The Northwest Territories (N.W.T.) government has officially canceled its plans to dredge the Liard River ferry crossing, a crucial transportation link for Fort Simpson and surrounding areas. The decision, announced in a news release on Tuesday, highlights the challenges of maintaining ferry operations in low-water conditions.
Initial Dredging Plans for Liard River Ferry Crossing
The dredging project, which was originally set to begin in mid-August, aimed to ensure safe navigation for the MV Lafferty ferry during the summer season. The N.W.T. government had already postponed the start date twice, first to September and then to October 31, due to logistical challenges. This operation was intended to prevent disruptions to ferry service, which is essential for Fort Simpson residents who rely on it during the summer months. In winter, the community uses an ice crossing for transportation.
Why Was the Dredging Project Canceled?
Higher-than-Expected Costs
One of the main reasons cited for the cancellation was unexpectedly high construction and procurement costs. The N.W.T. government revealed that these costs were significantly higher than initial estimates, making the project less feasible.
Limited Impact on Ferry Operations
However, the government also emphasized that the dredging operation would have limited operational benefits. According to the release, “Further evaluation has determined that dredging is not required at this time to ensure the safe operation of the ferry, and undertaking the program would not significantly alter the seasonal closure schedule.”
Low Water Levels and Ferry Load Restrictions
Due to low water levels in the Liard River, the N.W.T. Department of Infrastructure recently issued a restriction on ferry loads, limiting them to under 64,000 kilograms. This measure was introduced to ensure safe operation during the remaining ferry season. The planned dredging was intended to address these low water conditions, but further assessment showed it would not provide the expected benefits in the short term.
Planned Material Removal for Safe Navigation
Documents submitted to the Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board indicated that the Infrastructure department had planned to remove 8,000 cubic meters of material from the ferry’s navigational path. The goal was to improve the depth of the river to ensure safe passage for the MV Lafferty during low water levels.
Fort Simpson’s Preparation for Early Ferry Closure
Mayor Sean Whelly’s Comments
Fort Simpson Mayor Sean Whelly had previously been notified of the delays to the dredging project. Speaking earlier this month, he mentioned that the dredging might be better postponed until later in the season, when water levels typically drop even further. Whelly also advised local residents and businesses to stock up on dry goods in preparation for a possible early ferry closure.
Seasonal Ferry and Ice Crossing Transition
The ferry is usually operational until around November 3, after which it closes for the season. It typically takes several weeks for an ice crossing to be constructed, providing residents with a winter transportation alternative. The early closure of the ferry could force residents to wait for this crossing, making preparation vital for the community.
Conclusion
The cancellation of the Liard River dredging project reflects the logistical and financial challenges of maintaining ferry operations in low-water conditions. While the project aimed to address these challenges, the N.W.T. government determined that the benefits did not justify the high costs. Fort Simpson residents are advised to prepare for possible disruptions as the ferry season nears its typical closure date.