Loyalist Township Deputy Mayor Nathan Townend issued two statements this week regarding the Amherst Islander II ferry. While it is expected to be launched this year, no specific in-service date has been set.
Townend’s first statement noted that staff members have been completing training courses at Georgian College the last months, and onboard training for staff is expected to begin early this year. It is expected that staff gaining the necessary sea-time for training will take a few months.
Townend also addressed the situation with the ramp, and the work on warranty upgrades and deficiencies. Deficiency repairs may require the new ferry being periodically out-of-service for work to be completed.
In the second statement, Townend announced that the township has a delegation with the Transportation Minister at the Rural Ontario Municipal Association Conference next week. Staff will be asking for an extension for the Frontenac II to have more time to get the new vessel in service, as well as asking the ministry to appoint a project manager.
