Built in BC ferry

Photo: Contributed

A new built in B.C. Ferry goes into service in the Kootenays this February.

Glade II, a cable ferry connecting Glade residents with Highway 3A across the Kootenay River, is undergoing final testing on site and will be in service at the beginning of February.

"This new, state-of-the-art ferry gives West Kootenay residents the comfort of knowing they can get groceries, attend medical appointments and access other important services when they need to," said Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. "This ferry will not only help residents get from A to B, but will also ensure a safe, reliable and efficient crossing of the Kootenay River for many years to come."

In addition to the new ferry for Glade, other cable ferries are being constructed to replace aging vessels serving the community of Harrop, on the Kootenay River, and Arrow Park, on Arrow Lake. A new cable ferry to serve Adams Lake went into service in spring 2017.

In 2016, Waterbridge Steel of Nakusp was awarded a $27.9-million contract to design and build four new cable ferries. All new vessels are scheduled to be in service by the end of 2019. The project is generating employment for approximately 30 people over four years, with the majority of work taking place in Nakusp.