Locals scramble as Liard ferry service ends

The shutdown of the Liard River ferry service on Thursday has about 1,500 people in the communities Fort Simpson and Wrigley worried about how they'll set in their winter supplies.

The company that runs the ferry locked out its six employees last week and hired replacement workers. Rowe Construction has now stopped the service altogether.

Rowe Construction told the territory's department of transportation it could no longer keep the ferry running. The company has a four-year contract to run the government-owned ferry.

For residents, the sudden end to service means it's become that much more difficult to bring in food, clothing and fuel to their communities. Everything that people need in Fort Simpson and Wrigley comes across on the Liard ferry crossing.

A truck was suppose to arrive Friday morning with enough fuel to last until Christmas.

"I'm a little apprehensive, I'm very nervous as far as the heat goes," says Sheila Wrights, who only has enough fuel for another week.

"The ferry service is an essential service , there's no ifs, ands or buts about that, and heat is not a luxury up here."

Deh Cho Grand Chief Herb Norwegian cut short meetings in Hay River to make the last ferry Thursday evening.

"Everybody is heading for their trucks and wanting to get the hell out of the meeting," he says. "I mean it's kind of like a hurricane heading in our direction and some of the people have to head for high ground."

The territorial government is considering other options to meet the needs of the communities.

On Thursday in the territorial legislature Transportation Minister Michael Mcleod said the government might take over the operations themselves or hire another boat to service the Liard river crossing.

Premier Joe Handley told the legislature if Rowe Construction stops operating the ferry, it will be in breach of contract and there will be repercussions.

"It's still not known yet if we're able to come up with another way of maintaining some kind of service across the Liard crossing to the community of Wrigley and Fort Simpson," said Bob Kelly, who speaks for the territorial department of transportation.

"And hopefully by the end of today or sometime tomorrow, we'll know if that is possible."

There was no word Friday morning on what action the government might take.