The MS Chi-Cheemaun is going to set sail again next month, but only for essential travel.
The Owen Sound Transportation Company says the Chi-Cheemaun will operate as a transportation only service for a limited number of commercial and through travellers beginning on June 1. The start date of the ferry crossings had been in limbo to this point, after it was announced in March the Chi-Cheemaun's season would be delayed until further notice due to COVID-19.
“This early service is in support of the many commercial carriers who normally use the ferry to transit between regions of northern and southwestern Ontario, and customers where the ferry is the most practical means of accessing their owned residences,” a release from the Owen Sound Transportation Company explains. “The ferry service also provides an important second point of access to and departure from Manitoulin Island currently served only by the historic single land wooden bridge at Little Current.”
People looking to board the ferry for tourism or recreational activities will not be allowed on.
An interim order from the Federal Minister of Transport concerning vessels in Canadian waters with 12 or more passengers prohibits operations that are discretionary in nature, such as tourism and recreation, until at least June 30.
New rules will also be in place for essential travellers to follow who ride the Chi-Cheemaun when it begins sailing again in June. All passengers will be required to bring and wear face coverings for the duration of the crossing and must maintain adequate physical distancing, the Owen Sound Transportation Company explains.
The vessel will be operating with a reduced capacity, limited to 125 passengers per crossing. Also, no passengers will be allowed to remain on the vehicle deck of the Chi-Cheemaun.
Commercial and essential travellers that board will also have to answer COVID-19 screening questions, while there will be no food or beverages allowed on board unless medically required. There also won't be food and beverage service offered.