NWT ferries begin to close for the season

As weather conditions change and ice begins to set in for the season, ferry routes across the territory are starting to close down.

The MV Johnny Berens outside Wrigley is now closed for the remainder of the season, according to a Tuesday tweet from the territory’s Department of Infrastructure.

Currently, the Liard River’s MV Lafferty ferry outside Fort Simpson is on 24-hour watch for closure. Its hours of operation have been modified to 9am to 6pm, with a load limit of 40,000 kg.

Residents are being warned by the territorial government to move any last supplies while they are still able.

The Arctic Red River-Mackenzie River ferry was placed on 48-hour watch as of Tuesday afternoon. Depending on conditions, the ferry may close sooner.

The Peel River ferry is still operational, with no warning from the territorial government as yet. In the past, the ferry’s 15-year average closing date has been November 8.

Updates on ferries can be found on the department’s website and Twitter profile.