Wolfe Island residents petition sent to the province

Residents plead for improved service, say safety is an issue

Wolfe Island residents have presented a petition to the Ontario Legislative Assembly, voicing their concerns over the new ferry schedule and service since the Wolfe Islander IV began operating in mid-August. 

The new, larger ferry was expected to improve convenience, but residents have found it has created more problems than it solved.

Residents are particularly concerned about the impact on emergency services. 

Frontenac County's paramedic response plan relies on dual ferry service, and the increased delay puts lives at risk, especially since Wolfe Island has no ambulance or hospital. 

Under the new schedule, the Wolfe Islander IV makes only 16 trips per day, down from the 19 trips the previous ferry. 

Additionally, the new ferry takes 40 minutes to complete a crossing with a 75-vehicle capacity, compared to the 30 minutes before with a 55-vechicle capacity. 

The petition calls on the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) to address these issues, urging improvements to ferry service for the safety and convenience of residents.