The G8 Summit is taking place in Huntsville in June 2010, and there is funding available to the surrounding areas for various associated causes. We have submitted an application to the G8 Community Project through the office of Tony Clement for funding to help complete the restoration of the SS Bigwin. To complete the restoration we will need $760,000. We are asking the G8 to donate 75% of that amount. Please take a moment to add your name to the list of supporters. Thank you!

The Lake of Bays Marine Museum, a registered charity, was founded in 2002, with its mission to acquire and restore the S.S. Bigwin, the last remaining steam vessel to operate on Lake of Bays . Once completed, the Bigwin will be one of only three original steamships from that era operating in Canada . The Bigwin was acquired from the Lake of Bays Heritage Foundation and now sits at the original wharf and property used by the Huntsville and Lake of Bays Navigation Company.

The SS Bigwin, a Canadian built steam boat, will turn 100 years old in June 2010, the month of the G8 Summit. If given the funding soon, we will be also able to launch the SS Bigwin onto Lake of Bays in June of 2010. We are shovel ready on much of the work required to launch.

Over 6,000 people a year take the time to come by and look in the window to monitor the progress of the restoration. We believe that the SS Bigwin is a Canadian treasure which should be restored for the benefit of generations to come. Once launched and in the Dorset harbour she will attract many more visitors, and will require staffing and maintenance, meaning job creation for the area. The SS Bigwin will be available for excursions on the lake as well as dockside events.   

The SS Bigwin will be available for future generations to visit, learn about, and experience the wonder of cruising the lake on an authentic steam boat. What a legacy for the G8 Summit, to participate in the completion and witness the launch during the 2010 conference. So few of the artifacts of days gone by remain, but with the help of our friends and supporters, we can make a difference by restoring this important piece of history and returning the Bigwin to service. 

Thank you for your help, and for believing in the future of the Bigwin!  

Jeff Gabura
President
Lake of Bays Marine Museum and Navigation Society