bringing a boost to local businesses
A passenger ship cruised into the harbour in Midland on Thursday for the first time this year, providing a financial boost for businesses that have struggled throughout the pandemic.
The Pearl Mist is a 210-passenger ship that offers scenic views of the Great Lakes and Georgian Bay.
It's been two years since the Pearl Mist cruised the Great Lakes. This charter has 150 guests on board excited to be back.
Pearl Seas Cruises offers a seven-night and 11-night Great Lakes and Georgian Bay cruise, beginning in Toronto and making stops in Midland and Parry Sound.
The ship set sail from Toronto on Sunday for the first cruise of the season.
Crew members say there are a number of locations that they are unable to visit this year.
"It's been challenging but also exciting to add new options to the itinerary," says Kristen Lambert, manager of Guest Programs at the Pearl Mist.
The town of Midland says businesses suffered tremendously during the pandemic. Andy Campbell, Executive Director of Infrastructure and Environment at the Town of Midland, says that the ship will help with economic recovery.
"Midland needs tourism. It drives a lot of economic development in town," Campbell says. "We're really excited that all the people that come to town will spend their money and come back because they've had a great experience here."
Local vendors feel the same way. Jiyu Silk Art co-owner Shelley Robillard says the pandemic was extremely difficult on her small business.
But with tourism season here, things are looking up.
"We were popular enough the previous years that the Pearl Mist was here, that they contacted the town of Midland and asked us
to come back every time," says Robillard.
"We love when the Pearl Mist comes, everyone is so friendly and nice," she adds.
Ten cruises are set to stop in Midland until mid-September.
More information on the cruise line can be found here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
A police photographer recounts the harrowing day of the Polytechnique massacre
Montreal crime scene photographer Harold Rosenberg witnessed a lot of horror over his thirty years on the job, though nothing of the magnitude of what he captured with his lens at the Polytechnique on December 6, 1989. He described the day of the Montreal massacre to CTV Quebec Bureau Chief Genevieve Beauchemin.
NDP's Singh forces debate on $250 cheques for more Canadians; Conservatives cut it short
With the fate of the federal government's promised $250 cheques for 18.7 million workers hanging in the balance, the NDP forced a debate Friday on a motion pushing for the prime minister to expand eligibility. The conversation was cut short, though, by Conservative MPs' interventions.
DEVELOPING Police believe gunman who killed UnitedHealthcare CEO has left New York City
The gunman who killed the CEO of the largest U.S. health insurer may have fled the city on a bus, New York City police officials told CNN on Friday.
Quebec premier wants to ban praying in public
Premier François Legault took advantage of the last day of the parliamentary session on Friday to announce to 'Islamists' that he will 'fight' for Quebec values and possibly use the notwithstanding clause to ban prayer in public places such as parks.
Purolator, UPS pause shipments from couriers amid Canada Post strike
Purolator and UPS have paused shipments from some courier companies as they try to work through a deluge of deliveries brought on by the Canada Post strike.
Northern Ontario man sentenced for killing his dog
WARNING: This article contains graphic details of animal abuse which may be upsetting to some readers. A 40-year-old northern Ontario man is avoiding prison after pleading guilty to killing his dog earlier this year.
Sask. father who kept daughter from mom to prevent COVID-19 vaccine free from additional prison time
Michael Gordon Jackson, the Saskatchewan father who withheld his then seven-year-old daughter from her mom for nearly 100 days to prevent the girl from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, was handed a 12-month prison sentence and 200 days probation on Friday, but credited with time served.
Health Canada says daily cannabis use hasn't changed much since legalization
Health Canada says daily cannabis use has remained stable since it was legalized in 2018.
Ticketmaster hidden fees settlement credits expected in 2025 following class-action lawsuit by Regina lawyer
A longstanding lawsuit against Ticketmaster is nearing its end, with a judge expected to approve the more than $6 million dollar settlement before the end of the year.