N.W.T. government cancels dredging of Fort Simpson ferry crossing

The N.W.T. government has cancelled its plans to dredge the Liard River ferry crossing, it announced in a news release Tuesday morning. 

The project was initially supposed to start in mid-August, before it was pushed back to September. It was then further pushed back to Oct. 31. 

The project aims to clear the way for the MV Lafferty ferry to run safely in low water. Fort Simpson relies on the ferry in the summer and an ice crossing in the winter. The N.W.T. Department of Infrastructure issued a notice last week that the ferry would be restricted to loads under 64,000 kilograms, due to the low water levels.

According to the release, the proposed construction and procurement costs "were much higher than anticipated," but the decision to cancel the project was mostly based on "the limited operational impact the dredging would have."

"Further evaluation has determined that dredging is not required at this time to ensure the safe operation of the ferry, and undertaking the program would not significantly alter the seasonal closure schedule," the release said. 

According to documents on the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board, the territory's Infrastructure department aimed to remove 8,000 cubic metres of material in total from the ferry's navigational path.

Fort Simpson Mayor Sean Whelly told CBC earlier this month that the government had notified him of the delay, and that it would be better to do the project later, when water levels are lower. Whelly also suggested residents and stores should start stocking up on dry goods in case the ferry is forced to close early.

The ferry normally closes for the season around Nov. 3, and it generally takes several weeks for the ice crossing to be built.