Preparing for Public tours on the Naramata Tug Boat
A Historic Site
The S.S. Naramata has been recognized as an historic site since 1975 and has been listed on the Canadian Register since 2006.
Heritage Values
The S.S. Naramata, a steel-hulled Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) steam tugboat, is valued as an important reminder of the key role of the CPR in Canadian and British Columbian transportation and commerce in the first half of the twentieth century. Commissioned by the CPR on July 23, 1913 and built by Western Drydock and Shipbuilding Company, S.S. Naramata was launched on April 20, 1914. As a connection to rail and passenger services, this historic ship provided an integral link in the company’s transportation network, joining the communities around Okanagan Lake, and connecting this region to the rest of the province, Canada, and the world. S.S. Naramata is an important part of British Columbia’s history because the fruit shipment and transportation services she provided facilitated agricultural and industrial growth in the prosperous Okanagan Valley from 1914 until she was retired from service on August 29, 1967.
Modern History
In 1991 the Naramata was purchased by the Kettle Valley Railway Heritage Society and the City of Penticton and moved to Penticton that same year where she remained afloat beside the Sicamous. In 1993 serious corrosion was discovered in the hull and the tug had to be lifted out of the water and beached.
In 2001, the tug was taken over by the S.S. Sicamous Restoration Society, who began cleaning and carrying out repairs. This included the removal of over three tons of coal from the hull of the vessel. In 2004, a $90,000 grant was awarded to the Society by the Western Economic Diversification Fund which allowed the society to carry out painting, and begin restoration of the pilot house, some crew cabins along with window replacements to ensure the tug remained weather tight. Since 2004 fundraising has allowed the society to maintain the tug in its present condition.
Naramata Tug Boat in the water, shortly before her journey to Penticton. Unfortunately, the SS Naramata will never float the Okanagan Lake again. She has been parked in Penticton B.C. in the S.S. Sicamous Marine Heritage Park.
Project: Open Tug Naramata for tours 2023
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Phase One
Clean out the ship.
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Phase Two
Undergo Restoration on the interior and exterior decks.
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Phase Three
Clean and paint interior and exterior decks of the ship.
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Phase Four
Prep the space with museum displays and artifacts were applicable.
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Phase Five
Raise the SS Naramata out of the ground.
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Phase Six
Create a safe walkway for clients to use when entering and exiting the SS Naramata.
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Phase Seven
Commence Training with volunteers and create tour guides for the tour experience.
Plan of the Naramata Tug Boat, showing the depth of the hull now submerged in the soil – By Robert Turner