The end of an era is being marked with the sale of the Sombra ferry that linked Canada and the U.S. across the St. Clair River.
Bluewater Ferry co-owner Morgan Dalgety said the Daldean ferry transported millions of people between Sombra and Marine City, Michigan during its 70 years.
"The ferry, the big boat, the Daldean has been sold to Boblo Island Ferry Service in Amherstburg," said Dalgety. "We're taking it down there [Tuesday] at 5:30 in the morning."
With such a long history of serving the community, Dalgety said it was a difficult decision.
"We really appreciate it. It means a lot to us. It's been a great business. We're glad to have given the service that we did and we really appreciate all the people that used our service."
The ferry has been closed since January 2018, when the raised road leading to its dock and Canada Customs office was extensively damaged by ice.
Numerous efforts, including pleas by Sarnia-Lambton MP Marilyn Gladu, to restore the border crossing were unsuccessful.
Dalgety said the family is still seeking financial restitution from the federal government in a lawsuit claiming the Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker Samuel J. Risley was travelling over the speed limit when the ice broke free.
"They destroyed our business, they destroyed a fifth generation family run business and we would like to be compensated for the damage that has been done to us."
Dalgety said the second ferry is still up for sale.
-With files from Stephanie Chaves