As the new Wolfe Islander IV faces ongoing mechanical problems, the veteran Wolfe Islander III reaches a significant milestone: 50 years of service. This reliable ferry first launched on February 5, 1976, succeeding the Islander II, which authorities had deliberately sunk just six months earlier.
Returning to Duty
Residents of Wolfe Island now depend on the Islander III once more. Authorities reinstated the aging vessel last December to stand in for the troubled Wolfe Islander IV, ensuring vital connectivity despite the newer boat’s frequent breakdowns.
Praise for Enduring Performance
Frontenac Islands Mayor Judy Greenwood-Speers, who attended high school during the ferry’s debut, highlights its steadfast dependability. “We thank God that the Wolfe Islander 3 is still in such great shape, 50 years old, still running on time, still able to handle the ice,” Greenwood-Speers stated. “It’s still the boat that we can trust. And when the gales get humming, that boat will power on through.”
Early Challenges and Current Constraints
Kingston and the Islands MPP Ted Hsu acknowledges the ferry’s mixed history. “I have heard from people who lived on the island for generations that the Wolfe Islander III had a few rough years when it first came into service in the 1970s,” Hsu noted. He proposes operating both ferries concurrently to reduce wait times, but staffing shortages prevent this. “The limit right now to even consider that is that there’s not enough crew,” Hsu explained. “We’re already having crew issues … that’s already affecting the schedule of the current ferry service from time to time.”
Longevity Ahead
Despite its age, Greenwood-Speers remains optimistic about the Islander III’s future. “There are ferries that are still running that are 70, 75 years old,” she said. “It’s like a good car … if it’s well built and well maintained, it can go a long time.”
