Rant: ferry funding

2013 is a pivotal year when it comes to our east coast ferry fleet.  In March 2014, current funding arrangements would expire on these ferry routes:  Souris-Cap aux Meules, Wood Islands-Caribou and Saint John-Digby.  It would be interesting to see what kind of arrangement would be made this time as at least two vessels were at their "expiration date"  a long while ago.  Most noticeably, MV Holiday Island (pictured above) was built for a lifespan of at least 15 years (according to a source who knows our east coast ferry fleet) and, being built in 1971,  should have been retired in 1986.  The MV Princess of Acadia, also built in 1971, had a thirty year lifespan and should have been retired in 2001.  Both ships are still in service today and owned by Transport Canada.   The operators, Bay and Northumberland Ferries have provided a safe and reliable service with these two ships since 1997 and I'm beginning to wonder if Transport Canada is wiling to provide new (or newer) vessels to the routes they serve presently.  Even a five-year charter with options to extend until a new purpose-built ship is built would be great to have in the next funding arrangement.  A new or chartered ship for both Wood Islands-Caribou and Digby-Saint John routes are looking very grim at the moment and I expect to see another short-term infusion of funds like it has been for a number of years now.  One thing is for certain, the Digby ferry terminal is looking good for a long-term solution now with all the property renewal it's been getting lately. Whether there would be a new ship in the near future remains to be seen.

link
Ferry Services Contribution Program (TC)