Improving Community

History of the group

In the late 1980s a group of dedicated volunteers led by Ted Blume had a vision to build a boat launch just north of the Harry Lumley Bayshore. So what began as the East Side Boat Launch Committee evolved into something much more enduring, the Scenic City Order of Good Cheer, an organization that has contributed almost $2 million in community structures throughout the past 27 years. The Order of Good Cheer traces its heritage back to 1608 when Samuel de Champlain established the “Order of Good Fellowship“. Champlain’s original order included 15 officers whose responsibility was to host monthly gatherings featuring food and entertainment to combat scurvy and depression particularly in the harsh winter months. Following in Champlain’s footsteps the Owen Sound chapter maintains 15 directors and became officially incorporated in 1998. The main Order is in Nova Scotia, one chapter in Alma On and our group.

After completing the boat launch in the late 90s the group wanted to continue their community building efforts. We meet monthly throughout the year with more frequent meetings building up to a fund raiser such as the cruise and golf tournament.

The photo is of our group getting ready to set sail for our annual dinner cruise on the Chi Cheemaun. It is our largest fund raiser and is held the last Sat of April each year. The cruise consists of entertainment, live and silent auctions, raffles and a wonderful dinner while cruising around Owen Sound bay, Colpoy’s Bay and the Islands.