News release

Country Harbour Ferry Out of Service until May

Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (Oct. 2007 - Feb. 2021)

The Country Harbour ferry in Guysborough County is out of service due to mechanical problems.

“This is disappointing news, especially during a year that has already been hard,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Lloyd Hines. “We had hoped the old ferry would takes us through to the arrival of the brand new ferry. The Stormont II served the community well for more than 40 years, but unfortunately the mechanical issues are significant.”

The replacement for the Stormont II was announced in 2019 and is expected to arrive on schedule in May. The Stormont II has been out of service since November. It is unable to be repaired. During the pause in service, a detour has been in place. It runs from Port Bickerton, Guysborough Co., on Route 211 to Route 7 and then to Melrose Country Harbour Road and onto Route 316.

Quick Facts:

  • during the pause, a new cable system will be installed and the ferry slips will be upgraded for the new vessel
  • the Country Harbour ferry makes 13,000 voyages a year carrying 25,000 passengers and 15,000 vehicles
  • the Stormont II ferry carried 12 cars. The new ferry will carry 15 cars

Additional Resources:

Ferries in Nova Scotia: https://novascotia.ca/tran/hottopics/ferries.asp

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