The M.V. Anscomb was commissioned in 1946 and plied the waters of Kootenay Lake until the Osprey 2000 replaced her in 2000.
In 2003 the MV Anscomb sank off Woodbury Point and currently lies in 160 feet of water.
The original wheelhouse, which was replaced in the 1960s, has become a representation of the ferry that so many people relied on for a job or a ride and the Balfour and District Business and Historic Association, through the efforts of its Heritage Committee, has completed its restoration.
The grand “reveal” took place on June 15, 2014 and the Wheelhouse is now permanently located at the ferry landing. Tours can be scheduled by calling 250-229-2113.
The Wheelhouse is viewable at the Balfour Ferry Terminal Rest area through the fencing at the moment… but the Heritage Committee does give tours by appointment . For an appointment call 250-229-2113 ( Gill and Gift) to have someone on the committee contact you and and arrange for the viewing. or email us. contact@balfourcanada.com.
It is an ongoing project that is long range and still needs your support and donations. Eventually the envisioned long range project and acquisition of some land would be something like this:
Some of our major benefactors to date that are giving this project their support are Columbia Basin Trust, our Regional District Central Kootenay, Osprey Community Foundation, Nelson and District Credit Union, Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance, and Columbia Power Corporation. Thank you. We also owe the people and businesses of the area a big thank you for contributions large and small. It is all helping to bring this piece of history to fruition.
Anyone wishing to donate or get involved with this wonderful historical project is invited to contact Marven Pederson, current committee chair or the association coordinator of the BDBHA contact@balfourcanada.com
