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Chi-Cheemaun ferry getting new look

The Chi-Cheemaun ferry, which travels between Manitoulin Island and Tobermory, is undergoing the second phase of its rebranding campaign this month.
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The Chi-Cheemaun ferry is undergoing a transformation this month, which will add new decals to its bow, to complete its new branding. OSTC photo

The Chi-Cheemaun ferry is undergoing a transformation this month, as new decals are applied on its bow to fit in with the ship’s new marketing campaign.

It marks the second phase of the Owen Sound Transportation Company's (OSTC) rebranding of the ship, which sails between South Baymouth on Manitoulin Island and Tobermory on the Bruce Peninsula.

In 2015, the OSTC finished the first stage of the rebranding, applying decals to the ship’s sides that read ‘Travel in Good Spirits,’ and applying images of turtle, moose, and bear to the funnel.

All the images are being done in the Woodland style of Indigenous art, a style that was founded by Manitoulin artist Noval Morrisseau and is characterized by bold, bright colours with dark outlines.

The outer work is being completed just as the ship’s interior work nears completion. It includes a revamp of the ship’s forward lounge, Fathom Five Lounge, and the Tourism Information Centre. The upgrades will better support live concerts, on-board events and displays.

The upgrades are part of a three-year renovation process to modernize the ship and make it more amenable to tourism activities.

The Chi-Cheemaun will depart on its annual Spring Cruise from Owen Sound to Tobermory on Thursday, May 4, and begin the 2017 sailing season on Friday, May 5 with the 8:50am departure from Tobermory to Manitoulin Island.

This year, events and activities slated for the ship include concert and dinner cruises, a Parks Canada interpreter on summer sailings, and traditional storytelling with Falcon Migwans, as well as a Stargazing Tour, and special music programming in partnership with the Georgian Bay Folk Society.