Milestone Event Held to Celebrate Ferry Terminal Redevelopment
A milestone event took place in Yarmouth on Wednesday to celebrate the completion of Phase 1 redevelopment work at the Yarmouth International Ferry Terminal.
Wednesday, June 22, 2022 - Yarmouth, N.S. – A representative from the federal government joined municipal leaders today onboard the CAT Ferry, docked at the Yarmouth International Ferry Terminal, for a milestone celebration event. Lena Metlege Diab, Member of Parliament for Halifax West, Pam Mood, Mayor of the Town of Yarmouth, John Cunningham, Warden of the Municipality of the District of Yarmouth, and Nicole Albright, Deputy Warden of the Municipality of Argyle, came together to celebrate the completion of crucial redevelopment work at the ferry terminal.
The revitalization of the Yarmouth Ferry Terminal has been a top priority in recent years. Tourism is one of Nova Scotia’s most important industries, and re-establishing ferry service from Maine to Nova Scotia plays a significant role in its growth. The work completed during Phase 1 redevelopment helps ensure the necessary infrastructure is in place to operate the service successfully, strengthening the stability of the service for years to come.
“Nearly 3 years ago the Town of Yarmouth celebrated the Ground-breaking event to mark the start of construction on the Yarmouth Ferry Terminal. Today we are thrilled to announce that the terminal is now back in service, reviving the vital link between the gateway to Nova Scotia and the United States. This redevelopment project will provide residents of Yarmouth and the region with safe and efficient transportation options and connection to global markets, while helping us welcome tourists to our beautiful province and provide unique visitor experiences.” - Lena Metlege Diab, Member of Parliament for Halifax west, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities
“Today was a wonderful day, and we had a lot to celebrate,” said Yarmouth Mayor Pam Mood. “A great deal of work has been completed on our ferry terminal, and there are many to thank for their hard work. Their efforts ensured the work was completed in time for this tourist season. It’s been challenging the last few years without the service, but we made it through, and we now have an upgraded terminal to welcome visitors back to Nova Scotia. Having the CAT sailing into our harbour once again is a blessing for Yarmouth and all of Nova Scotia.”
“As an entry point to Canada, the Ferry Terminal project is not only huge in scope, but it’s having a huge impact on how we move forward as a region, a province, and a country – especially after living through a pandemic,” said John Cunningham, Warden for the Municipality of Yarmouth. "We are thrilled to have the ferry running again, and with the redeveloped ferry terminal, it’s like a fresh restart for our community."
"As a region, we all recognize how important these upgrades are as the terminal is vital for the ferry to operate," said Argyle Deputy Warden, Nicole Albright. "The improvements are impressive, especially when you look at the changes made to the terminal yard. The relocation of the inspection lines makes it more convenient for the Canada Border Services Agency, and the new ticketing booths improve the flow of traffic for Bay Ferries. The economic impact of the CAT ferry on the tourism industry, especially in our southwest region, cannot be understated. Today we are very grateful for everyone who worked so hard to make certain these upgrades were completed ahead of the 2022 sailing season."
Since the project kicked off in 2019, considerable work has been completed at the terminal. Infrastructure Canada, the Province of Nova Scotia, and three municipalities came together to provide $9 million in joint funding. The federal and provincial governments each contributed up to $3 million through the Small Communities Fund. The Town of Yarmouth ($1.5 Million), the Municipality of the District of Yarmouth ($1.2 Million), and the Municipality of the District of Argyle ($300K) contributed the remainder of project funding.
Work Completed During Phase 1 Redevelopment
The entire project saw work split into distinct “work packages”.
Work package #1: this package was completed in the spring of 2020 by local contractor, Graham Construction. Work for this package included both construction and demolition at the site. new roofing was installed on the main terminal building, and Graham oversaw the demolition of the old passenger gangway and stevedore building, which were no longer needed in the new configuration.
Work package #2: the package involved upgrades to the main terminal building envelope. Work was awarded to RCS Construction and included new windows and doors, new vestibules, brick repairs, and siding.
Work Package #3: this portion of the project saw important upgrades completed in the terminal yard. Crews installed underground site services for water, sewer, and electrical and steel piles and concrete foundations were added to house the new ticket booths for Bay Ferries and PIL Booths for CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency).
Work Package #4: this package involved the construction of a new stevedore building, a one story, wood frame structure with metal siding.
Work Package #5: work package #5 involved the installation of new ticket and PIL Booths.
Work Package #6: this stage saw the installation of three new canopies in the terminal yard, with all accompanying electrical, lighting and soffits. The canopies provide cover for the new PIL and ticket booths.
Work Package #7: involved final fitting up of both CBSA and Bay Ferries booths, new yard lighting, CCTV cameras, PA system, signage, and demolition of the old north and south canopies.
Work Package #8: Upgrades to the CBSA spaces to address post-Covid changes in security and operational requirements.
Additional phases will be needed in other areas at the terminal. Future projects will include wharf repairs, pontoon replacement, and an expansion and major renovation to the terminal building.
