OWEN SOUND—The Owen Sound Harbour is about to become much more colourful over the coming weeks as the Chi-Cheemaun’s bow is wrapped in bold, bright colours and images influenced by the iconic Woodland style of art.
Set up for the project will began Monday, April 3, with vinyl decal application to follow on April 4, weather permitting.
The current work is Phase 2 of Chi-Cheemaun’s exterior “re-branding,” begun in spring 2015 with Phase 1, when the ship’s sides were dressed with the ‘Travel In Good Spirits’ logo, and ship’s funnel wrapped in images of the turtle, moose and bear. Phase 1 work earned a National Billboard award for Have1.com of Owen Sound.
Have1.com has produced the vinyl decal sheets for Phase 2, and will again lead the installation. Decal designs were developed by Cleansheet Communications, the Toronto based creative marketing agency behind the Chi-Cheemaun’s ‘Travel In Good Spirits’ award winning marketing brand campaign
Chi-Cheemaun’s interior work is nearing completion with both the forward lounge (Fathom Five Lounge) and Tourism Information Centre having been renovated over the winter months, and transformed into spaces to better support live concerts, on-board events and displays.
The Owen Sound Transportation Company will host a free come-an-go Open House on the Chi-Cheemaun from 1 pm to 3 pm on Tuesday, May 2 for members of the public to tour the vessel and view the many recent updates. Chi-Cheemaun will depart on her annual Spring Cruise from Owen Sound to Tobermory on Thursday, May 4, and begin the 2017 sailing season on Friday, May 5 with the 8:50 am departure from Tobermory to Manitoulin Island.
2017 will be a busy year as Chi-Cheemaun hosts highly popular Concert and Dinner Cruises, Parks Canada Interpreters on summer sailings, and traditional storytelling with Falcon Migwans. The Stargazing Tour will again be offered throughout the month August, and special musical programming in partnership with the Georgian Bay Folk Society, funded by Ontario 150 will be available with regular ferry fares every Sunday in July. Visit www.ontarioferries .com for news and events listings.
