Tourism officials in Prince Edward Island (PEI) are expressing concern over the sporadic ferry service between PEI and Nova Scotia, stating that it is having a detrimental impact on local businesses. Corryn Clemence, the CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Prince Edward Island, highlighted the missed opportunity for businesses in the eastern part of the province during the Canada Day weekend due to the ferry service being out of operation. This weekend, as visitors arrive for the Cavendish Festival’s outdoor concerts, the lack of ferry service continues to pose challenges. The company responsible for operating the service, Northumberland Ferries, has announced that the MV Confederation will not be sailing until at least the following week, leaving the Confederation Bridge as the sole link between PEI and the mainland.
The ferry service plays a crucial role in transporting tourists to and from Prince Edward Island, and its absence is expected to have severe implications for tourism operators in the province, particularly in the eastern region. PEI Tourism Minister Cory Deagle has expressed concerns over the reduced ferry operations in a letter to the federal Transport Minister and federal Tourism Minister, emphasizing the impact on local businesses.
Northumberland Ferries cited a mechanical problem as the reason for the MV Confederation’s removal from service and expects the necessary parts to arrive on Saturday. The U.S. Department of Transportation, on behalf of Transport Minister Omar Alghabra, stated that they are working with Northumberland Ferries to ensure the ferry’s prompt return to service. Efforts are also being made to identify options for a longer-term interim replacement for the former MV Holiday Island to maintain a two-vessel service during peak season.
The inconsistent ferry service this year has posed challenges for operators, as the absence of a ferry severely impacts businesses on the eastern end of PEI. Last year, a fire aboard the MV Holiday Island resulted in the loss of that ferry, leaving only one operating ferry. The financial impact of the disruption will be assessed later in the year, with tourism officials noting that 2019 was the last significant year for tourism before subsequent challenges, including the destruction caused by post-tropical storm Dorian and the COVID-19 pandemic.
On the Nova Scotia side, the town of Pictou is also feeling the absence of ferry traffic. Mayor Jim Ryan acknowledged that while the town is “surviving,” the nearby ferry terminal is one of the reasons tourists visit. The lack of ferry visitors has affected the service industry in Pictou, and Mayor Ryan emphasized the need for reliable ferry service and redundancy.
Efforts are being made to address the ferry disruptions and ensure the resumption of regular ferry operations to support tourism and local businesses in both PEI and Nova Scotia.