The Government of the Northwest Territories announced on Wednesday that it is extending its ferry operating hours in response to relaxed Covid-19 restrictions.
NNSL file photo
Adapted operating hours for the MV Lafferty on the Liard River, the MV Johnny Berens on the Mackenzie River/N'Dulee, the CF Abraham Francis on the Peel River, and the MV Louis Cardinal on the Arctic Red River/Mackenzie River were released Wednesday.
| Crossing | Highway | Maximum Passengers | Hours of Operation |
| Liard River (MV Lafferty) | Highway 1 | 10 | 8:00 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. |
| Mackenzie River/N'Dulee (MV Johnny Berens) | Highway 1 | 10 | 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. |
| Peel River (CF Abraham Francis) | Highway 8 | 20 | 9:15 a.m. to 12:45 a.m. |
| Arctic Red River/Mackenzie River (MV Louis Cardinal) | Highway 8 | 25 | 8:15 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. |
"Each ferry will begin operating when water and ice conditions are safe to do so," states the news release. "The GNWT will monitor both ferry activity and the changing environment surrounding COVID-19 and will modify hours as required."
The GNWT is also ensuring that safety precautions are being taken to help ensure that the virus isn't spread and they include requiring a 10 person passenger limit on the ferries, that all passengers will remain in their vehicles during crossing, that passengers must honk their vehicle horns if they want to use the bathroom, cleaning and sanitizing practices increased and taking place throughout the day between crossings.
As passengers wait on the shore for the ferry, they are also required to stay six feet away from one another.