Chi-Cheemaun ferry service idled by low water

Lower water levels in Lake Huron have delayed the start of seasonal service for the Chi-Cheemaun ferry that runs between Manitoulin Island and the Bruce Peninsula.

"Due to continued low water levels on Lake Huron, the Friday, May 3rd scheduled start to the Chi-Cheemaun ferry season has been postponed until at least Friday, May 10th," states a notice on the Owen Sound Transportation Company's website.

"Water levels have slowly increased over the last week, but are still below the minimum level required for the ferry to operate safely from the existing dock fenders at Tobermory and South Baymouth."

Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing MP Carol Hughes is demanding the Conservatives fulfill their obligations to Chi-Cheemaun ferry upgrades.
 
“With low water levels, the Chi-Cheemaun can’t run, which will be devastating to the local economy. Businesses on the Bruce Peninsula, North Shore and Manitoulin Island could go under if the season doesn’t start on time,” says Hughes in a news release. “There are so many jobs at risk – including student summer jobs – because the Conservatives have not taken any action to adapt the ferry terminals to persistently low water levels.”

Hughes adds that the cost for updating the Transport Canada-operated terminals "is said to be under $300,000 – a small price to pay for the life line of the local economy. How can a government that sets it sails on job creation and the economy dismiss vital work that should have been completed by mid-April? This just goes to show that the Conservatives are not concerned about the Great Lakes or the economy of communities struggling with the challenges specific to low water levels.”
 
New Democrats want the Conservative government to update both terminals and dredge the harbour on Manitoulin Island so the anchor for regional tourism can operate a full season.