LOYALIST, ONT. — Ontario is improving access to and from Amherst Island by reconstructing the docks for the island’s ferry service, a recent announcement indicates.
Rankin Construction Inc. of St. Catharines, Ont. was awarded the $51.7-million contract, which consists of converting existing side-loading ramps to end-loading ramps in order to accommodate the Frontenac ll and the new Amherst Island ferry.
This will improve the overall efficiency of ferry operations and accommodate the increasing number of large commercial trucks and farm equipment that use the service, states a release issued Nov. 23.
The docks will also be designed so that the Wolfe Island ferry can readily service Amherst Island, if needed. The new docks are scheduled to be completed in summer 2019. Ferry service should not be impacted by the project, the release adds.
Additional improvements include:
• A newly paved parking area that will accommodate more vehicles and will be equipped with sidewalks;
• new bubbler systems for winter ice control; and
• new passenger and staff facilities that include restrooms and waiting areas at Millhaven and on Amherst Island at Stella.
The Amherst Island ferry is owned by the Ministry of Transportation and is operated by Loyalist Township. It makes 20 trips per day between Millhaven on the mainland and Stella on the island.
In 2016/17, Ontario is committing over $27 million to repair and expand ferry services across Ontario.
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