Gagetown ferry out of service for the winter
The ferry is not allowed to operate in ice according to its inspection certificate from Transport Canada
The Gagetown ferry has closed for the 2015 season as part of its reduced scheduling program put in place by the provincial government.
- Gagetown ferry only licensed for 4 months
- Gagetown ferry resumes service with reduced schedule, new limits
- Gagetown ferry will return to service in July after $100K in repairs
The free cable ferry, which crosses the St. John River between Gagetown and Lower Jemseg, is no longer allowed to operate during the winter.
"Vessel shall not operate in ice," is among the terms and conditions listed on its inspection certificate from Transport Canada.
Sunday saw the final cars shipped across the St. John River. Staff say the ferry will winter downriver and is scheduled to return in the spring.
Some workers have voiced concern about the likelihood of the ferry returning in the spring of 2016 due to budget cuts.
The ferry has been operating since July after an estimated $100,000 in repairs after it was deemed unseaworthy by the Department of Transportation.
Ferry service in that region has been uncertain for some time. The former Shawn Graham government announced in 2009-10 that it would axe the Gagetown ferry, among others.
Following a local lobbying blitz, the Graham government backed down and instituted a reduction in service, rather than eliminate the ferry.
The current government has said the service will be examined as part of its strategic program review. The results of the review were announced on Nov. 27, but there's been no word yet on the future of the ferry.