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We want to give special thanks to our friends in Canada. ~ We indeed have
much to be thankful for. ~ The news coverage throughout the entire Niagara
Peninsula has been tremendous. ~ Front pages and full pages in cities and towns
such as Ft Erie, Niagara Falls, Port Colborne, Dunville, Welland, St Catherine's
and elsewhere. ~ Fund raising has brought in very substantial amounts from
individuals, not to mention the $118,000.00 that has been promised to the
project from the Canadian government.
Through an economic development
grant to the City of Port Colborne, our "match" money has been raised and the
Canadiana's hull restoration will be able to be done. ~ Those funds will stay in
Canada in the form of wages to pay the workers needed during the rebuild period.
~ The training in welding and the other professions that will be gained from
this project will continue to benefit many people, well after the hull has been
rebuilt.
While much of what is contained in our web pages was prepared
for the I.S.T.E.A. application and similar efforts emphasizing the benefits to
the U.S. side of the lake, we want to take this opportunity to assure Canadians
we are working just as hard for Canadian children and their families. ~
Everything said and done for this side applies equally to both sides of the
lake. ~ Our Canadian Board members have worked very hard because they understand
all this ship can bring in both directions as it crosses the lake throughout the
summer months.
We are to have the Canadiana hull repaired and then
annually maintained at the dry dock in Port Colborne, ON. ~ Our need for a
destination once we leave the Buffalo harbor is wonderfully met again by the
very significant City of Port Colborne. ~ Sitting at the south end of the world
famous Welland Canal, it is a great place for Buffalonians to visit. ~ With a
perfect cruise length of 1-1/2 hours in each direction, people will cross to see
its museums, theaters, high end shops and the Welland Canal where they can tour
the locks and enjoy watching the ocean vessels passing through. ~ Even bike
trails can be extended across the lake via the Canadiana. ~ To learn more of
Port Colborne, use the link we have provided in our "Important Sites" page.
We envision the peoples of both sides coming into the respective ports
early in the day in preparation for a cruise. ~ Two thousand people on each
side. ~ We will transport each to the others land where they can see, explore,
shop, learn, attend theater or otherwise enjoy the day. ~ We will bring those
who may otherwise have stayed home, out onto the lake for a grand day. ~ Our
voyagers will be brought home just in time to continue the day with dining and
an evenings entertainment on their own grounds. ~ We will visit Dunville,
Welland, St Catherine's and elsewhere for festivals and holidays and anywhere
just for the school children. ~ We will take them on field trips to learn of the
steam and mechanical means. ~ We will do the same for many types of children's
charities and organizations. ~ We are not-for-profit and our aim is to educate
and round the lives of our children. ~ We will assist Canadian children as we do
with those from our side. ~ We are not-for-profit. ~ It will not matter
where we do not make money.
Thank you all... Please help "Float
the Boat".
Floyd Baker, President SSCPS, Inc. |
