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The ferry is saved. We forced the government to restore the funding and keep the route open. This is a massive win for everyone who refused to give up on Yarmouth.

February 13, 2010

Rescue Our Ferry: Transportation link between Yarmouth, NS and New England

Rescue Our Ferry: Transportation link between Yarmouth, NS and New England

🏆 Won — 3,656 supporters Verified

Final supporters

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Cindy D.
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John Y.
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Colin
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Janice H.
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Barbara A.
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wayne t.
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sheila l.
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Badr Z.
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Dana B.
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Abigail M.
+3,646 more
Started by Anonymous 16 years, 7 months ago

Rescue our Ferry


The economic and tourism future of the province of Nova Scotia has been dealt a severe blow. Transportation access and the tourism industry within our province will be critically damaged by the loss of ferry service via the CAT, out of the port of Yarmouth. This will result in province-wide job loss, a weakened economy and a reduction of Nova Scotia's ability to compete in the global tourism industry. 


Tourism in Nova Scotia accounted for $1.3 billion in revenues in 2008, and contributed nearly $204 million in tax revenues. It is one of the largest industries in the world, and Nova Scotia needs to be able to compete. 


On December 15, 2009, the Government of Nova Scotia informed Bay Ferries Limited there would not be an extension of financial support for ferry service out of Yarmouth for the 2010 operating season.As a result, the high-speed ferry service delivered by our vessel "The CAT" will end.

 

The CAT ferry is an ambassador for all of Nova Scotia in our largest tourism market. Travelers on the ferry explore the entire province, visiting large and small communities, and spend new dollars. 


An investment in New England ferry service represents an investment in the future of Nova Scotia. We need to continue building markets and connections throughout the USA, and provide opportunities for our visitors to reach our province. 


We the undersigned support an investment in the CAT Ferry, to ensure continued service for 2010. Please Rescue our Ferry. 


67 per cent year over year increase in room nights sold through our company into the Yarmouth and Acadian Shores region of Nova Scotia, a 38 per cent overall increase in Nova Scotia room nights sold and also a massive increase in room nights sold into the State of Maine.


Tourism is 


International tourism receipts represented in 2003 approximately 6 per cent of worldwide exports of goods and services (as expressed in US$). When considering service exports exclusively, the share of tourism exports increases to nearly 30 per cent.


The tourism industry of Atlantic Canada relies upon access to multiple markets, including the New England and the USA. The CAT ferry service is key to accessing and servicing this marketing. Tourism in Nova Scotia rep  econ stats


New England and the USA represent the market of greatest potential for the Nova Scotia tourism industry. A dense population corridor combined with high income levels and liklihood to travel represents opportunity for this province.  


The Town of Yarmouth is the regional centre of South Western Nova Scotia.  The Town's population of 7200 people literally doubles on weekdays with the influx of workers and students from surrounding areas.  Yarmouth is the financial, business, education, and lifestyle centre for the 70,000 people who live in the tri-counties of Yarmouth, Digby and Shelburne.


The port of Yarmouth, located in the heart of the world's largest lobster fishing grounds, is central to Yarmouth's history and development. With Canada's most lucrative fishing industry, Yarmouth and the Acadian Shores have a culture and economy historically tied to fishing and related industries.


As you look back through Yarmouth's history one can't help but notice that Yarmouth's citizens and businesses have always seen the importance of taking pride in their community and how it is presented to those who live and visit here.  The distinctive architecture within Yarmouth, old and new, and the parks and trails in Yarmouth show the pride we take in our community.  Yarmouth has taken this one step further over the last several years by participating in Communities in Bloom.


Updates

Reached 2,500 supporters

December 22, 2009

December 21, 2009

We are approaching 2,500 signatures. Post this link to your social media now to keep the momentum going.

Reached 1,000 supporters

December 20, 2009

Reached 100 supporters

December 18, 2009

6 Comments

R
Robert Nair
16 years ago Featured

Total disaster for our local economy. Please reconsider.

M
Mike Townsend
16 years ago Featured

KEEP THE FERRY RUNNING. It's the life line for the whole south shore.

K
Karen Hall
16 years ago Featured

The cat needs to stay. Its not just about the ferry its about all the shops and restaurants that get business from those visitors. Shame on the government.

G
Gary Nichols
16 years ago Featured

Yarmouth is going to be a ghost town without the boat. This is so short sighted.

L
Linda Morrison
16 years ago Featured

My family has owned a B&B for 20 years. We rely on the american tourists coming off that ferry every summer. This is going to kill us financially.

S
Susan Saunders
16 years ago Featured

How are people supposed to get here? Drive all the way around? Seems like the gov doesnt care about small towns at all.

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