Wanda III, a 109-year-old vessel housed at the Muskoka Steamship and Discovery Centre (MDC) in Gravenhurst, is ready to glide across Lake Muskoka again, with one not-so-minor change.
John Miller, president of the MDC, shares they’re almost done converting the ship from its steam engine to an electric motor.
“Our hope is to have Wanda out on the water sometime in August,” he says.
The work is part of a nearly $10 million project that also saw the “Misko-Aki: Confluence of Culture” exhibit open last year thanks to work by an Indigenous-led group, which included the members of the Muskoka Area Indigenous Leadership Table.
Miller says the work has been “half restoration, half electrification” and started prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. “There’s certainly been some challenges because she’s a heritage vessel,” he adds. Miller explains almost every part of the boat needed to be repainted or refinished on top of the needed upgrades to meet Transport Canada’s safety standards. Miller points out it the federal department was formed in 1935, long after Wanda III was completed in 1915, so there was a lot of work that needed to be done.
The vessel was used for cruises by the MDC between 1996 and 2003 but has sat unused under cover for the past two decades.
“We’re very happy to be at this point,” says Miller, adding how hundreds of people have been part of the project.
When Wanda III is back in operation, Miller explains it will operate like the other cruises offered by the MDC. He says 24 people will be able to fit on the vessel adding it will run three or four days a week.
While the vessel is now electrified along with other needed updates, Miller says they did their best to stay true to what Wanda III originally was.
It was built for Margaret Eaton, the wife of Timothy Eaton, founder of department store chain Eaton’s and namesake of CF Toronto Eaton Centre. It allowed Margaret to travel in style to her cottage in Ravenscrag, Montreal.
“You’re on a vessel with amazing history,” says Miller.
When not in operation, Wanda III will be docked in a boathouse that can be viewed by those touring the Misko-Aki exhibit. Miller says they hope to have it set up to allow people to buy light refreshments and sit on the boat’s deck, adding on nice days, they may dock the vessel outside so those looking to relax have a view of Lake Muskoka.
