People living on the island that once hosted the Boblo Island amusement park have had mainland access cut due to ferryboat issues.
A maintenance call that has taken longer than anticipated has left Bois Blanc Island's residents without a full-time ferry until at least Wednesday. The 91-year-old boat has been out of commission since Friday afternoon.
Amherstburg Mayor Michael Prue is among those island residents who have been inconvenienced by the issue. Prue told WindsorNewsToday.ca the issue was complicated further by the state of another ageing vessel.
"The backup ferry, which was 96 years old, was supposed to be in operation, but it was shut down by Transport Canada on Friday afternoon as being unseaworthy," said Prue.
The island, as well as the ferry service, are owned by Amico Properties, which has the exclusive rights to operate the ferry. However, there is some movement going back and forth. Prue said a Good Samaritan living on the island, whose dock predated the Amico contract, has stepped up to provide service.
"He is allowing a pleasure craft to go between his dock and a floating dock outside the regular ferry terminal dock every half hour," said Prue.
Should an emergency arise on Bois Blanc Island, Prue said there is an arrangement in place for the backup ferry to transport a police vehicle, fire truck, or ambulance to the island for only as long as it is needed. Transport Canada has someone stationed on the island 24 hours until the ferry is back from maintenance.
The island has been a part of the area's colourful history for over 200 years. The Boblo Island Amusement Park operated from 1898 to 1993. Amico Properties Limited has redeveloped the island with private homes, though a few remnants of the amusement park remain.