Bring back the Pelee Islander

We're happy to know that the city hopes to bring back the Pelee Islander, the ferry that crisscrosses international waters to shuttle passengers back and forth from Canada. Pelee Islander ferry. Provided photo/TOM HORSMAN It's been three years since it last docked at the Jackson Street Pier. The city has offered the Owen Sound Transportation Co. a contract to operate passenger boating services between Canada and the U.S. through April 2027. With extensions, the deal could be extended through April 2033. The ferry is a win-win for the city and for Pelee Island, in the Canadian province of Ontario, to showcase the recreational and dining opportunities here and there. It also makes Sandusky and international port city on Lake Erie. The payment from the company — $800,000 — will help offset the costs associated with the renovation of the Jackson Street Pier. The contract includes escalating rental payments for the Dock, subsequently. That money will help replenish the city's capital account, which funds larger-scale projects. The Pelee Islander's hiatus, in 2020 and 2021, was due to COVID-19-related restrictions. It's still unknown when exactly, those restrictions will be lifted. In the past, the ferry generally served people on this route throughout the summertime. Now, when the service returns is anyone's guess. We hope the international traveling restraints get eased soon so the ferry returns this year.