‘CAT’ ferry to keep coming back until 2026

The ‘CAT’ ferry service is not going anywhere, just yet.

Public Works Minister Kim Masland made the announcement on the vessel Tuesday morning.

She says the province has committed to keep the service around for 2025 and 2026.

“As the vessel sails away on Saturday, the ‘CAT’ will come back. We are committed to finding a long-term solution.”

The service underwent an Economic Impact Study over concerns that the ferry wasn’t economically viable.

Masland says based on the progress report released Tuesday, they are “confident” businesses from across the province will benefit from the service.

“The progress report shows us ferry passengers stay longer, they spend more, and they travel throughout our province. In fact, we know about 30 per cent of passengers travel to Cape Breton after arriving in Yarmouth.”

In September, Bay Ferries said the Yarmouth to Bar Harbor, Maine vessel booked nearly 46,000 passengers for 2024.

That’s an increase of over 8,000 compared to last year, with over 38,000 passenger and 93 round-trips.

The services runs each year until mid-October.

-with files from Kevin Northup