Ferry Disruptions Hurting PEI Businesses After Years of COVID-19 Closures

The Confederation Bridge is viewed from Borden-Carleton, P.E.I., on Sept. 27, 2013. (The Canadian Press/Andrew Vaughan)

The Tourism Industry Association of Prince Edward Island says the sporadic ferry service this year between the province and Nova Scotia has been challenging for local businesses.

Corryn Clemence, chief executive officer of the association, says the MV Confederation was pulled from service on Canada Day and will stay off-line this weekend for the Cavendish Beach Music Festival.

The company that operates the ferry between Nova Scotia and eastern Prince Edward Island says the MV Confederation will be out of service until at least next week, leaving the Confederation Bridge as the Island’s only link to the mainland.

Northumberland Ferries says the ferry was removed from the water because of a mechanical glitch and that the required parts are due to arrive Saturday.

Clemence says this year is important for most businesses because it’s the first time they’re in full swing after two years of COVID-19 closures.

She says the financial hit to businesses will be calculated later in the year, but she says they are at least benefiting from strong local support.