Labrador Ferry Service Extended an Extra 30 Days 

Ferry users who rely on the Labrador service between St. Barbe and Blanc Sablon, got some welcome news today. 

The Honourable John Hickey, Minister of Transportation and Works and Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs, announced the operating season for the Apollo, the ferry that services the area, will be extended for a further 30 days, pending ice conditions.  An updated sailing schedule will be released after consultation with the Labrador Transportation Advisory Committee. 

This marks the second 30-day extension instituted by government since last year�s budget � bringing the total extension for the year to two months.  Government will invest $1.5 million to implement the extensions. 

�This government is continuously monitoring ice conditions in the Strait of Belle Isle with an eye toward extending the ferry service when at all possible,� said Minister Hickey.  �And the current lack of ice in the Straits has enabled us to do just that.  We are committed to providing the best possible transportation system for the region.� 

Minister Hickey cautioned that the extension to the Apollo schedule is subject to accumulation of ice in the area. 

The Apollo service was scheduled to end on January 16 but will now run until February 15. 

Last April, government started the service on April 15, instead of commencing on May 1 and extended the service by two weeks, until January 16.  

-30- 

Media contact:

David Salter

Director of Communications

Department of Transportation and Works

709-729-3015, 691-3577

davidsalter@gov.nl.ca

2007 01 12                                                        11:50 a.m.