Council waives dock fees for SS Bigwin

Lake of Bays Council waives commercial dock fees for SS Bigwin for next 2 years

Lake of Bays Council agreed to waive commercial dock fees for SS Bigwin for next 2 years, in the April 8, 2025, meeting.

SS Bigwin Captain, Jim Speirs, made an annual request to Council to waive the fees for docking in Dwight for 2 days a week during July and August this year.

He said they had sponsorship last year to cover the cost of commercial dock fees, however, they won’t be getting it this year.

He added that although last year was a good year with 314 cruises and 39 passengers made up of tourists and visitors, their overhead was still significant and they’re “below break even on the cost of the boat.”

He continued that they rely on fundraising and donations to help cover operating costs, in addition to help from the Township for this season.

Upon also discussing the annual agreement renewal for the Bigwin, Council agreed that the service is valuable to the community.

Councillor, Nancy Tapley, said, “I think this is an amazing asset for the Town.”

Councillor, George Anderson, suggested waiving the fees for the next two years instead because they are struggling.

Mayor, Terry Glover, suggested that the Township be rewarded for their support to the Bigwin “to recognize what we do for them” by putting the Township name and logo on the boat as a sponsor.

Staff amended the agreement to include waiving the fees for the next two years and agreed to “keep the conversation moving forward.”

Staff also clarified that it’s important to make it clear to people that applicants must be charities for the Township to consider waiving fees, to prevent confusion about why fees aren’t being waived for other businesses.