Ontario invests in larger Simcoe Island ferry
On Monday, Nov. 30, 2020, Daryl Kramp, MPP for Hastings–Lennox and Addington, announced Ontario is investing in a new Simcoe Island Ferry to ensure residents and visitors continue to have reliable access to the island for decades to come.
“Ferries not only connect all the islands in this community, but also provide an important link with the rest of the province,” said MPP Kramp. “Construction on new ferries for Wolfe and Amherst Islands is underway and now the addition of another new ferry for Simcoe Island will create a strong transportation network.”
According to a release from the office of MPP Darryl Kramp, the province will cover the entire cost of the new cable ferry with the Township of Frontenac Islands responsible for operating the ferry service. Ontario will continue to provide funding for operational costs for the Simcoe Island Ferry through the Municipal Ferries Program.
“Our government is investing in ferries because we understand how important reliable service is for our province’s island communities,” said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. “By improving ferry service, we’re helping connect communities and creating economic opportunity for local residents.”
The new Simcoe Island Ferry will allow for the transport of up to three times more vehicles than the old ferry, according to the release. The new vessel will also be able to carry larger emergency service vehicles, such as fire trucks, and larger service vehicles required for maintaining roads and infrastructure development. The new ferry will be constructed through 2021 and is expected to be in service by early 2022.
Quick facts:
- The Simcoe Island Ferry is a cable ferry that operates between Simcoe Island and Wolfe Island in the spring, summer and autumn.
- The current vessel was launched in 1963.
- In 2019-20, the province provided $270,000 in funding to the Township of Frontenac Islands through the Municipal Ferries Program towards the operation of the ferry service to Simcoe Island.