The provincial transportation ministry has pulled a quick U-turn on a decision to shut down the Gardiner Ferry. The cable ferry crosses the Abitibi River about 30 kilometres north of Cochrane on Hwy. 579.
Timiskaming-Cochrane MPP John Vanthof says MTO said the cable ferry hadn’t passed Transport Canada inspection.
“It ran in the morning and then it wasn’t allowed to run again,” Vanthof notes, “but it ran in the afternoon for an emergency case and how it’s back in the water again.”
The ferry is, however, restricted to daytime and emergency operation only. The ministry says it’s looking at options, mostly upgrading Florence Lake Road, which connects to another road that leads to a bridge.
Vanthof says he will work with the 200 people who live in Gardiner. Hydro One, the ONTC and cottagers and sportspeople also use the ferry.
Vanthof says he will work with Gardiner residents and represent them in the matter, because the province is obligated to provide equivalent service.
“That ferry is part of a highway,” Vanthof reiterates. “It’s part of a provincial highway.”
