MS Chi-Cheemaun enters 50th sailing season
OWEN SOUND—With its first sailing of the 2024 season on Friday, May 3 from Tobermory on the tip of the Bruce Peninsula to South Baymouth on Manitoulin Island, the MS Chi-Cheemaun ferry will have been officially serving Manitoulin for five decades. Its first crossing was in early October 1974.
Reservations are now open for the May 3 to June 20 spring sailings, with the first departure from Tobermory taking place at 8:50 am, arriving in South Baymouth at around 10:50 am, before departing at 11:10 am and returning to Tobermory at 1:10 pm. The second sailing departs Tobermory at 1:30 pm, arriving in South Baymouth at 3:30 pm and departing at 3:50 pm and arriving back in Tobermory at 5:50 pm. As this is a Friday, there is a third sailing this day each week during only the fall and spring schedules. It leaves Tobermory at 6:10 pm, arrives at South Baymouth at 7:55 pm and then returns to Tobermory, leaving South Baymouth at 8:15 pm, arriving at 10 pm.
An extra sailing will take place on Victoria Day, Monday, May 20, departing Tobermory at 6:10 pm, arriving in South Baymouth at 7:55 pm, departing at 8:15 pm and arriving back at Tobermory at 10 pm.
Off-peak fares apply to the first round of sailings. For adult passengers, the one-way fare will be $18.05, child fare will be $9 (under 4 are free) and seniors (65+) $15.60. Vehicle prices vary, but estimates can be calculated at the Owen Sound Transportation Company website, OntarioFerries.com.
The fee schedule increases the number of sailings on June 21, with some minor changes in sailing times.
There has been little information forthcoming on what plans there are to celebrate the occasion of the ferry’s 50th anniversary, but the ferry is sporting a new port-side hull decal marking her 50th season. The provincial Crown agency has been undergoing several changes in leadership since the departure of long-time president Susan Schrempf, and continues to find challenges in filling the top post.
The newly appointed board chair is listed as James Colliver of Grand Bend, but he apparently lives in Toronto region. Mr. Colliver’s official biography notes he is vice president of a Canadian investment management company (West Pine Capital) with over 40 years experience in capital markets and asset management. Over his career, as a senior executive Mr. Colliver has “built and managed successful businesses measured by asset growth and industry rankings.” He is a volunteer member of the Knox College investment committee, the Toronto Cricket Curling and Skating Club, Finance and Audit Pension Sub Committee and the Lambton Shores Recreation Advisory Committee. Mr. Colliver graduated from Huron University College in London, Ontario and has numerous investment industry designations.
Curiously, at present, there are no members of the Owen Sound Transportation Company board from any of the communities their ferries serve, although members include former Progressive Conservative Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MP Larry Miller; Benson Lau of Toronto, James Hepple of Meaford; Brook Dyson of Collingwood and Richard Stivrins of North Bay. One seat remains vacant.
The board positions are paid only expenses.
