The Fintry Queen has a new home and could have a new owner.
The Kelowna icon was moved from its moorage at the foot of Bernard Avenue early Thursday morning to Sutherland Bay near the Tolko mill.
The bankrupt boat has been a financial pain for the City of Kelowna because of unpaid moorage fees.
Captain Doug Mazes, owner of the Spirit of Kelowna, says he could be the new owner as early as today. He says the money is in trust and the final paperwork is almost done. He adds that the City of Kelowna is showing a re-newed interest in the idea of mooring the Fintry off City Park.
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The Fintry had to be moved to make way for the construction of the city’s new downtown marina development.
Mazes says he hopes to have the Fintry up and running by next year.
If Mazes’ purchase doesn’t fly, a former city councilor says the ship should be thrown a final lifeline.
Marion Bremner says efforts need to be made to save the ship for its historical value.
“I would like to see the Historical Society or some non-profit group take it over and preserve it for the City of Kelowna so our children and grandchildren have the opportunity to go on that great boat.”
She adds that Kelowna city taxpayer’s might be willing to foot the bill.
“I would hope so. We don’t have a lot of historical monuments or items in our city. The boat is solid. It was an ice breaker, it was a ferry, it has a wonderful history to it. I would ask people to contribute to preserving it, in order to keep it part of our city and part of our history.”
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