On April 9, the district’s engineering and public works committee approved a resolution that, if passed by council, will allow the ship to dry dock in the locks for several weeks beginning in mid-October next year. The ship’s hull will be inspected at that time, as is required by Transport Canada regulations. The federal agency requires regular hull inspections for all passenger cruise ships.

While the Lady Muskoka has typically dry docked in Rosseau, Al McLellan, of the Bracebridge-based cruise business, told councillors he can no longer dock the ship there due to the redevelopment of the Rosseau town docks. Almost no other option exists for the company to undertake the required work, he said.

“We really have no other choice,” said McLellan.

He estimated the entire inspection process could take anywhere from three to four weeks to complete. McLellan presented councillors with letters of support from local businesses, which noted the benefit Lady Muskoka Cruises has on the local tourist economy.

Bracebridge councillor Graydon Smith said he would support the company’s request.

“It really is a large tourism generator for Bracebridge in the summertime,” said Smith of the business.

Muskoka Lakes councillor Stewart Martin said he, too, would support the company’s use of the locks, but suggested the district investigate its present charges for the facility’s usage.

According to Kevin Austin, Muskoka’s director of contract and engineering services, the district bases its rates for the locks on rates provided by Port Weller Dry Docks, which have not changed for 15 years.

“I think we should look at (the rates of) some different facilities just to be sure we’re being fair,” said Martin.

District chair Gord Adams questioned whether the ship’s presence in the locks would create a problem for barges. He said area cruise ship operators should work with the district to consider creating a schedule for their dry-docking requirements.

“The more advance notice people have, the less we will be subject to criticism,” Adams said.

“There really isn’t any good time to do this kind of work,” added Tony White, commissioner of engineering and public works. “The key is to get it over and done with as quick as possible.”

At White’s suggestion, McLellan said he would see if it is possible to speed up the hull inspection. The timing, however, will be based largely on Transport’s Canada’s evaluation of the ship, he said.