OPENING SUMMER 2023
THE MUSKOKA STORY
starring
MISKO-AKI: CONFLUENCE OF CULTURES
–
EVOLVING MUSKOKA: LIFE ON THE EDGE OF THE SHIELD
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WANDA III: STEAM TO GREEN
Three amazing and insightful world class exhibits about the Muskoka we all love and cherish. Starting with the Indigenous presence in Muskoka for more than 10,000 years, then focusing on the last 250 years of development and finishing with an electrified Wanda III as a symbol of our need for sustainability in all parts of our life.
Wanda III: Steam to Green
Revised budget $ 1.45 million
We have raised $ 1.25 million
We have $200,000 to go
HELP US FINISH
Wanda III: Steam to Green
The Why
Promoting a Heathier Environment
Wanda III is a sterling example of the bygone steam era and one of the few surviving steam yachts. However, with the transition to electric power she will become a display and a touring symbol of sustainability and our need to make our world a more environmentally friendly place. Sustainability and climate change is a core theme of the Muskoka Discovery Centre and we are very proud of this ambitious initiative.
An electrified Wanda lll is a symbol of sustainability
Opportunity to relive bygone era
Having Wanda III return to sailing all three Muskoka Lakes after a 20 year absence is very exciting. Available for charter she will provide passengers with a “nothing like it experience” for special occasions and gatherings.
Wanda at Steamship Dock
The What
Celebrating WWI Engineering Excellence
Wanda III used the world’s best steam technology in 1915 to be the fastest boat on the Muskoka Lakes. The same power as WWI war ships. Her engine will be on display and turning in the new exhibit hall.
Wanda lll triple stage steam engine
Steam Exchanged for Modern Power
Wanda III is being electrified so she can return to sailing the Muskoka Lakes and be a symbol for a healthier planet. She is being rewired, replumbed and will have modern controls beneath her majestic exterior.
ELCO electric motor and generators
The hull is being prepared for safe and secure sailing
The entire steel portion of the hull has been sand blasted to reveal all areas needing attention. Primer coating protects hull from rusting in preparation for hull repairs. The wood bottom is being repared and sealed.
Wanda lll hull primed following sandblasting
Engineered lift cradles Wanda lll
The engineered lift allows Wanda lll to be maintained forever in her own boathouse, eliminating the need for special drydock facilities elsewhere. She can be preserved forever!
Wanda III on her lift
In water testing starts fall 2022
A tremendous amount of work is ongoing with multiple trades, following Transport Canada’s recommendations providing a safe and standards compliant vessel. Strong project management and expert advice is enabling the installation of the new and restoration of the old to ensure a successful sailing in 2023.
Wanda lll in her glory
We already tell amazing stories
We have North America’s finest in-water collection of classic boats
The Murray Walker Grace and Speed Boathouse houses North America’s largest collection of in-water classic antique wooden boats. The collection is always changing. All the boats are privately owned and are on display due to the generosity of their owners.
Grace & Speed: Muskoka Wooden Boat Stories
Wooden boats, some of the best in Muskoka! Some of the best in the world! Twenty-four antique wooden treasures including launches, race boats and cruisers. Muskoka is probably home to more highly valued premium antique wooden boats than anywhere in the world.
The How
Volunteer Power
Wanda III ‘s restoration would not be possible without the volunteer crew of 10-12 people working weekly in the workshop to restore chairs and furniture, repair wood fenders, restore and clean stations and many other small jobs all over the yacht. Labour of love!
Financial leadership is making it a reality!
Major gifts of $5,000 or greater have been received for the Wanda lll project from the following families.
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Stan and Conchita Meek,
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Jack & Britt McIrvine,
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Blair, Linda & Austen McMurchy,
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McGraw Family Foundation,
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Lawrason Foundation,
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Dan Cornacchia & Mary Connolly,
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Marcia & Henry Young.
- ACBS-Toronto,
- Chris & Louise Cragg,
- Mark Curry,
- Mary & John Storey,
- Henry Smith,
- Catherine King & Manfred Schaper,
- Power Squadron,
- Uplands Foundation,
- Chris Wiley,
- In addition over 95 generous individuals have contributed to the Wanda lll project.
Join the crowd supporting Wanda lll: Steam to Green
Thank you
Your support can make a difference
Every donation counts
HELP US FINISH
