Ferry services between Tobermory and South Baymouth on Manitoulin Island are set to begin, but not for regular tourist travel.
The Owen Sound Transportation & Pelee Island Ferry Service will begin its spring season on June 1st with the MC Chi-Cheemaun, but with strict conditions.
In a release, the service says a Transport Canada Interim Order Respecting Passenger Vessel Restrictions due to COVID-19, only commercial and or/through travellers will be allowed on board.
Ferries that provide the most practical means to give passengers access to their domicile, residence or their place of employment, access to essential goods and services, transport cargo to resupply communities, business or industry, or provide other essential services, are permitted to operate.
It further states the restrictions are to reduce the spread of COVID-19 on vessels carrying more than 12 passengers and prohibits operations such as tourism and recreation-related activities until at least June 30.
The ‘big canoe’ as it is commonly known will provide service for a limited number of commercial and through travellers from June 1 to June 30.
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. The ferry service also provides an important second point of access to and departure from Manitoulin Island currently served only by the historic single-lane wooden swing bridge at Little Current. Ferry service will not be available for passengers engaging in tourism or recreational activities for the duration of the Interim Order.
In addition, all passengers will be required to bring and wear face coverings for the duration of the crossing and must maintain a physical distance of two metres between themselves and other passengers and crew while onboard.
For the full list of requirements, click on the link http://www.ontarioferries.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/OSTC-ChiCheemaun-Ferry_June-1-operation.pdf
