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
Heavy snow, freezing rain warnings hit parts of Canada, expected to last throughout Monday
Significant snowfall and heavy rain hit parts of Canada on Sunday and the weather system is expected to continue into Monday morning and throughout the day.
BoC expected to lower interest rates again, with odds leaning toward larger cut
Financial markets and forecasters are betting on another jumbo interest rate cut from the Bank of Canada this week.
The Canada Post strike involving more than 55,000 has hit 25 days
The Canada Post strike involving more than 55,000 workers has hit 25 days.
Celebrities spotted at Taylor Swift's final Eras Tour performance in Vancouver
Taylor Swift fans from around the world gathered in Vancouver on Sunday to witness the final performance of her massively popular Eras Tour, including a few celebrities.
Sask. hockey player recovering after near fatal skate accident during game
The Sask East Hockey League (SEHL) has released details of a near fatal accident at one of its games over the weekend – which saw a Churchbridge Imperials player suffer serious injuries after being struck with a skate.
Government faces third Tory non-confidence vote ahead of potential fiscal hurdle
The Liberals are set to face a third Conservative non-confidence vote today, but the government is likely to survive with the support of the NDP.
U.S. should be concerned about illegal immigration from Canada: Canadian survey
More than 80 per cent of Canadians believe the flow of illegal immigrants from Canada to the U.S. is a concern, according to a new survey.
Jay-Z denies allegations he sexually assaulted a 13-year-old in 2000 with Sean 'Diddy' Combs
A woman who alleges she was sexually assaulted by Sean 'Diddy' Combs has amended her lawsuit to include allegations that she was also assaulted by Jay-Z at the same party.
Taylor Swift ends record-smashing Eras Tour in Vancouver, after glittering global run
Taylor Swift took the stage for the final time on her record-smashing Eras Tour, watched by tens of thousands of delirious fans in Vancouver's BC Place arena and by millions on livestreams around the world.