|
This was a quiet year for SOS Ottawa activities. Busy work schedules and family commitments were necessarily put before our marine heritage activities. I suspect that this is not uncommon in volunteer organizations and it has given us an opportunity to sit back and rest up for a booming year in 2007.
Our first task for 2006 was to deploy the buoys on the sites we are responsible for including The Rothesay, The Conestoga, Red Pine Bay Wreck, Belly Dumper, Mille Roche Power House, Hoople Creek Bridge and The Eastcliffe Hall. This task could not be completed without the assistance of some dedicated volunteers and once again we got them all placed in good time. We also reported the deployment of the buoys to the CCG as required.
At the end of 2005 it was determined that the big 80 gallon drum used to mark the Eastcliffe Hall had seen its last days. There were gaping holes and it is a wonder that it still floated, a testament to its superior construction. I was able to get two new drums donated (one for back up) and Andy Fytche and Nancy Binnie built a new buoy. As well, we decided to put a flashing light on the new buoy. This was not Canadian Coast Guard required for this marker but we thought it a good idea because the marker is so close to the shipping channel. At this time all of the markers have been removed for the season and are stored in my garage.
The Twisted Sisters survey project had to be put on hold over the summer of 2006 due to Nancy’s very busy travel schedule for work. We are hoping that a further dollar contribution from SOS Ottawa for 2007 and perhaps some added volunteers for organizing survey schedules would allow for the completion of work on the first wreck in 2007. We have had a lot of interest from NASI students to participate in the survey. Dates and times will be posted on the SOS Ottawa web site as well as the SOS Corporate web site. Stay tuned!
SOS Ottawa did well on fund raising in 2006. The Board provided us with anniversary golf shirts that we could sell for profit in the Chapter. They are a one of a kind shirt. There are still some left to purchase but when they are gone, that’s it. As well, the Board produced 6 dive slates to sell to local retailers, charter operators and individuals to make money for the Chapter coffers. Our revenue from those sales was almost $700.00 and we are hoping to keep this going.
Again in 2006 we were lucky to be able to offer a NASI course under the direction of Erika Lannela, Marine Archaeologist for the Province of Ontario. We had an excellent turn out. This year we did things a little differently by renting a classroom and pool together. It made a huge difference in that the participants did not have to travel between sites and could spend more time concentrating on diagrams, field notes and the other requirements of the course. As usual, the enthusiasm of the students for the course was exceptional and everyone had a great weekend.
Although it was not out turn to hold a NASI course in 2006, we were given the opportunity because SOS Thousand Islands felt they had too much on their plate for last summer. The NAS schedule for 2007 has not been determined but I don’t expect that we will be able to provide one this year. One never knows though so again, stay tuned to the web sites for details.
We rounded out the year with a barbeque at my house in October. It was a lot of fun and a great chance for folks to rehash summer adventures, discuss winter travel schedules and make plans for the summer on 2007.
I have been President of SOS Ottawa for six years. It is time for me to move on. Some joked that I would be president for life but that cannot be. I am heading into a new adventure myself. After more than forty-five years living in the Ottawa area I am heading home to Kingston. I will not be too far so I will be back to visit and to take part in SOS Ottawa activities. I hope that any of you, who may be in the Kingston area, diving perhaps, will drop in to visit me.
I want to wish you all the best. We have a strong Chapter going here and I trust that this will continue. We have made great strides in the protection and preservation of Ontario and Canada’s marine heritage. Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of it.
| 
