Photo: Contributed

The last tug on Okanagan Lake is slated to be repaired thanks to Fest of Ale.

Since 1996, the Okanagan Fest-of-Ale Society has donated more than half a million dollars to local charities. This year the SS Sicamous was chosen to receive funding, along with 15 other local charity groups.

As a not-for-profit organization, the SS Sicamous relies heavily on donations from the local community.

“We are proud and heartened by the support that we receive,” said Manager Don Wright. “Donations from organizations like the Okanagan Fest-of-Ale Society allow us to continue in our mission to preserve and protect the marine heritage of the Okanagan”.

Tug Boat No. 6 was the last tug to run on Okanagan Lake. The end of its service marked the end of an era in the valley.

With the funds received from the Okanagan-Fest-Of-Ale society, volunteers will begin to restore the inside of the tug so the vessel can be open to the public.

Volunteers will also begin working on the engine, and hope to get the tug boat running once more.

For more information on the SS Sicamous or how you can support the restoration, call Don Wright at (250) 492-0403 or send an email to [email protected].