It’s official, Wolfe Island and Amherst Island will receive new ferries in the near future.

On Nov. 6, MPP for Kingston and the Islands, Sophie Kiwala, announced that the province has awarded the contract for the two new ferries to Damen Shipyards from the Netherlands at a cost of $61 million.

“I am absolutely delighted to bring this news and we are excited to see the continued expansion of infrastructure for our region.,” said Kiwala at the Wolfe Island ferry terminal. “These larger vessels will help reduce traffic congestion and will have a positive impact on the economy, on tourism and recreation for these communities.”

The news comes after the government requested a Requirement for Qualifications (RFQ) in Sept. 2016. The ferries – set to arrive in December, 2019 for Amherst Island and December, 2020 for Wolfe Island – will help alleviate tensions during service interruptions and inspections.

"This is something everyone in this room understands and will appreciate," said Kiwala in reference to the recent headaches created by the dry docking of the Wolfe Island ferry in 2015. "I think many of us are still recovering from the last time."

The new Wolfe Island ferry will carry a maximum of 399 passengers and 75 vehicles, while the Amherst Island ferry will carry 300 passengers and 40 vehicles. The Wolfe Islander III will remain in service together with the new Wolfe Island vessel, allowing for two vessels to run during peak periods to help speed up the movement of people and goods. Details of the service to Wolfe Island are being developed with input from the ferry users. The existing Frontenac II will move to a backup position for both locations.

“The new ferries will also take advantage of propulsion technologies and will run cleaner and quieter than the existing ferries,” said Kiwala.

MP for Kingston and the Islands, Mark Gerretsen, was also on hand at the terminal and announced that the federal government has committed to one third of the funding for these two vessels.

“That could be up to as much as $30 million,” he said. “Infrastructure is such an important part of our economy and we know that the Wolfe Island ferry in particular brings so many people to and from the city on a daily basis, whether you are working in the city, coming to pick up supplies and return, or a tourist.”

These new ferries will help transport approximately 850,000 passengers and 420,000 vehicles between Wolfe Island and Kingston each year and approximately 290,000 passengers and 136,000 vehicles to and from Amherst Island annually.

MP for Hastings, Lennox and Addington, Mike Bossio, was also on hand to express his excitement for Amherst Island and he thanked Gerretsen and Kiwala for their help in making these new vessels a reality.

“This is exactly how sustainable communities are built, by partnership with different levels of government coming forward to assist our communities to thrive and grow,” he said.  “I am very excited about this and this is great for our whole region.”