SOUTH BAYMOUTH--Lake Huron/Georgian Bay water levels have increased to the minimum required for the MS Chi-Cheemaun 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 (effe ...

TORONTO--The Ministry of Northern Development and Mines has announced it is currently seeking qualified contracting companies to compete in the Owen Sound Transportation Company's (OSTC) procurement process, once the tender for work on the wharves is released on May 13. "Once it was clear the federal government would not fulfil their responsibilities to maintain the wharves used by the MS Chi-Cheemaun, our ...

SOUTH BAYMOUTH—While the province of Ontario will be providing the funds toward necessary repairs of the fenders at South Baymouth and Tobermory, the province is still waiting for the federal government to give its authority for the repairs to be carried out. Meanwhile, the Owen Sound Transportation Company (OSTC) announced on Monday, “Lake Huron/Georgian Bay water levels remain below the minimum level requ ...

TORONTO—Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Michael Mantha saved a Sault Ste. Marie man from choking during a reception at Queen’s Park last week. “I was probably more scared than he was,” stated Mr. Mantha, in relaying the story of his lifesaving measures on Tuesday of last week. “You know what happened, happened quite quickly. I was in the legislature dining room, enjoying a meal and drink, and having discussion with o ...

MANITOULIN--An agreement providing access to the Transport Canada wharves has been finalized as of late this afternoon. The OSTC has moved quickly to hire Riggs Engineering Ltd to complete the engineering design for modifications to the wharf facilities. Riggs is an expert on substantial marine infrastructure projects like this and has been used for similar work at other Transport Canada docking facilities. ...

OTTAWA--The government continues to pass up opportunities to signal that the tourist economy driven by the Chi-Cheemaun ferry is important and should be supported to the best of their abilities, says Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing MP Carol Hughes. "Instead of stating that they are interested in a speedy resolution, the Minister of Transport launched a partisan attack," Ms. Hughes said after Question Period M ...

OWEN SOUND—The Chi-Cheemaun ferry remains berthed in Owen Sound as water levels in Lake Huron remain too low to safely operate the ferry due to the height of the fenders at the docks in South Baymouth, and particularly Tobermory. The announcement that the commencement of the ferry schedule would be delayed again, until at least May 13, came this past Monday and the decision on whether or not to start the se ...

Manitoulin sends message to feds through rally at South Bay dock SOUTH BAYMOUTH—The call to action and public outcry from Manitoulin residents—which culminated in a rally at the South Baymouth ferry docks on Friday morning, urging the provincial and federal governments to work together to see a relatively small issue fixed in order to save the season’s ferry service—has seen a step in the right direction, w ...

MANITOULIN--Erroneous reports circulating in the community and being promulgated by some media outlets are claiming that the Owen Sound Transportation Company (OSTC) is planning to layoff 30 people due to the delayed ferry schedule. Asked if there are any plans for layoffs, OSTC CEO and President Susan Schrempf was succinct and adamant. “No,” she said. “There are no plans for layoffs. I am not laying people ...

Video coverage of the rally at South Baymouth calling for action to get the Chi-Cheemuan sailing again. ...