Historic Manitoulin Island ferry being towed away for recycling
CTV
A historic ferry that has been moored on Manitoulin Island for nearly 50 years after being decommissioned in 1974 is being towed away Wednesday to be recycled and there is mixed reaction from residents.
A historic ferry that has been moored on Manitoulin Island for nearly 50 years after being decommissioned in 1974 is being towed away Wednesday to be recycled and there is mixed reaction from residents.
The S.S. Norisle was built in Collingwood in 1946 and shuttled people and vehicles between Tobermory and Manitoulin Island from 1947 to 1974 before being replaced by the current ferry M.S. Chi-Cheemaun.
The ship has been used as a floating museum in Manitouwaning since the Township of Assiginack purchased it for $1 in 1975 and has been invoking a love/hate relationship with local residents ever since, David Smith said on the town's website.
"With a length of 214 feet or 65 metres, its imposing black and white exterior and towering smokestack it presents an imposing sight in this area," Smith said.
"One of the major drawbacks (when it was in use) was the fact that it burnt coal and belched black smoke into the atmosphere."
