MANITOWANING—One of the historic vessel SS Norisle’s staunchest supporters is making a last ditch effort to save one of this province’s most historic vessels from the scrap heap. Rob Maguire of Manitowaning, an Assiginack councillor, launched the petition on change.org, seeking signatures to affix to a letter appealing to Premier Doug Ford.
The change.org citation reads: “On October 4, 2023 S.S. Norisle, the last remaining Canadian Heritage Steamship of her type was towed from the Township of Assiginack for scrapping at an Ontario scrapyard. This unfortunate and unnecessary action denies Ontario and Canada of the economic and cultural benefits that could be realized with a refitted and revitalized Norisle serving as a 5 Star Great Lakes Steam Heritage Cruise Ship.
“In a last-minute appeal, we are seeking the direct intervention of Premier Doug Ford to prevent the tragic loss of a unique and significant Ontario asset for heritage, business, tourism, education and training and the Great Lakes cruise ship industry.
“In signing this petition you are adding your signature to a letter written by Rob Maguire, asking Doug Ford as Premier of Ontario, to intervene ASAP as Norisle is currently under tow for scrapping.”
The letter itself was published as an open missive to the premier in last week’s edition of The Expositor.
