Dartmouth III is a ferry that served the Halifax–Dartmouth route in Nova Scotia from 1978 to 2016.[1][2] After the ferry was retired, it was put up for auction, and bought by a Toronto company for service in Toronto.

Dartmouth III, transiting Halifax Harbour in 2015.

Specifications edit

The vessel has two passenger decks, with a small bridge deck above. She has a capacity of 390 passengers. She is propelled by Voith Schneider system.[3]

Halifax service edit

In 1980 fans of the rock and roll band, April Wine, overcrowded the vessel, following a concert.[4] Passengers described frightening overcrowding, and finding the extra weight made the vessel seem unstable. During the ten minute trip to Dartmouth the fans caused $20,000 worth of damage. Service was suspended and those left at the ferry terminal had to walk across the bridge crossing.

Toronto service edit

 
Dartmouth III moored in Toronto, 2022

After she was put up for auction the ferry was purchased by the Toronto Island Transit Service, for $100,000.[5] The plans are for the ferry to operate under a charter, beside the ferries owned by the City.

The vessel was sold for $100,000, by a company that runs an amusement park on Toronto's Centre Island.[5] She started a $500,000 refit, and was expected to begin service in Toronto during the 2018 summer season, but has not been put into service.[citation needed]

References edit

  1. ^ "Former Dartmouth ferry on its way to Toronto". Chronicle Herald. 2017-07-05. Retrieved 2017-07-08. The ferry, which ran between Halifax and Dartmouth, was decommissioned in December.
  2. ^ Shaina Luck (2017-07-04). "Dartmouth ferry set to make slow, long journey to Toronto". CBC News. Retrieved 2017-07-08. Once in Toronto, the new owners intend to use it to supplement the existing city-run ferry service to Centre Island, said McCulloch.
  3. ^ "HALIFAX TRANSIT FERRIES". Eye Marine. Retrieved 2017-07-08. These four Voith propelled replacement ferries are similar in design to the originals, but incorporate modern safety systems and amenities in order to meet current standards.
  4. ^ "Cops stand back as April Wine fans riot". Chronicle Herald. 2012-05-20. Retrieved 2017-07-08. When the doors finally opened, the jean-jacketed mob surged forward, overpowering the ferry staff. The unstoppable mass, largely decked out in Greb Kodiaks, rumbled down the concrete ramp and stormed the Dartmouth III.
  5. ^ a b Vjosa Isais (2017-07-07). "Toronto is getting a new ferry". Toronto Star. Retrieved 2017-07-08.

External links edit