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.


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