New Tancook Islands Ferry, Shorter Route Announced

Residents of Little and Big Tancook Islands will benefit from a new car ferry, the province announced today, Nov. 4.

The new vessel will provide shorter, more frequent trips and allow transport trucks and emergency response vehicles to access the islands.

The province and the Government of Canada are each investing $4.9 million for a new 18-car ferry. The new vessel will replace the existing 38-year-old foot passenger ferry.

The Tancook Islands ferry departure route is also changing to accommodate a car ferry. The landing will move to Blandford, Lunenburg Co. from Chester. Travel time on the new route will drop from 50 to 30 minutes. The number of daily crossings will increase from four to about 11.

“The new ferry will help ensure a safe and reliable service to residents and visitors of Tancook Islands,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Lloyd Hines. “It will also improve access to essential services such as ambulances, as well as economic and tourism opportunities.”

Construction of the new car ferry is expected to start this winter with an estimated completion date of Spring 2022.

Quotes:

“Strong and modern infrastructure is an essential building block for healthy and prosperous rural communities. The Tancook Island ferry replacement will improve access to essential services for residents, while opening the community to new tourism and business opportunities.”

– Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and Canadian Coast Guard, on behalf of Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development

“Not only will a new car ferry bring better services to the islands from all levels of government and create economic opportunities, it shows commitment to rural Nova Scotia. It means a safe, reliable service for the residents of these islands and makes living here more attractive to future residents, ensuring the viability of these Islands for years to come.”

– Jason Keddy, Captain of the Tancook Islands ferry

Quick Facts:

• about 200 people live on the Tancook Islands
• the Tancook Islands ferry is currently a passenger-only ferry that makes four return trips daily, seven days a week from Chester
• the existing ferry is 39 years old
• Chester is not able to accommodate the new 18-car ferry
• Tancook Island ferry is one of three provincial ferries being replaced. Others include the Country Harbour ferry in Guysborough County and the Little Narrows ferry in Victoria County