"The extension of the pilot project to provide winter
ferry service across the Strait of Belle Isle again this year will
benefit the entire province," said the Honourable John Hickey, Minister
of Labrador Affairs. "Last year we saw year-round service provided for
the first time. This service, coupled with the monumental achievement of
opening Phase III of the Trans Labrador Highway, brought a sense of
freedom and real opportunity to many people and businesses in Labrador.
I know that this service will continue to strengthen relationships
between people and businesses in Labrador and those on the island."
The service currently offered by the MV Apollo
will run until January 16, 2011, pending ice conditions. The vessel will
then be taken out of service to undergo its annual refit. Service across
the Strait of Belle Isle will continue via the MV Sir Robert Bond,
with two round trips per week between Blanc Sablon and Corner Brook
beginning with a departure from Blanc Sablon on January 19, 2011.
Service between Blanc Sablon and Corner Brook via the MV Sir Robert
Bond will continue until the MV Apollo returns from refit
which is expected to be early March.
Once the MV Apollo returns from refit in March
and provided ice conditions are favourable, service will resume between
St. Barbe and Blanc Sablon. Should ice conditions prevent the resumption
of service from St. Barbe, the MV Apollo will continue to operate
out of Corner Brook on the same twice-weekly schedule used by the MV
Sir Robert Bond.
"This service opened the door to the year-round
movement of people and goods across the Strait of Belle Isle when it
began last winter," said the Honourable Tom Marshall, Minister of
Finance and MHA for Humber East. "Continuing this service will allow
businesses to build on the economic links forged last year. This is
great for island businesses, particularly those on the west coast, but
also for businesses in Labrador that are able to ship and receive
products as needed and that benefit from an increase in traffic caused
by those availing of the year-round service."
Feedback about the year-round service from both
travellers and commercial users has been positive. While St. Barbe
remains the Provincial Government�s primary island port for the
provision of ferry service across the Strait of Belle Isle, its harbour
is prone to severe ice conditions during the winter and is unable to
accommodate the MV Sir Robert Bond because of the vessel�s size.
Corner Brook was chosen as the alternate winter port because it is the
closest relatively ice-free port that can accommodate the MV Sir
Robert Bond.
-30-
Media contacts: