Downbound Discussions

We talk with Mayor Bill Steele of Port Colborne about the Lock 8 opening ceremony, plus we check in with Ivan for another segment of Ivan's Insights.

A full episode with Know Your Ships publisher, Roger LeLievre, and US Seaway Administrator Adam Tindall-Schlicht. Both give insight into the 65th anniversary - of the book and the Seaway.

Ron Clapp joins the podcast to discuss the Villa restoration and Ivan provides his insights on Lemoyne.

His career spans more than 30 years on the Great Lakes and he is known as the last Captain of the Edward L Ryerson. Captain Eric Treece shares a look back at his time on the historic ship as well as his passion for photography and life now as a ship pilot.

Ivan Schell makes his podcast debut with his new segment, Ivan's Insights, brought to you by Canada Steamship Lines.

We had the opportunity to speak with Wayne Coombes with Friends of SS Keewatin following the recent announcement that the Titanic-era cruise ship will soon leave it's home in Port McNicoll, Ontario after being donated by Skyline Investments to the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes in Kingston, Ontario. The 300'+ iconic vessel has been cared for by Friends of Keewatin and now they will be left empty-handed. Coombs explains some of the history of the ship, as well as what is next in the transition process.

Hear from the Executive Director of Aquatarium, a regional attraction in the heart of downtown Brockville, Ontario. New exhibits on display in 2023, including one that partners the Aquatarium with Port of Johnstown to highlight the operations of the port and how goods are moved. 

In this episode we chat with NOAA Commander Matthew Jaskoski of the Thomas Jefferson, which spent April-early October on the Great Lakes in 2022, performing sonar research of the lake beds in Lake Erie and Ontario. The Commander tells us about that mission and his ship.

In this episode we connect with Emily Hine, rather newly appointed Executive Director of Brigs Youth Sail Training, operators of the tall ships Playfair and Pathfinder. She tells us about their programming and what kids encounter during summer sailing excursions. 

A look at the current status of the Wolfe Island and Amherst Island ferries, as well as the dock projects. We also catch up with eye-in-the-sky Mike Hill of AeroSnapper who tells us what he is seeing take place on the dock in Kingston and Marysville.

We catch up with John Peach of Save The River to recap the recent Winter Conference held last month, as well as touch base on the situation in Blind Bay. Also, Clayton is in the running for USA Today's 10Best "Best Small Town Cultural Scene" for the second year in a row. Mike Hooson with the Clayton Chamber tells us about how you can help them win back-to-back titles and fills us in on upcoming events.

Newly appointed Great Lakes Seaway Development Corporation Administrator, Adam Tindall-Schlicht, joins the discussion to talk all things US Seaway. 

We catch up with Natasha Mackow, Chief Experience Officer, with the world' friendliest tug, Theodore TOO.

The COO of Clayton, NY-based Seaway Marine Group, Captain Jake Van Reenen, joins the discussion to tell us about his operation and the need for mariners in the industry.

Scott MacCrimmon joins the discussion this week to tell us about Hucks Marine in Rockport, Ontario and the role the facility plays in the region.

The Mayor of Port Colborne tells us about the city and its many happenings, including the boom in cruise ship visits. 

Author/Publisher Jim McRae joins the discussion to talk about his new book, "Seaway Queens," a unique look into the design of ships throughout the 1950/60s and the impression they made on many. The book is now available at www.SeawayQueens.com and is a beautiful hardcover coffee table book, perfect for your cottage!

Listen at the very end of the episode... after the horn... for a chance to win a copy of Seaway Queens!

Former CNY Central Chief Meteorologist Wayne Mahar joins the discussion to recap the recent lake effect snowstorm to hit Buffalo and Watertown, NY, as well as the Gales of November.

We chat with Jake Tibbles, Executive Director, Thousand Islands Land Trust and John Peach, Executive Director, Save The River to discuss the US Custom & Border Protection agency's desire to acquire land along the St. Lawrence for a new facility. 

In this episode we meet Doug Tulloch, better known this time of year as River Santa on the US side of the border. He shares with us his vision to bring excitement to the community and give back. We also catch up with Carli Smelko of the St Lawrence Parks Commission to discuss this year's Upper Canada Village display and Alex Buduson of the Clayton Christmas Parade committee. 

Enjoy stories from the helm as Captain Brian Johnson, retired, of Wolfe Islander III and Canadian Empress provides a unique look back, shares concerns on the future, and reflects on the passing of a dear friend.

Episode Two features as a chat with Roger LeLievre of Know Your Ships.

Episode One is finally here and getting to this point has been a process to say the least. In this episode, you will hear from Port of Oswego Executive Director Bill Scriber, as well as the well-known ship chef-turned-author Catherine Schmuck.

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