"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.

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