The MS Chi-Cheemaun dropped anchor in Owen Sound harbour Monday afternoon as it marks the end of the season.
Several people and the city band lined the harbour to welcome the vessel back to Owen Sound after making its final voyage for the year.
Owen Sound Transportation Company Director of Operations Kerry Adams says it was great to see people out to celebrate the vessel’s return.
“It’s a homecoming for us, I guess you could say. Lots of people come down with families and children and watch us come in at the end of the season ,” says Adams.
MS Chi-Cheemaun Docking (Photo by Nathan Shubert)
He adds this year was also a major milestone for the Chi-Cheemaun, as it celebrated 50 years.
“We had three fairly large celebrations. We had one one on the 16th of June, we had one on the Manitoulin side on the 10th of August, that was a really good celebration on the 50th anniversary, and then on the 29th of September, we did another big party where there were special guests and VIPs invited. We recognized 11 retirees that haven’t been recognized since Covid so they were presented with retirement gifts,” says Adams.
The vessel first launched in 1974 and makes regular trips between Tobermory and Manitoulin Island during the summer season before coming to Owen Sound to dock for the winter.
Adams says they have plans for minor maintenance work over the next few months.
“There is the usual machinery overhauls,” says Adams. “There will be some steel work that will be done on the car deck. Just minor things this year, we are actually in pretty good shape.”
The Owen Sound transportation Company will start taking reservations for the next season in March 2025.