The George Black Ferry crossing the Yukon River. Photo Courtesy of Yukon Highways and Public Works/Facebook.
Whitehorse, YT – At 3 p.m. today the George Black ferry will take its last trip to Dawson City for the year ahead of winter but some residents say that the closure is premature and cuts off a vital service for many who rely on it for transportation.
The George Black ferry typically operates from May to October while residents rely on an ice bridge in the winter months which is normally ready for use in late December or early January.
This closure comes earlier than ferries in the Northwest Territories such as the Red River ferry, Liard River ferry and Peel River ferry which stay in service until early November.
Minister of Highways and Public Works Nils Clarke, stated that the ferry’s closure this year is consistent with the past five years when operations ended between October 15th and 20th.
“This certainly isn’t much earlier in relation to the experience that the crews of the George Black ferry have on the Yukon River at this time of year,” said Minister Clarke during a legislative session on October 15th.
Although the Yukon River isn’t frozen over, ice forming on the deck, ramps and landings can make it unsafe to operate the aging 1967 ferry.
The Yukon Government is currently looking into refurbishing or replacing the George Black ferry and a decision is expected later this year.
