After a bustling sailing season transporting passengers between Tobermory and Manitoulin Island, MS Chi-Cheemaun arrived Thursday evening in Hamilton where it will spend the winter – and the colorful vessel received a very warm welcome.
The ferry, which accommodates 638 passengers and up to 150 vehicles, set off for Hamilton after finishing its last trip of the regular season on Oct. 18.
According to a post on the ferry’s Facebook page, MS Chi-Cheemaun – which translates to Big Canoe in Ojibway – sailed overnight to Owen Sound and reached the Welland Canal on Thursday morning before heading into Hamilton that evening.
Margo Nemeth tracked the vessel’s journey using a marine tracking app throughout the day before going down to the pier by the Burlington Canal Lift Bridge to see the ferry arrive at Hamilton Harbour.
The MS Chi-Cheemaun making its way into the Hamilton Harbour on Oct. 22. (Submitted by Margo Nemeth)
She wasn’t alone in her excitement. Nemeth mentioned that over 100 people gathered along the pier with their cameras ready to greet the vessel as it entered the city.
“It was a lot of people and like I say, it was very multi-generational. There were kids there wearing their pajama pants.. we heard the bells of the lift bridge go off and we knew she was getting close.”
As they waited for it to pass under the bridge, Nemeth noted that she and others shared stories about their trips between Tobermory and Manitoulin Island on this ferry, recalling how those journeys felt extra special.
Margo Nemeth was one of more than 100 people who lined the pier near Burlington Canal Lift Bridge on Thursday night to catch a glimpse of MS Chi-Cheemaun as it sailed into Hamilton Harbour. (Submitted by Margo Nemeth)
For Nemeth and her family, MS Chi-Cheemaun holds cherished memories from many camping trips they’ve taken over time to Manitoulin Island.
“To have it come into your hometown, that’s pretty spectacular,” she said.
Just before 9:30 p. m., she noticed everyone got quiet as they watched the ferry glide under the lift bridge until its crew sounded its horn for them.
“It was magical. It was really quite something,” she said. “It was like welcoming an old friend into our city.”
Ferry Will Undergo Inspections and Maintenance
According to the Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority, after arriving at harbour, the ferry docked at Ontario Shipyards and will soon be moved to a dry dock facility.
On Friday morning, it could be seen in Hamilton next to Theodore Too, which is a life-sized tugboat replica of a beloved TV character.
The Owen Sound Transportation Company owns MS Chi-Cheemaun and stated that scheduled dry-dock periods happen every five years allowing mandatory inspections and maintenance needed for keeping it safe and reliable for future sailing seasons.
“The vessel will be with us until opening of navigation season in 2027,” said Ted Kirkpatrick vice-president of business development relations with Ontario Shipyards.
MS Chi-Cheemaun was seen traveling from Thorold St Catharines before going HAMILTON. (Submitted by Selby Harris)
“Ontario Shipyards largest repair construction company Great Lakes proud service provider Ontario Ferries. Supporting local jobs through work Ontario-owned maritime assets critical part growing province shipbuilding capacity.
He added complete last dry docking facility Thunder Bay ,2011
According OSTC , MS CHI CHEEMAUN has been carrying passengers Tobermory Manitoulin island since launched becoming integral symbol Georgian Bay has transported approximately million passenger million vehicles over voyages.
MS CHI CHEEMAUN spend winter dry dock hamilton while inspections maintenance done prepare next year ‘s sailing season.(submitted by HOPA Ports )
Kelly Noseworthy communications adviser HOPA stated unfortunately won’t any public access while vessel dry dock but may still able catch glimpse ferry Hillyard Street it’s moved.
It will back service open season passengers find information about next year’s schedule Owen Sound transportation company’s website.
” Will return spring April see ?”. she asked.”Absolutely.”P
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