By Bill Bialkowski, and Jaimee Groves, Snug Harbour
Snug Harbour residents have watched Groves Marine in operation since Paul Groves started the business. One day in late August, my morning row was interrupted by an unusual sight: Groves’ “Workboat #10” launching what looked like a tiny tugboat, the “Paul ‘Pamper’ Groves.” I rushed back to get my phone to take pictures. I reached out to the Groves family, and Jaimee Groves, Craig’s daughter, graciously got back to me and sent this picture of three tugboats. She explained that the occasion for the picture was to announce that another generation of Groves is on the way! With her help, here is a brief history of Groves Marine and the new little tug.
Some thirty years ago, Paul Groves bought a small tugboat, “Scuffy” along with a barge, and started a business helping island cottages’ building needs. His business was greatly appreciated, and soon he needed to expand. The much bigger “Workboat #10” arrived along with a bigger barge. Twenty years ago, Paul retired, and his son Craig took over the company. Craig expanded again when a large tugboat came on the market. This was acquired and became the “E. J. Groves” (in honour of Paul’s dad) and an even bigger barge.
So now, for the latest Groves addition. Every August, the Georgian Bay TugFest is held in Midland, and anyone who is ‘into tugs’ in any way will be there. It was at TugFest, that Paul’s granddaughter, Jaimee, first laid eyes on a beautiful little tugboat that stole the show at TugFest. She pleaded with her grandpa Paul, her ‘Pamper’ to buy it for her. Sadly, Paul died before that could happen. Then, in 2021, the little tugboat went up for sale, and Jaimee bought it. Naturally, she named it the “Paul ‘Pamper’ Groves,” and had it painted in Groves Marine colours.
We hope Groves Marine will put little “Paul ‘Pamper’ Groves” on display or even to work so we can see it frequently and remember Paul. We also all wish the Groves family every success in the future.
