Nova Scotia extends Yarmouth-Maine CAT ferry for two more seasons
Nova Scotia is extending the CAT ferry service between Yarmouth and Bar Harbor, Maine, for the 2025 and 2026 sailing seasons.
The province says it will require new agreements for the vessel, operator and United States terminal operator following the 2026 season.
As of last Thursday, the ferry had transported 48,804 passengers this season, which started on May 15.
In 2023, the ferry carried 38,430 passengers.
The CAT’s final sail of this season is on Tuesday.
Mayor Pam Mood said she's happy with the extension, but is hoping for a long-term deal.
"We have developers in the wings that have been waiting," she said. "They need a long-term, 10-year commitment, for example, before they will invest, and I completely understand that."
The province says it has budgeted $21 million for the service this year, with the final costs to be known later this fall.
Economic impact progress report released
An economic impact study on the ferry was ordered in 2022, and a progress report on the study was released Tuesday.
The province says the report shows the service “benefits all regions of the province and is not more expensive than comparable services.”
Last year, 38 per cent of passengers reportedly visited Halifax, 30 per cent stayed in the Annapolis Valley and 27 per cent travelled to Cape Breton.
The report says, during the 2023 sailing season, visitors using the ferry spent more than $20 million in Nova Scotia and stayed in the province for an average of 8.2 nights.
“Our job with the ferry service is making sure it delivers good value for all Nova Scotians, and we continue to do the work to understand its impact,” said Public Works Minister Kim Masland in a provincial news release.
“This progress report shows us ferry passengers stay longer, spend more and travel throughout the province. It also illustrates the importance of maintaining consistency with the service.”
The economic impact study began in September 2023 and the final report is expected in the spring of 2025.
With files from The Canadian Press and Jonathan MacInnis
For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Overwhelmed families surrendering custody of their children to CAS
Overwhelmed families in Ontario are having to surrender their children to the Children's Aid Society, and according to the society, the residential crisis is part of the problem.
Trump's defence choice stuns the Pentagon and raises questions about the Fox News host's experience
President-elect Donald Trump stunned the Pentagon and the broader defence world by nominating Fox News host Pete Hegseth to serve as his defence secretary, tapping someone largely inexperienced and untested on the global stage to take over the world's largest and most powerful military.
W5 investigation How did thieves steal your car? Maybe with a device they ordered online
Digital devices that a Toronto-area police department warns are used in the most common method of stealing cars are for sale online for anyone to buy, a W5 investigation has found.
Trump's appointees have criticized Trudeau, warned of border issues with Canada
Donald Trump's second administration is filling up with some of his most loyal supporters and many of the people landing top jobs have been critical of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and security at Canada's border.
Japanese owner of 7-Eleven receives another offer to rival Couche-Tard bid
The Japanese owner of 7-Eleven says it has received a new management buyout proposal from a member of the family that helped found the company.
Loblaw Companies reports Q3 profit up from year ago, revenue also higher
Loblaw Companies Ltd. reported its third-quarter profit rose compared with a year ago, boosted by the reversal of a charge at its President's Choice Bank after a Federal Court of Appeal decision.
Nearly 80 per cent of Canadians use winter tires: survey
Almost four out of five Canadian drivers switch to winter tires when the weather calls for them, according to a new survey.
South Korean actor Song Jae-lim found dead at 39
Song Jae-lim, a South Korean actor known for his roles in K-dramas 'Moon Embracing the Sun' and 'Queen Woo,' was found dead at his home in capital Seoul. He was 39.
John Krasinski named People magazine's 2024 Sexiest Man Alive
John Krasinski is People magazine's Sexiest Man Alive for 2024.