Sandusky renews contract with Pelee Islander boat

SANDUSKY — Just because construction has overtaken Jackson Street Pier doesn't mean people won't be able to board a boat from Sandusky to Canada this summer.During a recent public meeting, city commissioners renewed a contract with Owen Sound Transportation Co. to continue ferry service through Sept. 29, 2019. It's the area's only public waterway transportation service connecting Canada and the U.S.The boat, often referred to as the Pelee Islander, travels from downtown Sandusky's Jackson Street Pier to Pelee Island, Ontario, Canada, in addition to making other stops along Lake Erie's shoreline. A one-year extension allows the boat to arrive, dock and depart from the city space.Owen Sound executives, who operate the Pelee Islander and other vessels, agreed to pay Sandusky about $11,000 this year for dockage fees. It's slightly less than a 2 percent uptick compared to the 2018 price of about $10,800.No official voiced any opposition to the move."Having the Pelee Islander in Sandusky makes Sandusky an internationally connected city and yet another amenity that makes us the greatest destination on the Great Lakes," city manager Eric Wobser said.One-way trips from Sandusky to Pelee Island, or vice versa, total $13.75 for adults; $11.25 for seniors; $6.75 for children between the ages of 6 and 12; and free for children ages 5 and younger. Visit ontarioferries.com/en/home for a full 2018 schedule and more information.Officials sectioned off an area within Jackson Street Pier's work zone so people can still access the Pelee Islander this year. An ongoing $8.1 million project, which started in late 2018 and won't finish until spring 2020, aims to, among other aspects, improve Homeland Security areas necessary to preserve ferry service.The gist on the JiimaanThe Jiimaan is jumping back into U.S. waters.After a short stint serving international waterway travelers from Sandusky to Canada and back in 1992, the boat should make its return at Jackson Street Pier by next year.The Pelee Islander will continue crisscrossing international waters, shuttling passengers between Canada and Sandusky up until later this year, after this sailing season ends.But starting in 2020, the Jiimaan will assume this responsibility and carry out these trips, which include Leamington, Kingsville and Pelee Island. When this happens, the Pelee Islander will be taken out of service.A company-sponsored study, completed in 2011, identified the need to replace the Pelee Islander, which is more than 60 years old.The Owen Sound Transportation Co. operates both the Jiimaan and the Pelee Islander.Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.Sandusky officials renewed a deal with the Pelee Islander's parent company. It allows the Canadian-bound boat to arrive, dock, and depart from the Jackson Street Pier.