Tim Houston’s government announced Tuesday that the ferry service between Yarmouth and Bar Harbor, Maine, would be extended until 2026. He cited in particular the economic impacts linked to tourism.
According to the province, the ferry service benefits all regions of the province and is not more expensive than comparable services.
The province had a 10-year commitment for the operation of the ferry until 2025. For 2024, the province has budgeted $21 million. The total cost is not yet known.
After the 2026 navigation season, the province will have to negotiate new contracts with American operators.
Since September 2023, the firm 21 FSP has been responsible for analyzing the economic impact of the ferry. If its final report will be presented in spring 2025, a first report was unveiled on Tuesday.
According to the authors of the report, the number of passengers increased by 20% in one year.
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The initial 10-year contract was set to end before the start of the 2026 season.
Photo : CBC / Paul Poirier
We know our numbers are increasing. We know we need consistent service. We know that Americans are coming here, spending a lot of money and traveling throughout the province, said Kim Masland, Minister of Public Works.
According to information collected by 21 FSP, in 2023, visitors who used the ferry spent an average of $20 million in the province and stayed in Nova Scotia for an average of 8.2 nights.
71% of passengers visited the southern part of the province, 38% went to Halifax, 30% visited the Annapolis Valley and 27% traveled to Cape Breton.
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The Nova Scotia government announced that ferry service to Maine has been extended until 2026.
Photo : CBC / Paul Poirier
19% of these American travelers are considered high-value tourists given the money spent and time spent there.
Yarmouth Mayor Pam Mood was not surprised by the numbers presented. According to her, the extension of the service is a good start but entrepreneurs must have longer-term guarantees if they want to invest in the region.
The leader of the official opposition, Liberal Zach Churchill, agrees. For him, a long-term commitment is necessary for businesses that depend on tourism. He said he was very pleased to see the Progressive Conservatives, who criticized the ferry to Maine when they were in opposition, finally support the service.
Based on a report by Elizabeth McMillan, CBC
