Bluenose II to-do list half done, says Geoff MacLellan
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal heading to Lunenburg next week for update
The Bluenose II is on track to start sailing this summer, says Geoff MacLellan, Nova Scotia's Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal.
"Obviously for us, it's really bated breath until we get to that point where we can get her out on the water and make sure everything is working as planned," he said on Thursday.
The ship, which has been marred by development and restoration problems, could be visiting other ports in the area this year. In April, the province said 25 items had to be fixed before the rebuilt vessel could sail again.
"We've started operating entirely from this list that started in the 20s and now it's in that range of 13 or 14 left that need to be completed," MacLellan says. "And that gives us the go ahead to start the vessel."
It's really bated breath until we get to that point where we can get her out on the water.- Geoff MacLellan
MacLellan will be visiting Lunenburg, N.S., next Tuesday to check in on the progress of the vessel with the Lunenburg Marine Museum Society.
"The community group has worked very well with our department, the relationship is very good, communications seem to be improving in Lunenburg with surrounding stakeholders. It is all going according to plan so far."
MacLellan says the crew, which is 90 per cent Nova Scotian, is now in training. He'll travel to Lunenburg next week to check on the progress.
"I don't know if there will be a formal requirement for sea trials. Basically, as we continue through this list there are those certification pieces ... with the crew getting ready," he said.
"When the captain and the crew feel that it's ready to start the sea trials, then they will start that agenda."
The Lunenburg Museum and Marine Society is working on a plan to allow tourists on board for the summer.
Earlier this year, the provincial auditor general said the project could cost the province three times than the original budget because the Heritage Department failed to follow basic management practices.
MacLellan says the cost of the project sits around the $20 million mark.