After World War II, George Foote Foss—already recognized for inventing the Fossmobile, Canada’s first gasoline-powered car(constructed in Sherbrooke, Quebec, in 1897)—embarked on a new venture that reflected his lifelong passion for transportation and innovation. On December 7, 1946, at the age of seventy, he officially incorporated Chester Lines Ltd in Montreal, marking a fresh chapter in both his career and the city’s tourism industry.
Foss’s Montreal business experience extended back to the early 1900s, when he distributed the Crestmobile, and his vision for Chester Lines Ltd was shaped by the growing postwar interest in leisure and travel.
A hallmark of Chester Lines Ltd was its creative use of surplus military equipment. The company’s main vessel, the M.V. Ville-Marie, began as a landing craft during the D-Day operations of World War II.
A Cooler Way to See Montreal
Under Foss’s leadership, this barge was transformed into a popular sightseeing boat, offering tours along Montreal’s scenic waterways. The company’s slogan, “A Cooler Way to See Montreal from the Water,” captured the spirit of these excursions, which became a favorite for both locals and visitors. By the 1950s, the M.V. Ville-Marie was a familiar sight, known for its three-hour trips from Lachine and the Old Port, focusing on the tranquil waters above the Lachine Rapids.
Lake Memphremagog in the Eastern Townships
Demonstrating his entrepreneurial drive, Foss planned to expand Chester Lines’ operations to Lake Memphremagog in the Eastern Townships. The new boats where to be built from war surplus hulls and engines obtained from the Canadian and U.S. War Assets Administration. These vessels were designed for comfort and enjoyment, featuring amenities such as a soda bar, dance space, and separate restrooms, as well as an upper deck with excellent views and modern conveniences.
Chester Lines was also notable for its strong marketing and community involvement. The company’s brochures and advertisements from the 1950s are now considered historical artifacts, and the M.V. Ville-Marie was frequently highlighted in local media. (An original brochure is safeguarded and held in the Foss Family Archives.)
Free Harbour Tours for 200 Orphans in Montreal
In the summer of 1950, Chester Lines hosted over 200 children from Montreal orphanages for free harbour tours, reflecting Foss’s commitment to giving back to the community. Evening adult cruises with dancing and refreshments further showcased the company’s inclusive approach. Chester Lines Ltd stands as a testament to George Foote Foss’s postwar entrepreneurship and his dedication to enhancing Montreal’s leisure industry. While records are unclear about the full realization of the planned expansion and the company’s long-term financial legacy, what remains is a story of innovation, community spirit, and a modest but memorable contribution to Canadian tourism.
Foss’s ventures, though they did not yield great personal wealth, are remembered for their influence and the enduring mark they left on those who experienced them.
submitted post by Ron Foss, Executive Director of Fossmobile Enterprises
Ron is a native of Montreal area, now living in Burlington, Ontario and has an International Masters degree in Practicing Management from McGill University
lead photo The Island Queen, an example of or similar to the vessels used for Chester Lines Ltd. from which the M.V. Ville-Marie was modeled after. photo submitted from the Foss family archives
