Disruptions coming soon for Digby Neck ferry service

Work has begun to repair slipways for the ferry that runs between East Ferry and Tiverton on Digby Neck, N.S., but a communitymember isn't pleased about what she says wasa lack of communicationbefore the work began.

The slipways need extensive repairs.

Marla MacInnis, spokesperson for the provincial Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, said in an email that there will be someservice disruptions.

"The work taking place to the ramp, wharf and fenders are necessary to ensure the service remains safe and efficient for the long term," she said.

"Service disruptions will vary from day-to-day depending on the work that is being done, the tide and the weather."

The department did not make anyone available for an interview.

MacInnis said the province will give 24 hours notice before any disruptions begin, and disruptions have not been necessary yet.

The notice will be posted on Facebook, 511, and theTransportation and Infrastructure Renewal Twitter account.

Work is taking place on the Tiverton side from the end of October until December, and on the East Ferry side from April 2020 to August 2020.

Ferry only connection to mainland

Karen Crocker lives on Long Island, which isaccessible only by the ferry service.

"All of our services are basically off the island.... If you have a doctor's appointment, if you need to go away to get groceries, if you have a dentist appointment," she said.

Around 600 people live on Long Island, which measures around 15 kilometres long and 5 kilometres wide.

Further west is Brier Island, which can only be accessed by ferry from the westernmost tip of Long Island. Brier Island has a population of around 200.

Crocker agreed that the repair work is necessary, but she said there wasn't enough consultation or communication from the province before work began.

The province held an information session on Oct. 25, but Crocker couldn't make it because it took place during working hours. She said she knows a number of community members who couldn't make it as well.

Crocker said therewas little information prior to that, and she believes it's unacceptable to give under a week's notice for work that may disrupt ferry service for months.

"I'm dumbfounded that so little information has been made available to the people living here when this is going to have such an impact on everything for us," she said.

According to a slideshow presented at the information session, service disruptions of two to six hours could happen per tide. Work on the slipswill only be done during low tide.

MacInnis said the date and time for the meeting was arranged by thelocal councillor, and it was followed up with a mail-out to residents. She also said the province will answer questions as they arise.

"Where possible, we will seek to complete repairs in between sailings and at night so that the impact to service remains as minimal as possible," she said in the email.

"We appreciate the patience of the public as we complete these necessary repairs."

She also said the community's school bus service will remain consistent and the department will work with Emergency Health Servicesto ensure the ferry is prepared to return to service immediately if there's a medical emergency.