New $6.5M cable ferry to join province's fleet by next fall

The provincial government will add a new $6.5 millioncable ferry to its fleet by next fall, the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure announced Tuesday.

It's not yet clear where the 15-car ferrywill operate, but it will be used on a high-volume run "where it will get the most use," officials said.

They did not respond to questions abouthow much the ferry will cost to operate,but itwill eliminate the need to spend $750,000 annuallyfor a rental vessel to serve the predominantlycottager community on KennebecasisIsland.

That ferry operates from Victoria Day weekend until mid-November.

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"With the addition of thenew ferry to the fleet, DTI can move one of its own ferries to Kennebecasis Island," which is considered a relatively low-volume run, department spokesperson Tanya Greer said in an email to CBC News.

"There will be no interruption of service at Kennebecasis."

The government has been renting a ferry for the 0.5-kilometre crossing since 2015, when the former KennebecasisIsland ferry wasdeemed unseaworthy and removed from service.

Aging fleet 'challenging'

"Over the years, it has been challenging to keep up the maintenance of our aging river ferry fleet," Transportation and Infrastructure Minister BillFrasersaid in Grand Bay-Westfield when he announced the new ferry.

"As a government, we recognize and appreciate that river ferries are an integral part of our transportation network on the St. John and Kennebecasis rivers," he said.

"The addition of a new ferry to our fleet demonstrates their importance as we strive to provide the best transportation experience in the most efficient manner."

In August 2016,Fraserpledged the government wouldnot continue to cutferry service.

His promise came aftercommunities on both sides ofthe St.John Riverthat depended on theGagetownferry expressed outrage when the service was droppedand theycould not get Premier Brian Gallant to discuss the decision.

Frasersaid the KennebecasisIsland,Belleisle Bay, Evandale, Westfield,Gondola Point and Millidgevilleferries would all continue to operate.

He did not say where the new ferry will be built.