Heritage Legacy Fund Awards $50,000 to Help Raise the Historic S.S. Naramata

We are thrilled to announce that the S.S. Sicamous Marine Heritage Society has received a $50,000 grant from the Heritage Legacy Fund to help raise the historic S.S. Naramata. This major contribution brings us more than halfway toward our $200,000 fundraising goal and marks a turning point in a project that has been discussed for more than 30 years.

A Rare Piece of Canadian Marine History

Built in 1914, the S.S. Naramata is one of the last surviving inland steam tugs in Canada. For decades, she hauled fruit, rail cars, and freight along Okanagan Lake, supporting local communities and the region’s agricultural boom. Her service continued for more than 50 years before she was retired and brought to the Penticton waterfront.

Unfortunately, after a hull leak many years ago, the tug was moved into an emergency trench to prevent her from sinking — and she has remained partially buried ever since.

Today, preserving the Naramata is more important than ever. Earlier this year, the historic James Whalen tug in Ontario was dismantled, leaving only a small number of inland tugs still in existence in Canada. Saving the Naramata means protecting a unique piece of Okanagan and Canadian history.

Why the Grant Matters

The Heritage Legacy Fund grant provides essential support for preparing, engineering, and carrying out the lift of the tug. It allows us to move forward confidently with planning, permitting, and construction work that must begin well in advance of the March 2026 low-water window.

With the community’s help and this new funding, we are now more than halfway to our project goal.

“This is the closest we’ve ever been,” says Society President Jessie Laven. “For decades, people have talked about raising the Naramata. With this grant and incredible community support, we can finally make it a reality.”

A Clever, Safe, and Innovative Lift Plan

One of the most exciting aspects of this project is how the S.S. Naramata will be raised. Instead of using cranes — which are risky, expensive, and potentially damaging — we will be using a water-lift system that takes advantage of the tug’s own buoyancy.

Surprisingly, the Naramata still floats every spring when lake levels rise, indicating that her hull remains in stronger condition than anyone expected.

Here’s how the lift will work:

1. Build the concrete cradle

A custom-built, reinforced concrete cradle will be constructed beside the tug. This will act as her

long-term support.

2. Create a temporary berm

A thick, secure earth berm will be built around the Naramata, forming a contained basin.

3. Pump the basin full of water

Once the berm is sealed, water will be pumped in until the tug floats naturally.

4. Guide the floating tug into position

As she floats, the tug will be gently manoeuvred sideways over the concrete cradle.

5. Pump out the water

As the basin drains, the tug will slowly and safely settle into the cradle—guided entirely by buoyancy and gravity.

This method is safer, far more cost-effective, and significantly less stressful on the historic hull than any crane-based approach.

“We’re letting the tug do what she was designed to do — float,” says O’Neill, Director and Tug Chair. “It’s simple, elegant, and by far the safest option.”

Project Timeline

• 2025–2026: Final engineering, permitting, environmental approvals, and construction preparation

• March 2026: Target lift date (aligned with lowest annual lake levels)

• 2026–2027: Final placement, cradle finishing, and site interpretation work