

A developer (Skyline Investments), Gil Blutrich, purchased all of the Canada Rail 1000+ acres of property in Port McNicoll (all on the water) with an intent to build a luxury lifestyle community. This currently is under construction on the far side of Port McNicoll. He has been intent on buying the SS K with this becoming a floating restaurant and community centre to his 1 1/2 billion dollar ‘vacation community’. He also plans to duplicate the dockside railway station with 6 historic rail cars which will also house a restaurant and clubhouse for a marina. There are a number of people who have relatives who used to work on the SS K and there is 1 man (used to be a cabin boy) who is now the project manager for bringing the SS K back to the area. Obviously there is a big celebration planed for the day of arrival – June 23.
Yesterday morning as I opened my eyes and saw the early morning sun cast it’s golden glow on another strange looking ship, I grabbed the binoculars and saw this low, long vessel, looked like a cruise ship, (not that common to see) this wore the label, Grand Mariner..…a little Internet research showed it to be one of 3 ships cruising Americas Inland Seas…smaller boats that carry around 100 passengers, geared towards a laid back cruise, good for shallow waters and channels…a more senior audience it said…..a social and well-travelled group. Good commentary by the captain and an all around enjoyable 5 to 11 days at sea and a BYOB policy. I imagined the good time they were having discovering small tourist towns scattered through the Great Lakes and making new friends and embarking on new adventures at each port…. and I wished that some day, I would be lucky enough to ride that ship.
On my way to work, I notice yet another cruise ship tied up at Dock 2, downtown St. Ignace….I have to say it just gives you a little chill when you see one of these grand vessels and imagine all the different people, lifestyles and adventures they’ve been privy to . It also reminds you of our deep history with the Chief Wawatam Car Ferry and the lives and culture that had been impacted by it’s presence at the Straits of Mackinac.