Car Ferry for the Tancook Islands Announced
Press Release: Car Ferry for the Tancook Islands
News release
New Tancook Islands Ferry, Shorter Route Announced
Residents of Little and Big Tancook Islands will benefit from a new car ferry, the province announced today, Nov. 4.
The new vessel will provide shorter, more frequent trips and allow transport trucks and emergency response vehicles to access the islands.
The province and the Government of Canada are each investing $4.9 million for a new 18-car ferry. The new vessel will replace the existing 38-year-old foot passenger ferry.
The Tancook Islands ferry departure route is also changing to accommodate a car ferry. The landing will move to Blandford, Lunenburg Co. from Chester. Travel time on the new route will drop from 50 to 30 minutes. The number of daily crossings will increase from four to about 11.
“The new ferry will help ensure a safe and reliable service to residents and visitors of Tancook Islands,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Lloyd Hines. “It will also improve access to essential services such as ambulances, as well as economic and tourism opportunities.”
Construction of the new car ferry is expected to start this winter with an estimated completion date of Spring 2022.
Quotes:
Strong and modern infrastructure is an essential building block for healthy and prosperous rural communities. The Tancook Island ferry replacement will improve access to essential services for residents, while opening the community to new tourism and business opportunities.
Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and Canadian Coast Guard, on behalf of Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development
Not only will a new car ferry bring better services to the islands from all levels of government and create economic opportunities, it shows commitment to rural Nova Scotia. It means a safe, reliable service for the residents of these islands and makes living here more attractive to future residents, ensuring the viability of these Islands for years to come.
Jason Keddy, Captain of the Tancook Islands ferry
Quick Facts:
- about 200 people live on the Tancook Islands
- the Tancook Islands ferry is currently a passenger-only ferry that makes four return trips daily, seven days a week from Chester
- the existing ferry is 39 years old
- Chester is not able to accommodate the new 18-car ferry
- Tancook Island ferry is one of three provincial ferries being replaced. Others include the Country Harbour ferry in Guysborough County and the Little Narrows ferry in Victoria County
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Media Contact:
- Steve Warburton
- Cell: 902-943-7681
Face Masks on Ferry
Notice from the Ferry Crew re Covid-19
Due to the increase in traffic, it is harder than ever to social distance onboard. On the advice of public health, we are recommending passengers wear facemasks while onboard. This recommendation does not apply to kids under two and those who cannot wear one due to health issues
We also ask passengers to please respect the crew while they are carrying out their duties by giving them 6 ft of clearance. Don’t crowd the after deck and stairs while waiting to get to the upper deck, clear a path when the crew needs to get by and wear a mask if you can.
Notes – “Future of Ferry” Meeting – Dec 20/19
Please click on the link below to read a summary of the Dec. 20 meeting re the future of the Tancook ferry service.
Special Gas Run
The NS Ferry Service has announced that tomorrow (Sept 11) and each following day (until power is restored) there will be a daily gas run.
The 6:00 am ferry will transport you and your empty gas containers to Chester. Full gas containers will be delivered back to Tancook at 9:00 am. Passengers can then return to Tancook on the 10:20 ferry.
The 8 am ferry will run as usual.
Ferry Policy re Chaperones for Children
August 23, 2018
To all the day care operators and teachers that use the ferry for day trips and class trips to the island. Our policy is a minimum 1 adult chaperone for every 6 children that come onboard.
Property Tax Rebate
Attention Tancook residents:
Property owners who reside on their property and have an income for the previous year less than $25,000 may qualify for a property tax rebate.
For details please contact Joanne Sampson, Property Tax Clerk for the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg at 902-541-1329.
William G. Ernst on Refit – Sept. 17, 2017 – ?
NOTICE TO TANCOOK ISLAND RESIDENTS AND VISITORS: The William G. Ernst is expected to depart to Meteghan this week for maintenance She is expected to return within a couple of weeks, provided there are no problems.The Scotian will be in service during this time and will begin with the Sunday, September 17th, 10am trip from Chester. Because the William G. Ernst is expected to be out of service for only a short time, there will be no crane supplied for the Scotian. It will be carry on cargo only.
Tancook Ferry Schedule
| Day | Departs Tancook | Departs Chester |
| Monday to Friday | 6:00 am | 7:00 am |
| 8:00 am | 10:20 am | |
| 1:30 pm | 3:40 pm | |
| 4:30 pm | 5:30 pm | |
| Friday Evening | 6:30 pm | 8:30 pm |
| 9:30 pm | 11:00 pm | |
| Saturday | 9:00 am | 1:00 pm |
| 6:00 pm | 7:00 pm | |
| Sunday & Holidays | 9:00 am | 10:00 am |
| 5:00 pm | 6:00 pm |