The mayor of Placentia doubts there will be a ferry run to the area this summer as mechanical issues continue to plague Marine Atlantic’s brand new vessel.
The Ala’suinu, which was supposed to set sail in June, has been delayed for a third time after crews found more debris within the lubrication system.
The new start date has been set for July 11, but even Marine Atlantic admits that isn’t set in stone.
Placentia Mayor Keith Pearson believes that even if the Ala’suinu enters service within the next few weeks, the damage has already been done.
He says customer confidence in the Argentia run has already been tarnished, given the numerous delays and uncertainty around the vessel’s functionality.
Pearson says local businesses are missing out on the crucial economic benefits the annual ferry run brings to region.
He’s calling on Marine Atlantic to reassign one of the gulf ferries to the Argentia route, and suggests the federal government step in.
Pearson says it’s only right for government to compensate the businesses which are missing out during the vital tourism season.