Created: 26.Feb.2016
Last update: 6.Nov.2017
Section: Provincial Politics
The province of Ontario has awarded contracts for two new ferries, one each for Wolfe and Amherst Islands. The contract was awarded to Damen Shipyards in the Netherlands, and projects delivery dates of December 2020 for Wolfe Island and December 2019 for the Amherst Island ferry. Both new ferries are slightly larger than the existing ones. One third of the funding will come from federal coffers.
Wolfe Island will now be served by two ferries at peak times. The existing Amherst Island ferry will be retained as a backup for Wolfe Island and Amherst Island.
A cheerful Sophie Kiwala (MPP for Kingston and the Islands), Mike Bossio (MP for Hastings, Lennox and Addington), Mark Gerretsen (MP for Kingston and the Islands), and local dignitaries were on hand for the highly anticipated announcement.
BackgroundThe province announced a $20 million replacement for the Amherst Island ferry in February, 2016 (26.Feb.2016). At the time the new ferry was projected to launch as early as 2018.
Related LinksNew ferries announced for Wolfe Island and Amherst Island (Kingston Region, 6.Nov.2017)
Province announces $61 million for two new ferries (Whig, 6.Nov.2017)