New Penticton tourist attraction envisioned for SS Sicamous Marine Park

PENTICTON – Members of the SS Sicamous Society are hoping to create a living park that attracts tourists and inspires interest in marine heritage at the SS Sicamous Heritage Park.

Society director Adolf Steffen explained the group’s plans to Penticton city council at this week’s regular meeting on Aug. 6.

The society would like to construct a highly visible marine workshop and education centre, building a workshop underneath the stern salon section of the SS Okanagan, now on display in the park.

The idea behind the project is to create a working marine park where experienced working craftsmen could apply their skills and train others in crafting, restoring and building wooden boats, canoes, etc.

Residents and tourists would be able to view the craftsmen at work in a building that would be designed to facilitate public viewing.

Steffen said the society needs a year-round workspace. He called the shop an education centre and a “prestigious enhancement” to the SS Sicamous Heritage Park.

The $200,000 estimated cost is a preliminary estimate, Steffen told council, saying the group would be next pitching the idea to the Rotary Club of Penticton.

He said once plans had been firmed up the group would be back before council to discuss the plan’s financial aspects.

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