N.S.-P.E.I. ferry season ends 3 days early due to weather conditions
CBC
The company operating the Nova Scotia-Prince Edward Island ferry service has wrapped up its season three days earlier than usual.
In recent months, multiple ferry crossings between the two provinces were cancelled due to strong winds, while wintery weather conditions also contributed to the decision to end the season ahead of schedule.
“Even if we were able to sail, it certainly wouldn't be comfortable for the customers and at the end of the day we're about safe, reliable transportation,” Northumberland Ferries Limited general manager Jeff Joyce told CBC News.
“And so we made the decision to finish the season early to give people certainty, so they can plan the rest of this week.”
The final crossing was at 10 a.m. Wednesday.
Joyce said the last time the ferry ended its season early was about a decade ago, also because of the weather.
Joyce said this year marked an improvement compared to last season.
“It wasn't without challenges, of course, as any ferry season has some challenges, but certainly the feedback we're getting is that we're doing much better, and we're trying to continue to improve that.”
Some of those challenges involved low tides, which affected the route’s newer vessel, the MV Northumberland.
The ship, new to the route but not a brand-new vessel, arrived in Pictou, N.S., in January and began service in mid-June. Joyce said it offers improved customer amenities, additional onboard services and better redundancies in its overall design.
But some of the crossings were cancelled in June and July because of low tides — something Northumberland Ferries did know could be an issue.
“It's one of those things when you're looking for a used vessel, we found the best vessel for the route, and the great news is that as of the 31st of this month, those issues are going away permanently,” he said.
That’s because Transport Canada is expected to complete dredging at Wood Islands Harbour by the end of the month. Joyce said the harbour depth will increase to five and a half metres from four and a half metres, removing any load restrictions due to low tides.
Despite challenges, the company saw a big increase in traffic this summer.
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