The federal government recently announced that there will be new funding to replace the MV Holiday Island.

Built in 1971, the Holiday Island provided steady service between Cape Tormentine, New Brunswick and Borden, Prince Edward Island until the opening of Confederation Bridge in 1997. The Holiday Island joined the new MV Confederation on the Wood Islands, PEI to Caribou Nova Scotia route that summer joining the Northumberland Ferries (Now Bay Ferries) fleet. Other ships on both routes were sold off. One ship the MV Abegweit (1982) languished for many years before eventually being scrapped in Alang India.

The importance of maintaining the Wood Islands-Caribou ferry route is not lost on the majority of residents. Prince Edward Island thrives on tourism and agriculture. In the sailing season the ferry service provides transport to the eastern end of the island. It saves some time for transport drivers as they get product between the provinces. The ferry has always been a draw for tourists who don’t have to necessarily leave the way they arrived.

A new vessel for this route should ensure the ferry service remains in place for many decades to come. Prince Edward Island has so much to offer for visitors.

@WriterDann