The Liard River ferry, which connects Fort Simpson to Highway 1 and the rest of the NWT, will remain docked for the time being.
The GNWT Department of Infrastructure announced on July 9 that the ferry — the M.V. Lafferty — would close temporarily due to a problem with its propeller. However, after servicing, it was determined that the vessel is in need of "extensive work" due to "unexpected mechanical issues" and the decision was made to keep it moored.
The department initially said the ferry would reopen within the week, but as of July 18, it was still out of commission, with work still ongoing.
A spokesperson for the department said local crews have been preparing the vessel's engine for a group of specialized technicians, who are expected to arrive in town on July 19. Parts for the malfunctioning ferry are also making their way north by way of Edmonton and Yellowknife, and are expected to arrive in Fort Simpson on the same day.
Once the technicians and parts have arrived, repairs are expected to take a minimum of three full days. When work is completed, the ferry will be tested to gauge its readiness for service.
"The ferry should be operational some time on Sunday — but we can’t confirm the time just yet," the department stated.
Until the repairs are completed, the roughly 1,200 residents of Fort Simpson will have a much more difficult time coming and going from the community, and will have to rely on other means of transportation, such as charter flights.
Sergei Mjatelski, the owner of Fort Simpson-based Goose Flying Service, said his business has been receiving "an increased amount of calls for flights" with the ferry out of service.