Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Still yet to take its official maiden voyage from the dock at the Waterfront River Pub and Terrace, the Norman Paul is already generating a buzz in town.
The 48-passenger pontoon boat made quite the splash last week when photos of it docked beside the restaurant began circulating on social media. Word quickly spread that the Waterfront would be offering river cruises this summer-and the anticipation has only grown since then.
As for when the first river tour will happen, as it stands right now it’ll be no sooner than June 26. That’s when boat tours are tentatively scheduled to be allowed to take place under the province’s re-opening strategy.
When that first cruise does take place it’ll be the culmination of countless hours of planning and developing for Waterfront owners Jane-Adams Roy and Alain Roy.
“It’s been four years in the planning stages,” said Adams-Roy. “We like to travel and boats like this are ubiquitous in the world. Every city that we go to we’ll do a tour.”
Inspired by her overseas vacations, Adams-Roy decided the Napanee River is just as picturesque and would make for a great spot for river tours.
“In my naivety I was thinking we would go home and then I’ll make some calls and there’s a place that makes (tour boats) and you buy one and then you do this,” said Adams-Roy.
Between an aluminum shortage, a pandemic and shipping logistics, sourcing a boat proved to be a lot more of a challenge. Once the boat was secured it was then a matter of finding a qualified captain. Fortunately she was able to find two local captains, one with experience driving the Wolfe Island ferry and the other the Glenora ferry.
As for the name of the vessel, Adams-Roy combined family history with local history. Originally it was to be called the Norman, which was the name of a historic barge that travelled from Napanee to Deseronto at the height of this area’s shipping industry. Norman also happened to be her father’s name, with whom she was very close. When that name wasn’t available to be registered, they added Paul in honour of Alain’s father-and the Norman Paul was born.
The final coats of paint are now being applied, the captains getting certified with Transport Canada and the plan is to very soon offer 90 minute cruises along the river.
“The whole concept was lazy float down the river with wine and cheese,” said Adams-Roy. “It’s beautiful.”
The boat will be equipped with a bar and will serve appetizers.
The latest updates on when tours will be available will be posted to www.thewaterfrontnapanee.com.