Walpole Island council is helping Walpole-Algonac Ferry Ltd.investigate how they can become more successful.
James Jenkins, political advisor to Walpole Island’s chief and council, told the Sydenham Current that council has allocated some resources to conduct a corporate assessment of the ferry.
“To see where the ferry can generate greater profit,” he said.
Jenkins added a ferry board meeting is scheduled for May 7.
“The decision, from my understanding, is there won’t be a rate change until the May 7 meeting. The assessment should be completed by then and there should be more decision making after May 7. For now, there is no rate change.”
Prior to this morning, the ferry’s website had stated starting today (April 22) fares for passenger vehicles would rise from $7 to $10 to cross the St. Clair River one way.
The 43% hike in price would have applied to passenger cars only.
The website was changed this morning, and included an apology.
“The one-way vehicle rate will remain at $7,” their website states.
“We apologize for the inconvenience and look forward to providing you with safe and timely service across the St. Clair River.”
Jenkins said some of the Walpole Island councillors did discuss the rate change at the council meeting on Tuesday night.
Many Walpole Island residents had expressed their concern about the potential increase., some saying it could jeopardize the service running on Walpole Island at all.
Jenkins said the ferry has an independent board from council.
“The ferry is a corporation that operates arms length from council. It has a mandate to generate profit, unlike council. The relationship is that council is the principal shareholder of the ferry corporation. The trustees of the ferry corporation sit on council.”
Jenkins added the owners of the ferry is essentially the members of Walpole Island First Nation.
“Council acts on their behalf as the shareholder and trustees that sit on council represent the shareholders legally as trustees of the corporation. The board itself is composed of community members.”
Walpole-Algonac Ferry Ltd. has been in operation for over 100 years.
For more information, visit their website here.
Watch for more on this story.
I Believe all the Members of Walpole Island First Nation. ‘Own that Ferry’ and Should have a Say before any Decisions are made to the Public. Thanks,