The Pontiac, a sidewheel steamboat, was built in 1901 at Arnprior, Ontario. With a gross tonnage of 116, it played a significant role in transportation and commerce along the waterways.
Owned by McLachlin Bros., the Pontiac operated in the region, providing valuable services. However, its existence was tragically cut short when a devastating fire broke out on July 9, 1908, at Chats Lake. Despite efforts to extinguish the flames, the Pontiac was consumed by the fire and met its final demise in the waters.
The loss of the Pontiac was a significant event, as it not only marked the end of a vessel but also had implications for the local community and the transportation network. The exact cause of the fire and the extent of the damage are unknown, but its impact on the maritime industry and the people involved would have been substantial.
The Pontiac’s legacy lives on in the memories of those who witnessed its journeys and the role it played in connecting communities along the waterways. Although no longer in existence, the Pontiac remains a part of the region’s history and serves as a reminder of the risks and challenges faced by steamboats during that era.
