The Pelee Island Ferry's newest offering is ready for service.
The Pelee Islander II, a new and improved version of the ferry that has taken residents and tourists to and from Pelee Island for decades, was officially unveiled on Friday afternoon in preparation for its official first day of service on Saturday.
Ontario Minister of Transportation Jeff Yurek, Chatham-Kent-Leamington MPP Rick Nicholls and former Pelee Island mayor Rick Masse led a group of invited guests and the media to a sneak preview of the vessel. The Pelee Islander II replaces the Pelee Islander, which has been on the water for almost 60 years, with its successor carrying a total of 399 passengers, along with either 34 cars or 16 cars and four tractor-trailers.
The $40 million ship was built in Chile and arrived in the region last summer, but maintenance and safety issues caused delays and pushed its launch to this year. Yurek said the new ferry is just what the region needs to promote business and tourism.
"The brand-new ferry will benefit the local economy by bringing more tourists too and from Pelee Island, and making it easier for businesses to move their goods back and forth," said Yurek. "This important service shows that Ontario is open for business and open for jobs."
Masse, who helped begin the push for a new ferry before leaving office last year, said the new vessel is exactly what is needed to promote Pelee Island as a destination.
"Pelee Island is a premier destination in Ontario," said Masse. "Both regions of Essex and Chatham-Kent have been given an economic opportunity. It's up to all of us to maximize this ship's potential."
The crew, led by Captain Emma Nolan, received extensive training while waiting for the ship to be ready, using a cutting-edge simulator at Georgian College's Centre for Marine Training and Research. The ship is operated by the Owen Sound Transportation Company on behalf of the provincial government.
