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Ottawa has awarded a $32-million contract to replace a ramp at the terminal in Souris for the year-round ferry to the Magdalen Islands.
Monday, federal Minister of Transport Steven MacKinnon announced the contract for Nova Scotia-based Dexter Construction to replace the movable transfer bridge.
“This ferry terminal is a crucial link for people and businesses in the region, connecting them to their communities, jobs, and markets. By replacing the transfer bridge, we’re investing in the infrastructure needed to keep this service safe and reliable for years to come,” MacKinnon said in a written release.
“Investments like this support economic growth in Eastern Canada, while building a stronger, more connected economy.”
Design work on the movable transfer bridge is set to begin immediately, with the start of construction expected later this year and a completion time of summer 2028. (Raphael Caron/Radio-Canada)
The bridge, or ramp, connects the ferry to the terminal and allows passengers and vehicles to get on and off. Its height can change depending on tides and the size of the ferry.
The project aims to modernize the infrastructure and create employment opportunities during design and construction.
“The building of the movable ramp, the work is all going to be sourced in Atlantic Canada,” said Kent MacDonald, MP for the riding of Cardigan which includes Souris.
“This is an essential service. The economic spinoff that would occur here in the town of Souris when the traffic comes in and leaves … all those things add up to a rural economy.”
Design work on the ramp is set to begin immediately and construction is expected to begin later this year, with an estimated completion time of summer 2028.
Joël Cummings, director of Maritime operations at Coopérative de Transport Maritime et Aérien (CTMA) which runs the ferry service, called the announcement “great news for Eastern Canada.”
CTMA’s terminal also has a newer ramp that doesn’t raise and lower, meaning there will be two ramps when the old one is replaced.
“This investment will provide a safe and reliable infrastructure to secure the essential service of the ferry,” Cummings said.
“This is very important for us and for the safety of the loading and unloading operation.”
CTMA’s Souris terminal provides year-round ferry service to Cap-aux-Meules, Que., and is the main transportation to the Magdalen Islands, ferrying goods as well as about 135,000 passengers and nearly 59,000 vehicles annually.
On Monday, the federal government announced the contract for Nova Scotia-based Dexter Construction to replace the movable transfer bridge. (Connor Lamont/CBC)
“That’s a lot of people that are travelling through the ferry,” Cummings said.
“We really appreciate the investment decision made by the federal government that will strengthen the mobility.”
MacDonald said ferry services provide more than just transportation and have a noticeable impact on communities, contributing economically and bringing important perks for local businesses.
“I think it’s a major contributor to the area,” he said.
“Whether you’re a service station, a grocery store, a hotel, a restaurant, those industries all benefit from the tourist traffic.”