STORY STORY - Real Muskoka

The work crews from Beaver Creek are inmates in the correctional facility and were
participating in a Community Service Volunteer Program or Work Release Program
initiated by Corrections Canada. While on site and working on Wanda III, some of
the work crews were accompanied by Tavio DeBenedet, a 28 year veteran with
Corrections Canada. DeBenedet is a Community Liaison officer and describes the
volunteer program as a first step for inmates to be considered for a “work release”
program for inmates.
“This is an important program for Corrections Canada and for the inmates,” noted
DeBenedet. “The inmates know what is expected of them and they have a set of rules
to follow. It helps them to successfully integrate into the community. And they learn
some skills and develop a stronger work ethic through programs such as this.”
DeBenedet and Durrant supervised the work of the inmates and along the way, the
crews developed skills at working cooperatively and in a team. And the mahogany
and teak work on Wanda III was cleaned and varnished.
Three members of the Beaver Creek work crew were Raseedi McKenley,
Mathew Rous and Peter Milhailovic. The three of them were proud to
work on the boat and were happy to be selected for the community
volunteer program.
McKenley said he was from the city and had never been in the countryside
before. “I’ve never done anything like this before. This is a piece
of history and I get to work on it. I’m going to get a picture of this boat
and I’m going to show it to my son.”
“ I’ve been to the Eaton Center in Toronto and now I’m working
on the Eaton boat!” —Raseedi McKenley
Rous was interested in learning some new skills and to qualify for the
work release program. “I don’t have a lot of experience yet, but it is
good to give back to the community and to be a part of this restoration
project.”
Milhailovic was happy to be part of the restoring of Wanda III. “This is
the best project we have worked on yet. It’s not hard work but it does
require a lot of patience. I like to get out and to be doing something for
the community. I enjoy this work and I look forward to coming here.”
“I enjoyed working with the guys from Beaver Creek and with Tavio
during this project,” said Durrant. “Without their help, we could not
have restored Wanda III. Now she is ready for her 100-year celebration.”
—Ray Windsor
The Real Muskoka Story Issue 83 • Fall 2012
Muskoka’s Urban Oasis
530 Muskoka Rd. N. Gravenhurst, ON P1P 1G3
northinmuskoka.com 705-687-8618
Opened in July of 2007 by Robbie and Alain Irvine, North
Restaurant and Lounge has found its place in Muskoka. With a
loyal and ever growing client base, we are thrilled to be located
in Gravenhurst.
At North our focus isn’t just on food and wine, but on making your
meal an enjoyable experience in every way. Our dining room has
been designed to give our customers an ‘urban-Muskoka’ feel
and our servers are ready to meet your every need.
Since opening in 2007 North has won the prestigious Where
Magazine award for One of Canada’s Top Ten Restaurants
for 2008, Muskoka’s Best Fine Dining Restaurant for 2010
and is very proud of it’s many catering business partnerships.
We look forward to welcoming you in to North!
Official Caterer To The Ships
15