The future of the Sombra ferry is still up in the air.
The Bluewater Ferry remains idle and their dock is now an island in the St. Clair River, after the causeway leading up to their dock and the Canada Border Services Agency office, was destroyed by ice back on January 11.
Meanwhile, officials with the Canadian Coast Guard say they were helping American ships through the St. Clair River at the time the damage occurred.
Coast Guard was conducting ice breaking activities
Officials with the Canadian Coast Guard told the Sydenham Current a sustained blast of Arctic air, that extended from late December into January, rapidly accelerated the formation of ice on the Great Lakes.
“Throughout the week of January 8th gale-force winds from the north flushed a large amount of ice from Lake Huron down the St Clair River,” Canadian Coast Guard officials said.
“To compound the problem weather conditions swung from one extreme to the next, with warm weather loosening ice that was fast against the shore of the upper St. Clair River. That ice was carried further downstream by the high winds.”
Canadian Coast Guard officials say the shipping lane is on the American side of the St. Clair River.
“Icebreakers do not operate near the Sombra Ferry Dock,” Canadian Coast Guard officials said.
“There were many vessels on the water at the time damage was reported to the coast guard, including both a Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker, the CCGS Samuel Risley, and a United States Coast Guard ice cutter. The CCGS Samuel Risley was escorting four American vessels in the St. Clair River to ensure the safe and efficient movement of commercial goods to American industries in the region.”
Canadian Coast Guard officials said the icebreaking they do mitigates a significant flood risk along the St. Clair River, which benefits communities on both sides of the border.
“St. Clair River water levels in flood prone zones have dropped which is credited to joint coast guard ice breaking efforts,” Canadian Coast Guard officials said.
“Icebreaking service from the Canadian and United States coast guards is helping ships moving safely and efficiently through the ice on one of the busiest trans-border shipping lanes in North America, the St. Clair River. The St. Clair River does not shut down in January as stated in media reports. The Welland Canal and the Soo Locks are closed but shipping continues throughout the winter months from Lake Huron to Lake Erie.”
Canadian Coast Guard officials said at the beginning of each season, the Canadian Coast Guard issues public notices to advise of its icebreaking service.
For more information about Canadian Coast Guard icebreaking levels of service, click here.
Canadian Coast Guard officials told the Sydenham Current on January 12 they were reviewing information provided by the manager of the Bluewater Ferry.
Meeting held with government officials
Bluewater Ferry Ltd. officials say they are hoping for Federal funding to cover the cost to remove the damaged causeway and to build a replacement.
“The family of Bluewater Ferry would like to thank everyone in the community for the strong support during this time,” the company posted on social media.
The company met with Sarnia-Lambton MP Marilyn Gladu and St. Clair Township Mayor Steve Arnold last week.
“The meeting did not go as well as hoped,” Bluewater Ferry officials posted on social media.
“There is no funding available at this time although talks are still in the works.”
The company is encouraging the community to call and write to their Member of Parliament.
“Keep calling the MP office email letters let’s get this to Ottawa, please send the emails,” the company said.
“Let’s show how important this is.”
Reports say government officials are looking at ways to come up with funding by the end of the month, so the causeway could be repaired by the middle of March, as no construction can take place between March 15 and the middle of July due to fish spawning cycles.
The proposed fix would cost an estimated $2.5 million, the latest reports indicate.
The St. Clair Township Fire Department said on January 12 that Mayor Arnold and Township staff were working with MP Gladu and the Canadian Coast Guard to ensure ice breaking operations continued along the St. Clair River
“To try and control the water levels and damage from the ice,” Fire Department officials said on social media.
“Please stay away from high water and the ice. It is very unpredictable and its force can cause extensive damage. The Township will continue to monitor the situation.”
The situation has also led to the closure of the Canada Border Services Agency office on the Sombra dock as well.
“Seasonal ice build-up on the river, has resulted in the closure of the CBSA office,” Tim Armaly, media relations in the Southern Ontario Region for the Canada Border Services Agency, told the Sydenham Current.
“The CBSA is currently working with the Sombra Ferry operator to determine the most effective way forward. Affected travellers can divert to the Blue Water Bridge crossing in Sarnia.”
Watch for more on this story.
Typical bureaucratic C.Y.A…. Who cares who’s fault it is… Just fix the damn thing! It’s an insignificant amount in the grand scheme of things. Here’s an idea for you federal politicians… why not spend at least 1% of your time helping domestic problems instead of wasting ALL your time on trying to impress Muslim terrorists and overseas dictatorships.
It is sad to think our Government can’t make a decision on this. They spend money elsewhere on foolish program but can’t seem to make a decision on this vital border crossing. This is necessary waterway crossing and hopefully will come to a decision soon.
Please , someone from government get some help to replace this ferry service .
I think it is a very important service to both countries , let alone the Heritage part of service .
Do something to help our country , and replace this important service !
I am sure this ferry service brings in a lot of tax dollars for the government !
Open your eyes politicians !