S.S. Keewatin leaving Port McNicoll after finding new home
The last Edwardian-era streamliner in existence is moving to a new home.
Currently docked in Port McNicoll, the S.S. Keewatin now belongs to the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes at Kingston.
The ship was built in Scotland in 1907 and was formerly owned by CP Rail.
"We're pleased to steward the Keewatin through the next phase of its life here in Kingston," said Chris West, Marine Museum's board chair.
"The story of the Keewatin is a story of Canada's creation as a country. It is vital that the ship, which is the last of its kind, be preserved for current and future generations, and our Museum has the expertise, facilities, and funding to be able to do this."
Skyline Investments donated Keewatin to the museum in Kingston.
"We're pleased to donate this historic and treasured passenger ship to the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes to ensure its continued long-term preservation," said Blake Lyon, Skyline Investments CEO.
"Kingston is an amazing location for the Keewatin to receive maximum exposure, and the Marine Museum, with its historic dry-dock, is well qualified to maintain the Kee and showcase its important history – a goal we all share."
The ship should arrive in Kingston in late summer or early fall 2023, following a stop at a shipyard this spring for repairs. The Keewatin operated as a historical attraction in Port McNicoll from 2012 until the pandemic.
"While we are saddened Keewatin will leave Port McNicoll, we are pleased that she will be preserved for generations to come at her new home at the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes and will share our experience and expertise with the museum," said Wayne Coombes, Friends of Keewatin president.
The Keewatin will be integrated into the museum's transportation collection, which covers the last 200 years of Great Lakes history.
After it was built, the ship crossed the Atlantic Ocean to link a CP Rail route between Owen Sound and Fort William Port Arthur.
From 1912-1965 it served as a passenger line out of Port McNicoll, where it retired from service.
Tug towed to Kalamazoo, Michigan, in 1967, it served as a maritime museum.
Skyline purchased the ship in 2011 and returned it to Port McNicoll in 2012.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.