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Halifax-Dartmouth Metro Transit Ferry (NS) September 2017

Halifax considers new ferry as fleet faces strain

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Halifax is taking a closer look at whether a new ferry is needed to support growing demand between Dartmouth and Halifax.

The municipality says the review will examine whether a new passenger ferry should join the Alderney and Woodside routes as the city’s fleet faces increasing pressure.

Regional Council approved a motion from Mayor Andy Fillmore directing the Chief Administrative Officer to return with options as part of an upcoming operational review of ferry services.

The report will outline the cost of a new vessel and the berthing, staffing and maintenance requirements needed to support it.

Fillmore said Halifax’s conventional ferry fleet has not expanded since 2018, even as the municipality’s population has grown by nearly 100,000.

Ferry ridership reached 1.8 million boardings in 2025 and 2026, a three per cent increase from the previous year despite an overall decline in Halifax Transit ridership.

He said recent maintenance on the Vincent Coleman showed how limited the system’s flexibility has become.

Required work reduced Alderney service from every 15 minutes to every 30 minutes, and Halifax Transit reported 3,093 cancelled trips between January and March, representing 21 per cent of scheduled service.

“This year showed us what happens when there isn’t enough flexibility in the fleet,” Fillmore said.

“We shouldn’t wait for the next service disruption to start planning for what comes next.”

All five ferries are approaching mandatory mid‑life overhauls beginning in 2029, with the work estimated at $3 million per vessel.

Fillmore said the motion does not authorize the purchase of a new ferry.

Instead, he said it will give councillors a full picture of the costs and requirements so they can weigh the potential investment during the 2027 and 2028 budget process.

“A growing municipality cannot meet tomorrow’s needs with yesterday’s capacity,” he said.

“Good infrastructure requires planning ahead.”

Council previously directed staff in July 2026 to bring forward options to incorporate recapitalization costs for the existing ferry system into future budget deliberations.

Cat-ferry

Minister Tilley says long term deal for CAT Ferry is “the main goal”

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Public Works Minister Fred Tilley said the government is still working on a contract extension for the CAT ferry.

With just over two months left on the current agreement, there’s still no deal between the province and the government of the United States, who own the vessel used by Bay Ferries Limited.

The ferry carries up to 866 passengers to and from Bar Harbour, Maine, and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. A study published by the Government of Nova Scotia in February 2026 showed the ferry plays a significant role in the economy of both the local area and the province, and that a majority of the users are American tourists.

In a press conference earlier this summer, Tilley said he understands the importance of the ferry to the province, and that he’s working on finding a solution that works for Nova Scotians. 

Speaking with the media on Aug. 6, Tilley said he expects to have more information “very soon.”

“The main goal obviously, is a longer term deal,” said Tilley. “But to get there we may need a shorter term deal.”

The current agreement expires at the end of the 2026 season. If no deal were to be in place, the ferry’s last trip would be on October 14.

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CAT ferry having it’s best season since before pandemic

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Yarmouth’s CAT ferry is having its best summer since before the Covid-19 Pandemic.

The ship shuttles up to 866 passengers between Bar Harbor, Maine, to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia multiple times a day, and plays a vital role in the province’s tourism economy.

According to a press release from Bay Ferries Limited, the company that operates the ferry, they’ve seen an increase of more than 7,000 additional passengers when compared to the same time last year.

“This robust growth is primarily driven by higher numbers of American tourists using this important service,” said Mark Wilson, the CEO of Bar Ferries Limited. “We look forward to welcoming all visitors to Nova Scotia and continuing to strengthen the relationships that make this cross-border connection so valuable.”

So far, the vessel has completed 44 round trips, and approximately 86 per cent of the total bookings are from the United States.

Despite the growing success, the future of the ferry is still uncertain. 

The current contract for the vessel used by Bay Ferries Limited expires after this season, and no long term deal has been secured between the United States and the province of Nova Scotia.

Premier Tim Houston said he understands the importance of the ferry.

“There’s a lot of moving parts to it,” said Houston. “It’s a relationship between Canada and the United States, and I don’t think there are many relationships between Canada and the United States right now that aren’t difficult. This is one of them.”

Both Premier Houston and Yarmouth Mayor Pam Mood said a long term deal would be a benefit to local businesses who depend on the ferry. Mood said she feels like securing a long term deal isn’t unrealistic, despite potential challenges from the U.S government.

“These businesses are dependent on ferry traffic,” said Mood. “So it’s important that a long term deal is in place and I think the Premier is working towards that.”

The CAT ferry is still set to operate until October 14 this year.

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Proposed inter-municipal transit service could offer dependable, commuter-friendly routes across HRM

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The Province is exploring a multi-route transit service to link rural communities within 100 km of Halifax to key destinations across the HRM.

Officials are assessing service provider interest and capacity to operate dependable routes suitable for daily commutes. The request for information will identify potential providers and outline key challenges and opportunities.

Public Works Minister Fred Tilley says, “Frequent, reliable, and affordable transit service means more options to access jobs, schools, healthcare, and daily needs.”

The proposed inter-municipal transit would connect with existing services, offer affordable fares, and include new park-and-ride sites for longer, more comfortable trips.

Tilley adds, “When developing the Regional Transportation Plan, we heard loud and clear across citizen and community engagement sessions that this kind of regional public transit service is needed.”

The plan envisions an integrated regional transit network linking buses, ferries, and other modes of transportation.

President and CEO of the Halifax International Airport Authority, Joyce Carter, says, “We’re pleased to see this initiative moving forward, and we support the expansion of affordable transportation options for Nova Scotians, airport workers, and the travellers we serve every day.”

She adds that, “inter-municipal transit would strengthen regional connections, improve access to jobs, services, and communities across the province, and enhance the overall travel experience for those travelling to, from, and within Nova Scotia.”