It takes a ferry to discover two river banks

“In visualizing the ferry project, I felt that a link could be established between the river banks of the mainland to the island”, Mrs. Stanevitch said who was accompanied by her parents during the ferry’s inauguration on Monday at the Crescendo restaurant. She named the boat after her father - Daniel.

The boat was built in the Beauce region and was delivered last Wednesday at Verdun’s marina. The Clobé Maritime crossing vessel transported its first passengers after the traditional cutting of the ribbon in the presence of Verdun dignitaries and sponsors.

“It’s going to be popular and will help people from both communities. Plus people can discover the surrounding areas of the two rivers”, said Verdun Borough Mayor Claude Trudel. “It’s one of the best ways to establish links between the mainland and L'Île-des-Soeurs”, MNA for Verdun, Henri-François Gautrin added. “It’s really extraordinary, because Verdun can be seen from another perspective. People will have access to both river banks and can discover their beauty”, Borough Councillor Paul Beaupré added.

Some residents were also able to get a free tour of the river. “It’s refreshing, because passengers can feel the fresh air straight on the water. It’s also very relaxing. Moreover, the journey between the two river banks takes only a short time and it’s completed quickly. I’m looking forward to discovering what is there to discover from the side of the island the next time”, said Pierrette Cadieux who lives on the mainland.

To carry out her ferry project, Béatriz Stanevitch decided the type of boat needed and the spot on both river banks to set up the required infrastructure, one of which was a ramp with a 70 degree slope from the side of the island to be laid out for people in wheel chairs. “It was a ramp that was built in three days and was ready for the inauguration” explained Claude Cayer, business partner of Mrs. Stanevitch.

Mrs. Stanevitch said that the hardest part of her project was obtaining the numerous required permits. The introduction of the ferry was planned for mid-May. Mayor Trudel admired the tenacity of Mrs. Stanevitch. “The first time I met her, I told her that she had a wonderful project. I don’t know if she knew how to swim, but she certainly knows how to run because she obtained all the permits in record time.”

This means of water transportation operates everyday from 8h00 to 20h00 until October. It can accommodate up to 12 people per trip: 6 can be cyclists who can leave their bikes on stationary supports or golfers with their golf club paraphernalia. The 300-meter trip is completed in five minutes. That’s a good way to combine business and pleasure – for some, they can take the bike path from one river bank to the other. Each trip costs $2.50 but a booklet of 10 tickets is sold for $20.00. Clobé Maritime employs eight people – operators, assistants, supervisors and a night guard on duty.