KEEP KEEWATIN HOME TEAM

For Immediate Release

(Port McNicoll, ON; 3.30pm March 8, 2023) Keep Keewatin Home campaign lead Dan Travers expressed no surprise when told of the donation and proposed departure of the S.S. Keewatin from Port McNicoll.

The Keewatin has been the cornerstone of the economic redevelopment of Port McNicoll for many years, thousands of hours of volunteer time have gone into this endeavour along with private investment and government resources to rebuild our community in the post railway era.

“Naturally we’re extremely disappointed at this turn of events,” said Travers. “Having said that, simply ‘announcing a move’ does not constitute an imminent loss of the ship from its home berth here in Port McNicoll, as representatives from the Kingston Marine Museum and a local charity are stating.”

“Because it involves a multi-million dollar federal tax break, the Canadian government has a duty to do its due diligence with regard to the deal made between Skyline Investments and the Kingston museum, and should that deal turn out to be not in the best interests of Canadians, we will be waiting.”

“There are multiple options within North Simcoe for the ship’s long-term preservation which present less risk in transport and are more appropriate to the vessel’s history and provenance”.

“We are a small community with a big heart” said Travers. “The loss of the ‘Kee’ would mean all of our efforts over the past years have been in vain. All of our strategic planning and Approved Official Plans will now have to be redone at considerable cost – who will pay to replace this community asset and the attendant planning costs?”

Travers emphasized the government’s accountability in the deal by saying:

“Removing the Keewatin from its home port is heritage appropriation, the notion that this practice can be facilitated by the Federal government with dollars coming from the pockets of Canadians is unfathomable.”

“Why spend millions moving the ship when far less money could be spent restoring the SS Keewatin where it is now in line with existing approved government plans?”

“And If the Government of Canada chooses to provide relief to Skyline, a corporation that boasts $700M assets on its website, that's on the government, they being accountable to Canadians through our elected representatives and of course the ballot box.”

When asked about any possible next steps, Travers was adamant. 

“It's now time for everyone who has a role in the preservation and safety of the S.S. Keewatin to do their jobs. We must hold those responsible to a degree of accountability,” he said.

When asked what that meant, Travers elaborated:

“Transport Canada will need to set specific conditions for the safe transit to Kingston based on the ship's existing condition. We think the hull of the ship is tender in a few spots and represents a significant risk if moved. The insurance underwriters for the tow will need to conduct a risk assessment prior to setting the premium and binding coverage for the transit to the shipyard.”

He also expressed concern about the government’s ability to provide proper oversight during the next phase of the ship’s life. 

“The representatives of Heritage Canada will have to ensure that the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes at Kingston guarantee the ship's safety from a conservation and preservation perspective. As a condition of their receiving Category B designation for the ship, we expect strict standards must be met. The responsibility doesn’t start when the ship arrives in Kingston, it includes the ship as is, where it is, and its voyage to the shipyard. While being worked on at the shipyard particular care will need to be taken given the vessel's all-wood superstructure.”

“It takes little effort to sign a paper agreement in a lawyer’s office and make an announcement in the media. However, fulfilling every one of these conditions to the satisfaction of all Canadians will be much more difficult.”

“It is our interpretation that if any one of these conditions cannot be met, then Heritage Canada has a responsibility to invalidate this deal and look to the vessel’s hometown for better options”.

“If this move cannot be justified by our Federal government, the Keewatin MUST stay.”

Signed by all

The Keep Keewatin Home Team