A pretty mild start to the winter season through much of November has led to a later than usual closure of ferries across the province. (file photo/paNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

river crossing

Ferry season draws to a close in Saskatchewan

Dec 16, 2020 | 5:00 PM

As temperatures across the province continue to cool, and a number of rivers and lakes begin to freeze, Saskatchewan’s ferries have been dry-docked for the season.

The Riverhurst Ferry, located about 3.5 hours south-east of the Battlefords, was the last ferry running in the province and shut down for the season on December 14.

There are four ferry’s located within a two-hour radius of North Battleford, and an additional five within three hours of the community. Altogether, the Government of Saskatchewan operates 12 ferries and one barge across the province.

Saskatchewan’s ferries typically run from April to November, but operations and scheduling depend on weather and freezing.

Communications consultant with the ministry of highways, Brandy Leippi, said while it’s not completely unheard of for the ferry system to continue to operate into mid-December. It is a bit later than usual, due to such a mild November this year.

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Leippi said the ministry strongly advises residents to not attempt to cross the ice in any fashion, sighting that just because the ice may prevent ferries from being operational, that does not mean the ice is solid and secure.

In a press release announcing the closure of the ferry season, the Saskatchewan Government also stated they want to remind the public that activity on ice has risk and to check the ice’s thickness before walking or driving on it at any time.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1