Replace Abnaki II Ferry for Safe and Reliable Service!
The Issue
As a previous resident of Deer Island, New Brunswick, I am deeply concerned about the continuing issues with the Abnaki II ferry. This petition aims to address the urgent need for a replacement ferry that can provide safe, reliable service to our community.
Growing up on Deer Island, I witnessed firsthand the vital role that the ferries play in connecting the island with mainland New Brunswick. It serves as a literal lifeline, ensuring uninterrupted access to essential services such as healthcare facilities, schools, and employment opportunities. Moreover, it is crucial for our local tourism industry and for emergency response operations.
Unfortunately, from the onset, the Abnaki II has been unreliable due to design flaws, mostly stemming from attempting to adapt a river ferry design (she is an adapted copy of ferries like the Henry Nase cable ferry in Grand Bay on the Saint John River) with propulsion drives that were surplus drives designed to propel a ferry less than half the size of the Abnaki II (a 24 car ferry). These drives were purchased as spare drives for the M.V. William Franlin, a 9 car ferry from Grand Manan to White Head Island.
The frequent breakdowns not only inconvenience residents but also pose serious safety risks during emergencies when timely transportation is critical. We cannot afford to compromise on public safety any longer.
To ensure that the community thrives and remains accessible to all who depend on it – whether they are residents or visitors – we urgently need a new ferry that meets modern safety standards and can reliably serve our needs year-round.
Accordingly, we call upon the current Provincial Government of New Brunswick to fix the failing of previous governments by allocating funds towards replacing the aging Abnaki II with a new state-of-the-art 30 car vessel capable of providing safe transportation services between Deer Island and mainland New Brunswick. The current Abnaki II can be used to replace the aging Peninsula Princess ferry on the Saint John river.
By signing this petition, you are joining me in urging decision-makers at all levels of government to prioritize this issue. Together, let's ensure that Deer Island continues to thrive by securing a reliable means of transportation that guarantees both convenience and safety for everyone who relies on it.
Why is this petition important to you as a non resident of Deer Island? Because your tax money is consistently being poured into maintaining a current ferry that beats itself apart trying to run the tides of Big and little letete passage. The island needs a ferry that is designed to work in these conditions and residents are often relying on the very vessel that the Abnaki replaced (the John E Rigby) to fill its run while it is down (which is a frequent occurrence). The new ferry needs to be designed by a firm that creates tidal ferries (Not river ferries).
Thank you for your support!
Jeremy Cline
The Issue
As a previous resident of Deer Island, New Brunswick, I am deeply concerned about the continuing issues with the Abnaki II ferry. This petition aims to address the urgent need for a replacement ferry that can provide safe, reliable service to our community.
Growing up on Deer Island, I witnessed firsthand the vital role that the ferries play in connecting the island with mainland New Brunswick. It serves as a literal lifeline, ensuring uninterrupted access to essential services such as healthcare facilities, schools, and employment opportunities. Moreover, it is crucial for our local tourism industry and for emergency response operations.
Unfortunately, from the onset, the Abnaki II has been unreliable due to design flaws, mostly stemming from attempting to adapt a river ferry design (she is an adapted copy of ferries like the Henry Nase cable ferry in Grand Bay on the Saint John River) with propulsion drives that were surplus drives designed to propel a ferry less than half the size of the Abnaki II (a 24 car ferry). These drives were purchased as spare drives for the M.V. William Franlin, a 9 car ferry from Grand Manan to White Head Island.
The frequent breakdowns not only inconvenience residents but also pose serious safety risks during emergencies when timely transportation is critical. We cannot afford to compromise on public safety any longer.
To ensure that the community thrives and remains accessible to all who depend on it – whether they are residents or visitors – we urgently need a new ferry that meets modern safety standards and can reliably serve our needs year-round.
Accordingly, we call upon the current Provincial Government of New Brunswick to fix the failing of previous governments by allocating funds towards replacing the aging Abnaki II with a new state-of-the-art 30 car vessel capable of providing safe transportation services between Deer Island and mainland New Brunswick. The current Abnaki II can be used to replace the aging Peninsula Princess ferry on the Saint John river.
By signing this petition, you are joining me in urging decision-makers at all levels of government to prioritize this issue. Together, let's ensure that Deer Island continues to thrive by securing a reliable means of transportation that guarantees both convenience and safety for everyone who relies on it.
Why is this petition important to you as a non resident of Deer Island? Because your tax money is consistently being poured into maintaining a current ferry that beats itself apart trying to run the tides of Big and little letete passage. The island needs a ferry that is designed to work in these conditions and residents are often relying on the very vessel that the Abnaki replaced (the John E Rigby) to fill its run while it is down (which is a frequent occurrence). The new ferry needs to be designed by a firm that creates tidal ferries (Not river ferries).
Thank you for your support!
Jeremy Cline
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Petition created on October 3, 2023