The Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport), today announced $90,000 in funding to the S.S. Sicamous Restoration Society to restore the S.S. Naramata, a provincial heritage tugboat.

"The restoration of the S.S. Naramata is part of an important effort to create a legacy in the Okanagan that will attract tourists while preserving local history," said Minister Owen. "The Government of Canada is proud to invest in a project that will bring lasting economic benefits to the community."

Restoration of the S.S. Naramata is part of the S.S. Sicamous Restoration Society's work to create an Okanagan Inland Marine Heritage Park. The park will include a "living museum" with interactive tourist displays and a cultural tourism centre featuring the history and heritage of transportation in the Okanagan . When fully restored and operational, the S.S. Naramata will provide a safe environment for public viewing of the S.S. Sicamous.

Through support from Western Economic Diversification Canada, the Okanagan community has two of the most significant heritage artifacts of the CPR British Columbia Lake & River Service. The S.S. Sicamous and the S.S. Naramata are nestled and presented within the Heritage Park offering our national and international visitors public, guided and educational tours," said Mary Ellen Heidt, Manager of the Community Futures Development Corporation of Okanagan-Similkameen.

The S.S. Sicamous Restoration Society was formed in 1988 as a non-profit organization. Building on the successful restoration of the S.S. Sicamous, the Society has turned its efforts to the S.S. Naramata and the Stern Saloon of the S.S. Okanagan. It is working to develop a significant cultural tourism attraction for residents and visitors alike.

Western Economic Diversification Canada is the federal department mandated to support economic diversification in communities across Western Canada through activities that advance Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Sustainable Communities. Funding for this project was provided for in the March 2004 federal budget.

For additional information, contact:

Susan Schooley
Manager, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Phone: (604) 666-1318

Mary Ellen Heidt
Manager
Community Futures Development
Corporation of the Okanagan Similkameen
(250) 493-2566
 
Renée Gillen
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister,
Western Economic Diversification Canada
(613) 954-1110