The Community Gaming Branch has recently announc-ed that Shuswap Lifeboat Society has received a grant in the amount of $143,400.00 for the modification and refit of the “new to us” fast rescue vessel, Tolonen.  A refit is usually done every 10 years according to RCMSAR Policy.  Given the transfer of the Tolonen to Shuswap, it is best to undertake the refit portion now, rather than wait for another 2 years.  The modifications being done are to make the vessel more suited to the missions here on Shuswap Lake.  The focus of this upgrade is the patient care area located in the bow of the boat.Plans are underway to begin this work immediately so as to have it ready for service in the spring of 2018.  All the work is scheduled to be done in Sicamous.  Rob Sutherland, our Station Leader, is charged with overseeing the project.