Province plans new Deer Island ferry; bridge not on table

The provincial government's decision to replace one of the Deer Island ferries, the John E. Rigby, with a new vessel by 2010 is stirring up calls from islanders for a fixed link to the mainland instead of a ferry service. They also hope that the engineers for the new vessel will consult with islanders who know about the strong currents in Letete Passage before the ferry is built.

Transportation Minister Denis Landry announced on April 18 that a new ferry for Deer Island is included in the request for proposals (RFP) for the Fundy Islands Ferry Services Project. "The department has expanded the project scope to include a new 24-car ferry for Deer Island, which will be operational in late 2010," Landry said. "This new ferry will belong to the province and replace the 18-car John E. Rigby ferry."

Dana Conley, chairman of the Local Service District, comments, "I'd much rather the money be put toward a new bridge, but that's not going to happen." Other islanders echo the sentiment, but Conley says local MLA Rick Doucet has told them that a bridge is not being considered by the government.

"I hope the designers and engineers will consult with the local ferry crew and fishermen to find out about the local conditions," Conley comments. "In previous years, the designs have been lacking." Noting the problems with both the Deer Island Princess and the Deer Island Princess II, Conley advises the company that will be constructing the new ferry "to talk with the locals about the conditions so the ferry can be serviceable as soon as they bring it down."
Conley feels a replacement for the John E. Rigby is "way past due," noting that the ferry is now 31 years old, having come on the run in 1976.

Joyce Stuart, past chairman of the Local Service District, agrees with Conley that the province is making a good move to replace the Rigby, and she also favors the construction of a fixed link. "They should consider a bridge," she argues, pointing to several extended bridges that have been built, including one that extends for 18 miles near New Orleans.
Along with the decision to build a new ferry, the province recently announced plans to privatize the Deer Island ferry service, which has caused concern among some islanders, Stuart points out. She says there never have been any public consultations with islanders about the plan, so it's difficult to know what will happen. "I don't think they care what we think," she says.

Stuart fears that those islanders who have been working on the provincial ferries, some for as long as 33 years, may not retain their positions under a private operator. "There's no guarantee they'll have a job." Islanders also don't know if a fee will be charged for the service, which has been free. Stuart also believes the 16-year period for the contract is too long.

As part of the Fundy Islands Ferry Services Project the department is seeking a developer/operator to design and build new ferries for Grand Manan, White Head Island and Deer Island. The successful bidder will be responsible for ferry operations to and from all three islands, and will maintain the ferries and associated wharves for 16 years.
The RFP has been issued to the three qualified proponents: Coastal Transport Ltd., NFL Holdings Ltd. and Kent Lines Ltd. These firms expressed their interest in the project through a Request for Qualifications that was issued last year. The department undertook an evaluation of their technical and financial ability to carry out the project, and the minister announced in January that all three had qualified to move on to the RFP phase of the selection process.

Responses to the RFP are expected from the qualified proponents in early September. The department expects to choose the preferred proponent by late fall.
The new Grand Manan ferry will hold at least 101 cars. It will replace the MV Grand Manan, which is reaching the end of its service life. The new ferry for White Head Island will hold 12 cars, a four-car increase over the MV Lady White Head ferry.

The successful proponent will take responsibility for the Grand Manan, White Head and Deer Island ferry services in spring 2009. Completion of the new Grand Manan ferry is planned for late 2009. The new White Head ferry is scheduled for delivery in 2011.
An executive summary of the RFP has been published on the department's website. The name of the preferred proponent will be released once the RFP responses have been evaluated. Contract details will be released upon signing. For more information about the Fundy Islands Ferry Services Project, consult the department's website at <www.gnb.ca>.