CAT Ferry Service Update

On December 18th, the announcement regarding the termination of the CAT Ferry Service between Bar Harbor and Portland Maine to Yarmouth Nova Scotia was released.  The following update on the topic was provided by Julie Walters of the Southwest Shore Development Authority:

• SWSDA met with the premier on Wed, Dec 23 2009 regarding continuing the investment in ferry service between Yarmouth and New England for 2010. The premier agreed to fast track the transportation study currently underway for SW Nova. He also indicated that if federal support were available, the province may consider continuing the investment for 2010.
• Four options were presented to the premier on Dec 23rd, in terms of investing in our community and our transportation needs. You can access the media information and options by following this link here: http://www.yarmouthandacadianshores.com/images/stories/pdf/final%20best%20ferry.pdf
• The goal is to now try to engage the federal gov't on supporting the investment in ferry service for 2010. As indicated in this week's Chronicle Herald, Yarmouth Mayor Phil Mooney will be meeting with MP Greg Kerr on Jan 6th, and other preliminary talks have already been held.
• The message being presented to our federal gov't, as well as presented to the provincial gov't, is that ferry service is an extension of our highway, and investment in this service is required.
• In the long-term, we would like to see a return to year-round mono-hull service between Yarmouth and New England, with the ability to transport cargo. However, in the meantime, we require the CAT in order to grow market share, maintain infrastructure, and keep jobs in our community. There is simply not enough time to find a replacement vessel for this spring/summer.
• Your support is needed on this. Please sign the online petition at: www.rescueourferry.com
• A letter writing campaign was launched last week - many businesses submitted letters to their MP's request support for the ferry service.
• A video campaign was also launched recently - videos can be found at: http://www.youtube.com/rescueourferry 

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Southwest Nova Scotia Transportation Study

The Atlantic Canada Opportunity Agency (ACOA) is undertaking a broad review of the transportation needs of Southwest Nova Scotia in order to identify the range of transportation options that will best serve the region in the future. 

As this topic is important to the sustainability and viability of tourism in the Fundy Shore & Annapolis Valley, Yarmouth & Acadian Shores and the South Shore, we encourage you as tourism industry stakeholders, to visit the SWNS transportation study webpage to learn more about the project and to submit your comments: www.swnstransportationstudy.ca.

Please contact  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it if you have any questions about the study.