There could be big changes to ferries in Digby County.
Two boats that service islands in Digby Neck, including Grand Passage to Brier Island can carry nearly 20 cars at a time, but soon will no longer be compliant for safety.
The 43-year-old backup ferry can only take seven vehicles.
Transport Canada has required the province to hire extra staff to meet safety regulations for the larger ferries by June 30, or they’ll be pulled from service.
Extensions have been granted in the past.
Brier Island resident Amy Tudor is hoping for another extension until January.
“So that should allow our Public Works department and marine services ample time to get that additional staff in place,” said Tudor.
A meeting was held on the island Saturday, with about 100 concerned citizens in attendance bringing up long wait times and the effect it would have on tourism.
MLA Jill Balser and representatives from Public Works were in attendance, along with local councillors.
The clerk for the village of Westport created an impact sheet for the area, pointing to long wait times, affecting the Island’s famous whale watching tours.
Tudor says the backup was in service for a week last summer, leading to cancellations.
“That cancellation of the tour or them turning back led to a revenue loss for our hotel, restaurants, pub and gift shop.”
She says she understands safety regulations need to be met, but so far there have been no structural issues with the two large boats.
At the meeting, Tudor adds that the province has not yet begun the hiring process.
“We were shocked to hear that, it’s disappointing for our residents who pay taxes and count on this service as a provincial highway.
She notes that the issues were acknowledged and validated by officials in attendance.
“I saw representatives from every business on the island, our school here, it was amazing. It was incredible to see the strength from our community. We had people from the mainland as far away as Halifax.”
You can get to Brier Island by travelling on Highway 217 through Digby Neck, taking a ferry through East Ferry to Long Island, then taking a second ferry.
It’s known worldwide for whale watching and its bird migration population.
