The new cable ferry on the Nelson River serving Norway House and surrounding areas went into service Oct. 21.
The 90-foot-long, 15-car cable ferry, christened the C. F. Gilbert Laugher, in honour of one of the first ferry operators at the Sea Falls crossing, cost $3 million and took two years to construct. It was launched in the Red River at Selkirk in September 2016 and moved across Lake Winnipeg and then transported overland on Provincial Road 373 to the ferry crossing. It replaces the C.F. James Apetagon, which has been in service since 1977.
"This is such a wonderful tribute to my dad, who worked tirelessly for years providing a critical service to our community," said Lyette Laugher, whose father was born in Norway House in 1928. "My dad would be so humbled and impressed with the new vessel."
The new cable ferry was named in consultation with the community of Norway House and Norway House Cree Nation.
"The new cable ferry is the critical link joining the people of Norway House to all of Manitoba," said Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler, noting that the provincial government also recently resurfaced PR 373 between the Minago River and PR 374 at a cost of $5.5 million and that all 172 kilometres of the highway from Highway 6 to Norway House has now been resurfaced. "Our province is very pleased to recognize the commissioning of the C.F. Gilbert Laugher and congratulates the Laugher family on this important recognition. Investments like the new cable ferry, as well as the recently completed resurfacing of PR 373, are essential to the health and prosperity of Norway House and the surrounding area."
"The completion of resurfacing on PR 373 and the addition of the new ferry will not only ensure safe, reliable, year-round access to the people of Norway House but also to tourists who want to experience all the incredible experiences the north and our community have to offer," said Norway House Mayor Cristo Speiss. "We acknowledge and express our sincere appreciation and thanks to the government of Manitoba for making these projects a reality in our region."
The cable ferry typically runs 24 hours a day from April 1 until Jan. 1, shutting down when the ice crossing opens and resuming service when it closes.
"As a growing and vibrant community of over 8,000 residents, we are continuing to work hard on our community's economic, infrastructure and recreational facilities," said Norway House Cree Nation Chief Ron Evans. "I would like to applaud the commitment of Premier Brian Pallister and his government for the work in assisting in the development of our community with the new ferry. This will help us as we continue our community and economic development, facilitating tourists and others to visit the north and our community."
"This is an important investment for the people of Norway House and the surrounding area that will provide reliable access for the community," said Thompson MLA Kelly Bindle, who attended a celebration in Norway House to mark the official launch of the new ferry on behalf of the infrastructure minister
