Transportation and Works
Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
January 7, 2010Pilot Launched for
Year-Round Ferry Service Between Island and Labrador
The Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of
Transportation and Works, today announced a pilot
project with the goal of providing a year-round ferry
service between the Island and Labrador across the
Strait of Belle Isle. The project will involve an
additional Provincial Government investment of
approximately $1.5 million.
"Right on the heels of the opening of the Trans
Labrador Highway, Phase III, we are pleased to be
announcing another historic transportation initiative
that will benefit Newfoundlanders and Labradorians
travelling or shipping goods between the Big Land and
the Island," said Minister Hedderson. "While this is
indeed a great initiative, people should keep in mind
that this is a bold endeavour in a difficult winter
environment and that over the course of the winter we
may encounter conditions that, despite our best efforts,
cause disruptions in service."
The service by the MV Apollo will continue to
operate between St. Barbe and Blanc Sablon until January
31, 2010, or until ice and weather conditions dictate
otherwise. At that time, the service will continue to be
provided for the duration of the winter season, with two
round trips per week, between Corner Brook and Blanc
Sablon. The MV Apollo will be taken out of
service on February 1, 2010, to undergo its annual refit
for approximately eight weeks. During the Apollo's
refit, the MV Sir Robert Bond will provide the
service. As with any ferry service in the province,
service provided during this pilot project will be
subject to suitable ice and weather conditions.
Each year the Straits become filled with sea ice,
eventually making the crossing between St. Barbe and
Blanc Sablon impossible. The Port of Corner Brook is the
closest relatively ice-free port with the appropriate
wharf infrastructure to accommodate this service.
"This is great news for all Newfoundlanders and
Labradorians," said the Honourable John Hickey, Minster
of Labrador Affairs. "A year-round connection between
Labrador and the Island will allow more opportunities
for travel, recreation and business for all residents of
the province. Each step we take toward enhancing the
province's transportation network is a step that brings
people closer together and serves to strengthen the
economy."
While St. Barbe remains the Provincial Government's
preferred port for continued operation of ferry service
across the Strait of Belle Isle, the port's geography
and location make it unsuitable once winter ice moves
in. Once the MV Apollo returns from refit and
provided the ice conditions are favourable, service will
resume between St. Barbe and Blanc Sablon. Upon the
return of the MV Apollo, the MV Sir Robert
Bond will be taken out of service for its own annual
refit.
Based on the existing policy respecting ferry rates
throughout the province, rates on the Corner Brook to
Blanc Sablon crossings will be calculated based on road
equivalency. Schedules and rates pertaining to the
extended service will be made available in the coming
weeks on both the Department of Transportation and Works
and Labrador Marine Inc. websites.
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