The S.S. Naramata's future in Penticton is looking far better than it was before after a second study found it likely doesn't need over $1 million in repairs. 

After being presented with that possible price tag in June, city council had asked for options to decommission the 1914 tugboat. 

The S.S Naramata is the last surviving fresh-water steam tug in Canada, and because it is almost unaltered from the time it first went into the water it is a provincially recognized heritage asset.

The tug was in service up until 1967 and is also listed on the Canadian Historic Register.

The S.S. Sicamous Marine Heritage Society, which also looks after the Naramata and commissioned the first study, hired an expert with more experience with older boats to give a second opinion.

That second report was presented to council on Oct. 15, and is based on ultrasound scans of the Naramata's hull. The survey found the Naramata likely doesn't need incredibly expensive repairs.

"The first survey was done by someone that was more inclined to do fiberglass boat surveys," said Tom Dunn, a marine engineer and member of the society. "The hull is in very good shape. There are a couple of small holes in it, but we can patch those with a marine epoxy that I've used professionally and works quite well."

The second survey's results will come as a welcome relief to many, including the B.C. Heritage Branch, who stated that decommissioning the Naramata would only be a last resort due to its provincial heritage status. 

Now, the society is moving forward with plans to move the ship onto a permanent rest above the water table. 

With $16,000 from the B.C. Heritage Branch and $44,000 in other reserves, the society has begun planning and going forward with the cost studies for how to go about the move. 

Options they are looking at include building up berms around the tug to fill with water and float it onto the raised rest, or to use a crane to lift it, although the society would prefer to avoid the latter option if it would tear up the ground of the S.S. Sicamous Marine Park. 

"The strategic plan that we've had in front of us now is exactly what we were looking for," said Penticton Mayor Julius Bloomfield. "It helps with the planning for the entire park and the future of the Sicamous and Naramata and puts some perspective in there that was sadly missing the last time we had the discussion about these boats."

As a provincially registered heritage site, any alterations, including decommissioning, will need the B.C. Heritage Branch's approval in addition to any city permits before any work can go forward.