SOUTH BAYMOUTH—Ice still covers the bay, but renovations are currently underway at the South Baymouth ferry terminal. They will be completed in April, before the start of the 2014 ferry season. Renovations are limited to new washrooms, an enlarged ticket sales/office area and a refreshed tourism information booth. The value of the project is approximately $135,000.
“The work is being done because the building is 40-years-old and needs to be upgraded to become compliant with AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act),” said Susan Schrempf, president and CEO of Owen Sound Transportation Company. The renovations will also support the digital work environment.
Work at the Tobermory terminal is also underway but is limited to washroom renovations. Ticket sales area/office renovations are scheduled for winter of 2014/15.
“The service is needed and the province is putting money forward—that’s uplifting,” said Gary Brown, reeve of Tehkummah and a director with the Owen Sound Transportation Company. “They’re adding accessibility and technology. The ticket booth will look more like Tobermory and will service people quicker. We don’t know what we’ve got with that boat. It’s a real economic driver for the Island. But right now, I’d be happy just to see blue water.”
There are no plans for any re-opening event at the South Baymouth terminal.
When asked about the upcoming 2014 ferry season, Ms. Schrempf explained that while details are not yet available, there are several events and offerings planned for the 2014 Chi-Cheemaun ferry season.
These include a reconfiguration of the loyalty program to make it more user-friendly for customers. More information on this program will be made available in April.
OSTC is introducing a four-hour round trip excursion walk-on rate that differs from the existing same-day return walk-on fare. The rate will be less than the same day return fare and will be announced in April.
As reported in this issue of the paper, the successful Destination Manitoulin program has been expanded to include Island restaurants, gift shops, and other retail businesses in addition to the initial accommodations offering, in support of increasing tourism spending on the Island.
Finally, dining and entertainment through special event cruises are being planned for once a month from May through October, with more details to follow once all the entertainment has been confirmed.
