No. A 003/08
For release - May 27, 2008
HALIFAX - The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister Responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today announced a dredging project to ensure safe operation of the Prince Edward Island (PEI) to Nova Scotia ferry service. Dredging of the approaches to the Caribou, Nova Scotia ferry terminal is planned for this summer.
"Dredging the channel at Caribou is necessary to provide for continued safe passage of the ferry between Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia during all tidal phases," said Minister MacKay.
"This dredging project will allow the two ferries MV Confederation and MV Holiday Island to continue operating within the existing schedule, and under safer conditions," said Minister Cannon.
Transport Canada has completed a hydrographic survey of the area and identified a need to remove approximately 11,000 cubic metres of material from the ferry terminal approach channel. The dredged material will be transported by barge to shore, then transferred to trucks for land-based disposal. Estimated cost of the project, including pre and post-dredging surveys, inspections, permits and dredging contract is approximately $835,000.
This work will complement projects currently ongoing at the Wood Islands (PEI) ferry terminal, including repairs to mooring dolphins, and breakwaters. These projects will improve the safety of the ferry operation and terminal site. The total cost of the projects being completed at Wood Islands is approximately $2.2 million.
The Caribou Ferry Terminal approach channel was last dredged in 1997 and has since filled up to the extent that a dredging project is necessary to enable ferry operations to continue safely during all tidal phases.
The successful bidder on the project will remove the required material beginning in July, 2008, when fisheries in the area are inactive. Weather conditions are optimal during this time and the work is expected to be carried out with minimal disruptions for local industries.
All work related to this project will be closely monitored and controlled in accordance with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. An environmental screening for the project commenced March 17, 2008.
Northumberland Ferries Limited (NFL) has operated this ferry service since 1941 under contract with Transport Canada. The ferry service operates for eight months of the year between Wood Islands PEI and Caribou Nova Scotia.
Transport Canada is responsible for undertaking major repairs, such as dry-docking, dredging and capital investments on the ships and the ferry terminals, including the terminal buildings, wharves and docking facilities, vehicle marshalling yards and surrounding properties.
- 30 -
Contacts:
Catherine Loubier
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister, Ottawa
(613) 991-0700
Steve Bone
Communications
Transport Canada
(902) 426-7795
Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to news releases and speeches at www.tc.gc.ca/e-news and keep up-to-date on the latest from Transport Canada.
This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons with visual disabilities.
