Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport announced that Transport Canada has awarded a $32-million contract to Dexter Construction, based in Bedford, Nova Scotia, to replace the movable transfer bridge at the Souris ferry terminal on Prince Edward Island.
The transfer bridge connects the ferry to the terminal, allowing passengers and vehicles to board and disembark safely. The project will help modernize critical infrastructure while creating local employment opportunities during design and construction.
“This ferry terminal is a crucial link for people and businesses in the region, connecting them to their communities, jobs, and markets. By replacing the transfer bridge, we’re investing in the infrastructure needed to keep this service safe and reliable for years to come. Investments like this support economic growth in Eastern Canada, while building a stronger, more connected economy,” said MacKinnon.
The Souris ferry terminal is the Prince Edward Island connection for the year-round ferry service to Cap-aux-Meules, Quebec. It is the main transportation mode to the remote Magdalen Islands, ferrying everything from basic goods and medicines to around 135,000 passengers and nearly 59,000 vehicles per year.
Through the Ferry Services Contribution Program, the Government of Canada is continuing to invest in essential infrastructure and services that strengthen regional mobility, support supply chains, and allow communities to remain connected. Investments like this one help ensure Canadians continue to benefit from strong transportation links that support economic growth across Atlantic Canada and Eastern Quebec.
“The two unloading ramps in Souris are an important asset for the reliability of the essential ferry service,” said Emmanuel Aucoin, General Manager, CTMA.
Design work on the new movable transfer bridge will begin immediately, with construction expected to start later this year. The new transfer bridge is expected to be completed by summer 2028.
A fixed transfer bridge has been built to maintain ferry operations throughout the project and help ensure service continuity during construction.
