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EDITORIAL: A place to dock

A proposal would see the Fintry Queen moored in Summerland
web1_Historic-Fintry-Queen-WEB

The owner of the Fintry Queen, a tourist vessel, is hoping to have his paddlewheeler moored in Summerland.

Andy Schwab has presented the idea of mooring the vessel at Rotary Pier.

If this plan is successful, the vessel, which would serve Summerland, Penticton and Naramata, would be based here and would serve as a tourist attraction for the community.

The concept is worth consideration.

Tourism is a key component of Summerland’s economy and adding an attraction has the potential to bring more money into the community.

When the Fintry Queen operated as a tourist vessel, it was a popular attraction, with 30,000 passengers during the 2000 season.

The potential revenue from this many passengers should not be overlooked. Those who come to experience the boat may also spend additional time and money in the community.

The pier is large enough to serve as a moorage facility for the boat, and it would bring additional tourist traffic to Summerland’s lakeshore.

Whether it is desirable to have a paddlewheeler moored at this pier is a question for the community to discuss.

The pier has long been a popular amenity at the lakeshore and it receives plenty of pedestrian use, especially during the warmer months.

However, it should also be noted that it has been years since the Fintry Queen has operated as a tourist vessel.

Schwab has approached other Okanagan communities in his search to find a location for the vessel, but to date, his efforts have not been successful.

Even if the Fintry Queen is moored at the pier, it will take some time to start up the tourist vessel and to bring it back to its earlier level of popularity.



John Arendt

About the Author: John Arendt

John Arendt has worked as a journalist for more than 30 years. He has a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Journalism degree from Ryerson Polytechnical Institute.
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