This Sunday, the MS Chi-Cheemaun will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its maiden voyage from Tobermory to Manitoulin Island.
Former captain of the Chi-Cheemaun and current Director of Operations for the Owen Sound Transportation Company, Kerry Adams, says when the ship went into full service, it had a massive impact on the area in so many ways. He says that includes tourism, the economy and the lifestyle in the area.
"It changed everything up here and I think the whole peninsula has benefitted from it. So many people that have to get motel rooms the night before to catch an early boat, to the restaurants, the gift shops around the village, in Tobermory especially. A tremendous impact and source of employment over the years," Adams said.
Adams says it's undeniable that the ship's legacy has been very impactful.
"It employed many people on the peninsula and Manitoulin Island, as well. You've got the terminal at South Bay, the South Baymouth. The island has benefitted immensely. It's allowed us to move a lot more people to the island than the other two boats put together," Adams pointed out.
When the ship began regular service in 1975 (the maiden voyage was in 1974), with Adams working on the ship back then as a young man, he says it changed the local tourism and economy landscape forever for the better.
Adams eventually became the full-time captain of the vaunted ship for 25 years, following time away out east for other sea-faring adventures. He returned in the 90s and eventually began serving as a seasonal captain before taking over full-time. He says he treasures those memories of steering the historic vessel.
"I never took it for granted for one day. I always considered it a privilege because it's so well known. People recognize you, too. Sometimes you're on the street somewhere, even in southern Ontario, I've been recognized as 'Hey, you're the guy that steers the Chi-Cheemaun.' That's very special," Adams proudly shared.
On top of some special guests for the ceremony on Sunday, September 29, there will also be recently retired employees celebrated and numerous alumni.
"We also have a alumni group that is being formed that will also participate. So people that worked in the terminals, on the ship, worked in the administration office in Owen Sound. I think we're expecting about 30 or more alumni," noted Adams.
After 50 years, Adams says far and wide, the ship has garnered an iconic legacy and is still in excellent condition.
"First of all, I would say it is probably the most well-known passenger vessel on the Great Lakes. I think it's more special, especially to the people of Ontario, because there's not many people that don't know of it or haven't been on it. Millions of people have sailed on her," Adams pointed out. "The vessel is in very sound shape for a vessel that's 50 years old. We're probably 10 to 15 years away from a replacement, maybe 20 at the most. But she has served well, and she will continue to serve well."
Sunday's special ceremony will include two afternoon sailings with many special guests including Bruce County Warden Chris Peabody and Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP, Rick Byers. The event will also feature James Hepple, member of the Owen Sound Transportation Company’s board of directors, local historian Richard J. Thomas, Lenore Keeshig, an Anishinaabe storyteller, and musical guest, Moondance.
Afternoon Sailing Times:
Departing Tobermory at 1:30 p.m. and arriving at South Baymouth 3:30 p.m.
Departing South Baymouth at 3:50 p.m. and arriving at Tobermory 5:50 p.m.
Additional Sailing Information:
If you are interested in joining for one of the afternoon sailings, please specify the time and terminal you would like to depart from.
If you are interested in participating in both sailings, please specify that you would like to join up for both afternoon sailings.
If you are interested in departing from and returning to South Baymouth terminal, please specify that you would like to take the 11:10 a.m. ferry departing South Baymouth and remain onboard for the afternoon sailing that is departing Tobermory at 1:30 p.m.
To see the sailing schedule, visit: https://www.ontarioferries.com/ms-chi-cheemaun/schedule-overview/