Damaged Wolfe Island ferry being moved to Hamilton for repairs

The Wolfe Island ferry. (Kimberley Johnson/CTV News Ottawa)

The Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) says a plan is in place to move the damaged Wolfe Islander IV ferry for repairs this weekend.

In a series of tweets, the MTO said plans are underway to move the Wolfe Islander IV to a Hamilton dry dock for further inspection and repairs on Saturday. The new zero-emission ferry, which began service this summer, was damaged earlier this month during a trip from the Marysville dock. While the damage to the hull was described as "minor", the Wolfe Islander III was brought in to replace ferry service.

"Starting at 0530h on Sunday, Dec 22, the WI3 will operate between Marysville and Kingston on a 60-minute round trip schedule. Please note there will be two 30-minute layovers at 2300h and 0030h each night," the MTO said.

"If the weather on Saturday is not favourable to move the WI4, these plans may be delayed. We will let you know as soon as possible if that happens."

The ferry is the only connection people living on Wolfe Island, south of Kingston, have with the mainland. Ferry service has been disrupted numerous times over the years due to crew shortages and issues with the Wolfe Islander III.

Wolfe Islander IV is a larger ship that was meant to replace the Wolfe Islander III.