The Premier is optimistic that the CAT ferry will sail between Nova Scotia and Maine this season.
Tim Houston says the Bay Ferries operation hasn’t had a full successful season by any measurement, but he’s looking forward to this year.
“My expectation is that this year, we’ll have a full season. As far as costs go, I believe this year it’s in the range of $14 million,” says Houston.
As the opposition, Houston and the PC’s were critical of provincial spending on the service.
Public Works Minister Kim Masland has said the province plans to honour their contract with Bay Ferries until 2026.
The CAT hasn’t run since 2018 because of the pandemic and construction issues at the Bar Harbor port in 2019.
Phase one of work, funded by three levels of government, has been completed on the Yarmouth International Ferry Terminal.
The federal and provincial governments each contributed $3 million, while the Town of Yarmouth provided $1.5 million, the Municipality of Yarmouth gave $1.2 million, and Argyle $300,000.
In future phases, wharf repairs, pontoon replacement and an expansion and major renovation to the terminal building will be looked at.
Bay Ferries plans to restart the service this spring.
