Proposed Digby-Saint John Ferry Disruption
Transport Canada recently confirmed to CBC news that the MV Fundy Rose Ferry service between Digby NS and Saint John NB is being considered for redeployment for part of the 2024 season. This news comes as a shock to businesses and residents of greater Digby West Nova and Saint John. The Ferry is an essential gateway supporting transportation, fishing and tourism.
This proposal raises the larger issue of the management of inter provincial ferry services in the Atlantic region. Recent failures of the MV Holiday Island vessel and the idea that you can simply take one communities Ferry away to fill a need in another community is unacceptable. Ferries are an essential service in the Atlantic region. Taking a closer look at the situation reveals that there have been ongoing problems. In 2016 the MV Holiday Island underwent substantial repairs. Unfortunately, inspections as early as 2007 reported corrosion that needed close monitoring. Warnings were not heeded. Check out the CBC news article on this issue which includes documents obtained under Access to Information.
Procurement of Vessels
The reason for the proposed disruption of the Digby Saint John ferry service is that the MV Madeleine II needs to go into dry dock for repairs. This vessel is servicing the route to Iles-de-la Madeleine from PEI. Iles-de-la Madeleine, Quebec is currently experiencing a windfall of federal funding and support of almost $40 million dollars to rebuild their fishers warf at the Port of Cap-aux-Meules.
According to Wikipedia, on 16 September 2020, the Government of Canada announced that it had purchased the MV Madeleine II for $155 million to replace the MS Madeleine on CTMA’s route between Souris, Prince Edward Island, and Cap-aux-Meules in Quebec’s Magdalen Islands from the summer of 2021. This is intended as an interim measure, as a newly-built vessel is planned to enter service on the route in 2026. Why the current MV Madeleine II vessel needs urgent dry docking repairs when it was only recently purchased is not know at this point. The proposed redeployment of the MV Fundy Rose is provide service on this route.
Other Recent Problems
The MV Holiday Island vessel caught fire in July 2022. This incident made national news as 200 people had to be evacuated. MV Holiday Island was servicing the route across the Northumberland Strait between the ports of Woods Island, PEI and Caribou, Nova Scotia. Why was this vessel still in service given its age? Check out the CBC news article below.
Sounding the Alarm
The trial balloon hovers ominously. Once released, it signals intentions—tests waters, measures reactions. If met with silence, it becomes a green light for decision makers. If met with an uproar, a resounding backlash, it could be the lifeline we throw to halt what would be a devastating blow to our community, businesses and economy.
The suggestion that the Digby – Saint John Ferry could be disrupted as a solution to the ongoing issues facing the inter provincial ferry service requires immediate action from our community and stake holders.
Please take action today. Share this article to every one you know and have them pass it on. Let’s harness the incredible power of community and send a clear message that the Digby Saint John Ferry is essential in West Nova – Saint John and the Atlantic region. If decision makers can propose to disrupt this ferry service – then every maritime community that relies on a ferry needs to be concerned.
Please Sign the Petition
Opposing Disruption of the Digby – Saint John Ferry
Digby West Nova Demands Equal Access
Digby West Nova demands equal access to economic growth, good jobs, and new opportunities.
The Crucial Role of the Digby Ferry in Nova Scotia’s Lifeblood
Nestled on the southwestern shores of Nova Scotia, the picturesque town of Digby and its surrounding areas are not just idyllic landscapes; they are also vital hubs of economic activity. Central to the heartbeat of this region is the Digby Ferry, a maritime lifeline that plays a pivotal role in connecting communities and fostering prosperity. This article explores the critical importance of the Digby Ferry to the life and prosperity of Digby and its surrounding areas, as well as its broader impact on the economic landscape of Nova Scotia and Canada.
Vital Transportation Link
The Digby Ferry serves as a vital transportation link, connecting Digby to Saint John, New Brunswick. This connection is not merely a convenience but a lifeline for residents, local businesses, and the broader economy. It facilitates the movement of people, goods, and services, creating an essential bridge that transcends geographical barriers.
Economic Catalyst for Digby and Area
The ferry is more than just a mode of transportation; it is an economic catalyst for Digby and its neighboring communities. By providing a direct and efficient route for the movement of goods, the ferry contributes significantly to the local economy. Industries such as tourism, agriculture, and fisheries benefit from the streamlined transportation of products, supporting businesses and preserving jobs.
Boosting Tourism and Trade
Digby is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and vibrant maritime activities. The Digby Ferry acts as a gateway for tourists, inviting them to explore the unique offerings of the region. The greater Digby Area is Canada’s Natural Aquarium. We have the best whale watching in the province at our doorstep. The Ferry is essential to our tourism industry. This influx of visitors contributes substantially to the local economy, supporting hospitality services, local attractions, and cultural events. Additionally, the ferry enhances trade opportunities by facilitating the exchange of goods and services between Digby and other regions.
Enhancing Regional Connectivity
The Digby Ferry is not just a local asset; it is a key player in enhancing regional connectivity. Many communities in West Nova rely on the Digby Ferry. By linking Digby to Saint John, it creates an interconnected web that extends beyond provincial borders. This connectivity is crucial for fostering economic cooperation, sharing resources, and promoting regional development.
The Tapestry of Digby’s identity
The Digby Ferry is a vibrant thread that weaves together the elements of life, prosperity, and connectivity in Western Nova Scotia. From supporting local industries to fostering cultural ties and enhancing regional and national connectivity, the ferry stands as a testament to the indispensable role it plays in the fabric of life in Nova Scotia and Canada. Recognizing and preserving the vitality of the Digby Ferry is not just a local concern; it is a commitment to sustaining the prosperity and interconnectedness that define the spirit of this remarkable region.
Please take action today. Share this article to every one you know and have them pass it on. Let’s harness the incredible power of social media and let’s end this existential threat to our greater Digby West Nova Community.