New stamp comes out just ahead of ship’s 50th anniversary
OWEN SOUND—The Chi-Cheemaun ferry is one of five active ferries that are representing Canada from coast to coast to coast on new stamps released by the Canada Post Corporation.
“Let’s Take the Ferry!” is a set of five new stamps highlighting Canada’s marine heritage.
“Canada Post has been working on the ferry stamp series for the past couple of months. We are thrilled that the beautiful Chi-Cheemaun has been included in the series,” said Carl Kuhnke, president and chief executive officer of Owen Sound Transportation Company (OSTC). “Hopefully, millions of letters with the stamp will be sent across the world,” said Mr. Kuhnke. He pointed out the Chi-Cheemaun will celebrate its fiftieth anniversary in 2024.
The stamps, “will be one of the cheapest souvenirs someone can get of the Chi-Cheemaun, at about $1 per stamp,” said Mr. Kuhnke. “I know personally I will be trying to get 50 sets for my Christmas cards this year.”
“This is a great series of ship stamps, and with the Chi-Cheemaun to be 50 years old in 2024, it is nice to see the ship is getting the recognition it deserves,” said Mr. Kuhnke, who noted two years ago the OSTC celebrated its 100th anniversary.
“Canada Post receives dozens of ideas for stamps each year, most of them from the public or from groups/organizations celebrating milestones,” said Janick Cormier, media relations with Canada Post. “Every suggestion Canada Post receives is presented to the national Stamp Advisory Committee (SAC), an independent body of experts who review and recommend a balanced program to the Canada Post board of directors for approval.”
“The SAC is composed of philatelists, designers, historians, curators and cultural experts from across the country. The committee evaluates all suggestions received based on their contributions to celebrating and promoting Canadian heroes, personalities, heritage, traditions and achievements. The research and design process takes roughly 18-24 months, with stamps designed by accredited graphic designers from across Canada,” said Mr. Cormier.
Mr. Cormier explained, “we worked closely with representatives from the Canadian Ferry Association (CFA) throughout this stamp issue, including the selection of the ferries featured on the stamps. The ferries in this issue were chosen to represent different regions of Canada as ferries are part of Canada’s marine heritage and continue to play a role in regional transit systems.”
“Waterway transportation has been a fundamental part of Canada’s history and development, with Indigenous Peoples traditionally using canoes, kayaks, umiaks and other vessels to hunt, transfer goods and carry people along coastal regions and across lakes and rivers. Today, ferries in Canada transport millions of passengers and vehicles each year, playing important roles in regional transit systems and the tourism industry,” the CP release explains.
The stamp issue presents five ferries, each representing different regions of Canada. The Chi-Cheemaun travels between Tobermory (Bruce Peninsula) and Manitoulin Island (South Baymouth), across Lake Huron’s Georgian Bay. The Chi-Cheemaun, which means “big canoe” in Ojibwe, was built in 1974 and runs from May to October. The ferry features woodland-inspired artwork on its bow and funnel, while on-board amenities include Muskoka chairs on the upper deck and an art gallery.
There are four other stamps in the series including The Spirit of British Columbia, Trillium, Alphonse-Desjardins and Grand Manan V.
Designed by Lionel Gadoury and Owen Gabany of Context Creative, the stamps depict postcard-perfect photos of the ferries in their home waters. Printed by Lowe-Martin, the issue includes a booklet of 10 permanent domestic rate stamps, an official first day cover (a first day of issue special envelope) and a souvenir sheet of five stamps.
The stamps and collectibles are available in person at postal outlets across Canada.
