The Municipality of Red Lake, located in northwestern Ontario, has announced that the Miss McKenzie II ferry will be unavailable for the remainder of the season due to extensive repairs and challenges in finding necessary parts.
According to officials, efforts are underway to explore alternative Transport Canada-compliant options to facilitate transportation between McKenzie Island and the mainland for the rest of the season. Mayor Fred Mota expressed understanding of the importance of this service to McKenzie Island residents and assured that the municipality is actively seeking alternative transportation solutions to maintain reliable access during this period of service interruption.
Chief administrative officer Michelle Hendry explained that due to the custom-built nature of the ferry, repairs cannot be completed before winter as a crucial part needs to be sourced from Wisconsin. Consequently, even if parts were ordered immediately, the ferry would not be operational until the next season. Typically, ferry service concludes in mid-November, and the early shutdown poses challenges due to the inclement weather conditions during this time.
Hendry highlighted that the municipality is currently focusing on identifying alternative travel options to and from the island, considering the safety and insurance standards set by Transport Canada. While various ideas are being explored, no definitive decisions have been made yet. The council is actively engaged in finding a resolution, recognizing the dependency of McKenzie Island residents on the ferry service.
Updates regarding the situation will be communicated to residents through the municipality’s official website, Facebook page, and direct notifications.