2013 Ferry Service Season to begin on Friday, May 17th with the 8:50am scheduled departure from Tobermory.
Lake Huron/Georgian Bay water levels have increased to the minimum required for the ferry to dock safely against the dock fenders at the Tobermory and South Baymouth ferry docks, under restricted load conditions. Ferry load restrictions will be in effect until water levels are at or above Chart Datum, or when Tobermory dock fender modifications are complete.
LOAD RESTRICTIONS (effective May 17, until further notice):
• Acceptable: light vehicles such as standard automobiles, pick-up trucks, vans, trailers, motorhomes, small cube trucks, motorcycles and bicycles
• Acceptable with limitations: Large vehicles (trucks) under 22,000kg – limited to max of 1 truck per load, and at Master’s discretion
• Not Acceptable: Large vehicles (trucks) over 22,000kg
All existing vehicle reservations will be honoured with the exception of large trucks or other heavy vehicles as long as load restrictions are in place. Persons wishing to book large trucks of any weight, or other heavy vehicles must contact the reservations office at 1-800-265-3163 for assistance.
The ferry service will continue to operate during fender reconstruction, expected to begin in the coming weeks. An agreement has been reached with Transport Canada, the owners of the docks, to permit the OSTC to access the federal facilities and complete repairs. The OSTC understands the urgency to get the MS Chi-Cheemaun sailing again at full service and are working to complete the construction as soon as possible.
An engineering firm has been retained and has started on the design and specifications. A provincial government tender to complete the construction work will be released on Tuesday, May 14. To learn more about the provincial government procurement process, and to compete for the contract, companies can visit http://www.merx.com.
The OSTC is committed to a superior level of customer service. Travelers looking for more information may call the toll free customer service line at (800) 265‐3163, email info@ontarioferries.com or follow @ontarioferries on Twitter.
Job Opportunity - Chief Mate
The Owen Sound Transportation Company is now accepting resumes for a Chief Mate on the MS Chi-Cheemaun.
Certification Required:
- Chief Mate – Near Coastal
The position is available immediately and was posted 13 May 2013.
Interested parties should forward their resume and cover letter to:
Stephen Shaw – VP Operations
717875, Highway 6 North
Owen Sound ON N4K 5N7
stephen.shaw@ostcmarine.com
tel. 519-376-8740
fax 519-376-6384
Service Notice: May 6 Update
2013 Ferry Service Season Delay Continues
Lake Huron/Georgian Bay water levels remain below the minimum level required for the ferry to dock safely against the dock fenders at the Tobermory and South Baymouth ferry docks.
OSTC will put the ferry into service once the fenders have been modified, or when water levels reach a point where use of the existing fenders is safe for the ferry, our passengers and crew.
The ferry docks and fenders are owned and maintained by Transport Canada.
The OSTC is committed to a superior level of customer service and will provide weekly public notification updates regarding the sailing schedule for the MS Chi‐Cheemaun. Travelers looking for more information may call the toll free customer service line at (800) 265‐3163, email info@ontarioferries.com or follow @ontarioferries on Twitter.
Service Notice: April 29 Update
2013 Ferry Service Season Delay - CONFIRMED
Due to continued low water levels on Lake Huron, the Friday, May 3rd scheduled start to the Chi-Cheemaun ferry season has been postponed until at least Friday, May 10th.
Water levels have slowly increased over the last week, but are still below the minimum level required for the ferry to operate safely from the existing dock fenders at Tobermory and South Baymouth.
On May 2, 2013, the Owen Sound Transportation Company (OSTC) will proceed with the sold out Annual Spring Repositioning Cruise event. Water levels have risen sufficiently to permit safe docking of the vessel in its light condition with passengers only. Passengers will disembark in Tobermory and travel back to Owen Sound by bus, as advertised.
The ferry docks and fenders are owned and maintained by Transport Canada.
The OSTC is committed to a superior level of customer service and will provide weekly public notification updates regarding the sailing schedule for the MS Chi‐Cheemaun. Travelers looking for more information may call the toll free customer service line at (800) 265‐3163, email info@ontarioferries.com or follow @ontarioferries on Twitter.
Possible delay of the M.S. Chi-Cheemaun 2013 sailing season
Due to low water levels in Lake Huron, the 2013 sailing season of the MS Chi‐Cheemaun, expected to begin May 3, 2013, may be delayed. Confirmation of this anticipated delay will be made on Monday, April 29, 2013. Please click on the link below for more information:
On May 2, 2013, the Owen Sound Transportation Company (OSTC) will proceed with the
sold out Annual Spring Repositioning Cruise event.
Travelers looking for more information may call the toll free customer service line at
(800) 265‐3163, email info@ontarioferries.com or follow @ontarioferries on Twitter.
2013 Annual Spring Cruise
The Harmony Centre Owen Sound is this year's host and recipient of our sponsorship proceeds for the Annual Chi-Cheemaun Spring Cruise.
See you May 2, 2013!
Market Study Released
The results of the Owen Sound Transportation Company market feasibility study are now available.
Cyclists registered in the Manitoulin ride are eligible to receive free passenger and bicycle fares on the Chi-Cheemaun. Please call 1-800-265-3163 for details.
OSTC Gift Certificates
2013 Spring Cruise and Dinner Cruise tickets are now available. Gift certificates in any denomination are also available for that perfect gift for someone special.
Call us at 1-800-265-3163 to get your tickets today!
Market Feasibility Study
The Owen Sound Transportation Company has recently hired the professional services of CPCS Transcom Limited to complete a market feasibility study for the organization.
Details of the study and information on the upcoming public information sessions will be posted on our website.
Additionally, a site dedicated solely to the market study is now available.
