NLIS 8
September 15, 2005
(Transportation and Works)
Minister clarifies on plans for
the Bell Island and Fogo Island ferry services
Tom Rideout, Minister of Transportation and
Works, today further clarified the plans for the Bell Island and Fogo Island
ferry services. Minister Rideout said, �Senior officials within my department
have been in communication with the Fogo Island Transportation Committee
regarding the refit of the MV Earl Windsor since this past summer and had given
notice that the refit of the Windsor was scheduled for early October.
The Department of Transportation and Works is required by Transport Canada to
complete annual refits of its ferry vessels. The refit of the MV Earl Windsor is
scheduled in conjunction with 11 other vessels in the department�s fleet.
Minister Rideout said, �Given the recent request for deferral of the refit of
the Windsor, which was planned to start on October 8, senior officials within my
department have taken the request under advisement and are working with
Transport Canada regarding the possibility of a three week extension of the
vessel�s certificate. This would enable us to defer the refit until the end of
October. Should an extension be possible, the residents and MHA for the area
will be advised accordingly.�
It has been a longstanding practice that the MV Beaumont Hamel go to Fogo Island
and replace the MV Earl Windsor while the annual refit is taking place. Minister
Rideout said, �The fact that my department is planning on doing the same this
year should not come as a surprise to anyone. Furthermore, the Bell Island Ferry
Users Committee would certainly have been advised of this prior to the ferry
being moved to Fogo Island on the scheduled date of October 8, as is our
standard practice.�
The department also plans to have the MV Nonia replace the MV Beaumont Hamel at
Bell Island while that vessel is servicing Fogo Island. The Bell Island Ferry
Users Committee would also be advised of this prior to the MV Nonia going to
Bell Island.
Minister Rideout said, �My department will continue to make efforts to address
the timing of the refit of the MV Earl Windsor so that it can best service the
residents of Fogo Island. We will also continue to work with transportation and
ferry user committees across the island so that they are aware of any changes in
how their area will be serviced by ferry.�
The province is continuing its efforts to proceed with a vessel replacement
strategy. �My department is well aware of the problems with our ferry fleet that
are the result of years of neglect. These problems will be addressed as we move
forward with gathering information and developing a plan for the appropriate
steps to improve our ferry fleet.�
Media contact: Lori Lee Oates, ABC, Communications, (709) 729-3015, 690-8403
2005 09 15
3:40 p.m. |