A new cruise-and-dine ship, the Georgian Spirit, is set to make waves in Midland this summer as the spiritual successor to the famously-departed Miss Midland.
Helmed by Captain Bill Thomson, owner of Stony Lake Cruises, the Georgian Spirit is his fifth cruise line business started since 1985. The 22-metre dinner excursion ship, purchased by Thomson in 2018, had been sitting out of the water since last year when Thomson learned he had to move the ship off Stony Lake and into a new dock.
“It was time to find a new location and we were literally on the verge of going to Buckhorn when we found out that the Miss Midland had been sold (to Tobermory). I thought ‘That’s a lot better spot to relocate,’” Thomson told Midland councillors at this week’s meeting.
The Georgian Spirit, formerly named The Spirit of the Kawarthas, has been renovated over the past few years with new lifeboats, life jackets, fire extinguishers, fireproof insulation, a few coats of paint and more to receive entry into Canadian waters, exceeding Transport Canada Safety Standards requirements, Thomson noted.
With the intentional removal of the ship’s smokestack to make additional space, the upper deck can carry 30 passengers and the lower dining area will range from 24 to 36 people.
Thomson wondered aloud if he can even get that many due to COVID-19 health guidelines, even as maximum capacity for the ship is 200 passengers with over 100 per deck in non-pandemic times.
“We aren’t going to be able to run unless we get 20 or 25 people outside,” he said. “Really, we want to see 50 people. And I don’t know whether we’re going to see it, hopefully we will. It still remains the great unknown.”
While similar to the Miss Midland in the touring aspect, the Georgian Spirit’s business model is to offer 17 cruises each week with sightseeing being provided alongside lunch cruises and other days devoted to craft beer and wine, barbecue chicken and ribs, private charters and many such outings.
During his pitch to council, Thomson said a study conducted by Peterborough Economic Development found for every 5,000 passengers, $1.9 Million spinoff revenue flows back into the community.
Additionally, 24 full-time jobs are predicted to be generated by the business.
“What do we need to get you up and running?” asked Coun. Bill Gordon eagerly after the presentation.
“It looks like we may have to change a plug on the dock, but it looks like the boat’s going to fit there perfectly and line up with the way things are set up,” replied Thomson. “No problems. We’re in pretty good shape that way, I believe.”
Andy Campbell, the town’s executive director of environment and infrastructure, followed by stating that a lease agreement with Thomson was also in the process of being finalized for the summer, which aims to include a take-out restaurant service and office in Midland’s downtown core.
Coun. Cher Cunningham asked how low-booking cancellations and timings would affect the Georgian Spirit.
“When we have real low numbers to go out with,” Thomson said of a new reservation system, “it’ll email you to tell you right as you’re making your reservation.
“The moment we have enough people, we’ll charge your card and confirm your reservation; if it doesn’t confirm 72 hours in advance, it’s going to say ‘We’re sorry Mrs. Brown but we didn’t get enough people for this departure. You can either get a refund or choose an alternative date.’”
Currently, the Georgian Spirit is situated in the Kawartha Lakes. Thomson expects the website and reservation system sometime next week, and hopes that cruises can start within the next few months.
