Burgeo-LaPoile MHA Andrew Parsons is calling on the provincial government to let the people of La Poile know when they can expect a replacement ferry for the MV Challenge One. The ferry was pulled out of service on Sept. 25 for what was supposed to be a one-week refit.
“The La Poile ferry has been out of service five times since the spring, Why hasn’t the Minister found a replacement ferry for this route?” asked Parsons. “What is the status of the work on the Challenge One?”
Parsons said a helicopter was brought in to carry residents back and forth three days after the ferry was pulled out of service. However, the weather hasn’t been suitable for the helicopter to fly every day and residents are concerned about what could happen in an emergency situation.
“Why are residents still left with no way to transport their groceries and supplies more than a week after the ferry was taken out of service?” said Parsons “The people of La Poile are long overdue for a safe and reliable ferry service.”
The provincial government announced in 2011 that a contract on design work on a new ferry for La Poile had been awarded and was expected to be completed by early Spring 2012.
This was one of eight new ferries promised by the province in 2006 under its Vessel Replacement Strategy.
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