THUNDER BAY – The excitement is building in Port McNicoll Ontario as the date draws nearer for the return of the S. S. Keewatin to the community. On Saturday, June 23, 2012, thousands will gather in Port McNicoll to celebrate the return of the S.S. Keewatin to its former home.
HGTV host Bryan Baeumler will be the Master of Ceremonies for this historic day, as the last Edwardian passenger steamship in the world is towed into harbour from Michigan, where it has been stored since the 1960s.
The new owner, Skyline International Development Inc., will refurbish the ship and transform it into a museum as the focal point for the company’s redevelopment of the area called Heritage Park.
As the Lowe’s do-it-yourself expert and the host of the popular renovation show Disaster DIY and House of Bryan, Baeumler is also the owner of Baeumler Quality Construction. “This popular host and television personality is also a Gemini Award winner,” Skyline Chairman Gil Blutrich says. “He has a passion for building, and he grew up in Ontario, which is especially appropriate. We are excited that he will emcee our event – his charm and personality make him a natural crowd-pleaser.”
The S.S. Keewatin’s route to home will begin in Saugatuck, Michigan and will continue north along the Lake Michigan shoreline through the Manitou Passage, all the way to Mackinaw City. There, the entourage will cross over to Lake Huron and then east to Georgian Bay. With the repatriation of the ship and the entertaining nature of Bryan’s presence, June 23rd promises to be an inspiring and memorable day in Canada’s history.
Thunder Bay examined purchasing the S. S. Keewatin and decided not to pursue that plan. The City of Thunder Bay went with artwork at the waterfront like the ‘Twin Sticks’ instead.
