The following is a statement
from The S. S. Canadiana Preservation Society, Inc. and issued in January of
1995. It was written to answer questions raised regarding the Canadiana being
awarded ISTEA funding. ~ The News refused to allow these answers to be printed
but we continue to distribute it as a concise picture of what the Canadiana is
and can do.
The S. S. Canadiana Preservation Society, Inc. Statement of People,
Plans and Policy
From: Floyd Baker President; The S. S.
Canadiana Preservation Society, Inc.
Lack of publicity gave many the idea the Canadiana project was defunct. ~
Then it suddenly receives $400,000.00 in tax dollars, perhaps away from better
purposes? ~ We want to assure everyone that, contrary to what some may have
thought, we are far from defunct nor are there many purposes that could truly be
called better. ~ We herein present the facts regarding the restoration of the S.
S. Canadiana.
While this tremendous effort did bottom out for awhile
a few years ago, it has seen a complete turnaround. ~ A new group was formed in
July of 1993 and the current board of directors consists of people with the
needed ability to get the job done. ~ Well known business people, accountants,
historians, educators, past government officials, legal council and the like. ~
A non-profit corporation has also been activated in Canada as our fundable
presence in that country. ~ We are trying to do something worthwhile for Western
New York and the Canadian Niagara Peninsula. ~ What we call our eastern Lake
Erie community.
The Canadiana is a historic vessel. ~ Built in Buffalo
in 1910; it is 216 feet long, 54 feet wide and three decks high. ~ The designed
capacity was 3,500 passengers. ~ Pure elegance; there were brass chandeliers,
leaded and stained glass windows, grand stair casings, gilded plaster work and
hand painted art on the ceilings and accenting walls with mahogany all around. ~
More than a ride, with a bar, stage and enormous dance floor, the Canadiana will
be unique to the entire country. ~ Film companies will come to make movies on
it. ~ For a cruise, tourists will come where otherwise, they would pass on by. ~
Canadians will ride the lake to shop and attend sporting events. ~ Families will
have an affordable ship they can sail on. ~ The Canadiana will symbolize the
Buffalo renaissance. ~ A symbol for re-birth; a renewing of vitality and
excitement for all of Western New York. ~ It will be a part of all future
skyline pictures and be seen throughout this country. ~ It will promote our
image and create interest in this area as sites are chosen for conventions,
business and pleasure.
We will be a museum; the boat our largest
artifact. ~ Watch the huge steam engine in operation as before. ~ We will tell
of the Maritime Era and the major part Buffalo played in American History,
sitting at the juncture of the Erie Canal and the Great Lakes. ~ We will tell of
steam, mechanical means and craftsmanship of another time. ~ We will exhibit our
pieces of history and those of the Historical Society and other organizations. ~
We want to educate, assist other charities, increase tourism, promote jobs and
economic development and give our children access to the lake to learn of its
beauty and the reasons for its protection. ~ We want to provide parents and
children an affordable, common ground to enjoy themselves together,
something we have precious little of today. ~ Does this sound too good to be
true? ~ It can be done.
We have experts saying it can be done
physically and economically and city planners who say it should be done. ~ The
same people who assisted in the restorations of the H.M.C.S. Segwun in
Gravenhurst, ON. Canada and the Trillium in Toronto, ON. Can., are on our
boards. ~ Who says it can't be done? ~ Uninformed opinions simply don't mean a
thing.
The $4.2 million "cost" is merely the value of material,
labor and services considered in the study and is way in excess of what we will
pay. ~ We are a volunteer, charitable, non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation;
contributions to us are tax deductible. ~ Some of the work as been accomplished
and we know much of the remaining costs will be NO cost. ~ We are working with
the Ontario and Canadian governments and businesses for possible dollars or
other assistance. ~ We are asking vendors on both sides of the lake for steel
and other materials. ~ Many business people in Buffalo and Western New York love
the Canadiana for her past and want to see her back for the future. ~ They will
want to be a part of this great project. ~ Our expectations are reasonable and
their assistance multiplies available dollars. ~ We are the ultimate value;
actual monies paid out will likely be closer to $2.2 million than $4.2. ~ For
all that this will bring, we believe kind hearts, civic pride and wisdom
will help return the Canadiana and these individuals will be happy to bear a
share of the "cost".
Private enterprise needs a large return, after
expenses, to keep investors of 4-5 million happy. ~ This does not apply to us. ~
We will benefit the community, not investors, and we only have to meet expenses
to do so. ~ We must give away profit and it will go to other charitable
organizations in the area, especially those devoted to children; Cradle Beach,
etc. ~ We can pay I.S.T.E.A. back. ~ In less than one month of sailing,
we can return $400,000.00 to W.N.Y. ~ Crystal Beach being gone only
expands our horizons. ~ An earlier study predicted 7.5 million dollars
into the Buffalo and W.N.Y. economy each 3-1/2 month season and we make half a
million profit. ~ We can now make a quarter million dollars in a single
three day weekend to Toronto. ~ With music and food on board and people waving
from shore, our two thousand voyagers will watch giant ocean vessels sliding by;
they will see the world famous locks in operation. ~ All from the decks of a
classic, turn-of-the-century Great Lakes steamer. ~ Top this off with two
evenings and a day in the great city of Toronto. ~ It will be fascinating. ~
There is nothing like it in the entire country and people will indeed come from
thousands of miles to Buffalo for the experience. ~ Just from dockside, we will
have educational tours through the ship; we will be a playhouse; we will be a
dinner place. ~ Many of our operations will be run by current Buffalo
businesses. ~ Our income will be sufficient to pay the bills. ~ The profit we
make, we will give away.
Working for the community also means working
with existing business people. ~ We are very aware of the "Miss Buffalo" boats
and we can co-exist. ~ We will commit to staying out of certain operations and
otherwise work with (their owners), the City, County and whomever necessary to
make the harbor-front thrive with activity.
A News Editorial of Oct 3
1987 favored our project for many good reasons. ~ They are just as valid now and
the ability is also here. ~ We have tried in a small space to describe a
tremendous multifaceted operation. ~ If we didn't answer your question, please
don't assume we can't. ~ We invite watch-dogs and pro-advocates alike to learn
more of our plans and all the ship can mean to this area. ~ Call (716) 833-2998
for information. ~ Thank you for your support.
Yours;
Floyd E.
Baker President; S.S.C.P.S., Inc.
Note:
Please write: The
S. S. Canadiana Preservation Society, Inc. 17 Delray Drive Cheektowaga
NY 14225-1619
or
E-mail
us
Thanks for any and all
assistance to "Float the Boat".
