$6 million grant to help Lake Erie ferry plan

Tuesday, August 02, 2005

Sarah Hollander

Plain Dealer Reporter

A $6 million federal boost could help the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority meet its goal of launching a ferry service to Canada next year.

 

The money - part of the $286 billion U.S. transportation bill - will help pay for construction of a terminal near Cleveland's North Coast Harbor.

 

The proposed Lake Erie passenger and cargo ferry would travel between Cleveland and Port Stanley, Ontario.

 

 

nice to hear its still moving forward

Sweet.  I can't wait to take a day trip up to Canada and bike around or something.  What's there to do in Port Stanley, anyway?

^nothing,

 

go to london

London?  What's there to do in London?

the labatt brewery!

 

 

uh....and the guy lombardo hall of fame...........and toronto is only two hours away.....

Hey, I liked Port Stanley. There's a some old shops and restaurants by the waterfront, and a scenic railroad that departs from a depot near the dock that the ferry would use.

 

As for London, they have a nice downtown area (as most Canadian cities do). Lots of restaurants, a galleria, some nice bike paths, etc. It's a pretty active town that's about the size of Akron but its skyline is much better (including as much high-rise housing as downtown Cleveland has). And, Toronto is two hours away by train, on the direct route that has five trains in each direction on weekdays (plus three more trains in each direction on the indirect route via Stratford, Kitchener and Guelph).

 

My preference is to see a couple of these trains extended 23 miles south from London to Port Stanley to connect with the ferry. There is a railroad track on most, if not all of that right of way, but it needs upgrading. In the interim, connecting buses to London's train station should do.

 

KJP

 

As for London, they have a nice downtown area (as most Canadian cities do). Lots of restaurants, a galleria, some nice bike paths, etc.

KJP

 

please refrain from mentioning the worst "urban renewal" project in london's history

fine, here's a short sample of london

 

 

 

 

from a typical crappy pope tour: http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php?topic=1441.0

Okay, I'm not familiar with the area so I'll ask - when the ferry service is available, could one conceivably board the ferry, arrive in Port Stanley and take some form of rail transit to downtown Toronto?

 

Please say yes

no

 

and no (for bus service), but i'd assume LDOT would at least have that running, they aren't that stupid there........

 

so as of today, personal transportation is the only way from port stanely to ldot

Anyway, I thought some of you would be interested to see what's on the other side of the lake from us (it's odd listening to Cleveland radio stations in another country - plus, Channel 19 was on my hotel TV's cable system in London). I took a few pictures around London, but Pope probably has more pictures of that town than I (hint hint).

 

I don't have cable in Cleveland, but when I did I do remember having tv stations from London on the system. 

 

I never new London was even that big.

Cool.  I will have to get up there someday.

Ferry to Canada delayed to 2007

Port Stanley harbor ownership in flux

Thursday, September 22, 2005

Sarah Hollander

Plain Dealer Reporter

The launch date for a ferry service proposed from Cleveland to Canada has been delayed until 2007.

 

The Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority had hoped to sign a contract with a Dutch company to begin the passenger and cargo service to Port Stanley, Ontario, by next spring or summer.

 

But ownership of Port Stanley's harbor remains in limbo, making the date no longer viable, officials from the port authority and Royal Wagenborg said Wednesday.

 

 

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:

 

[email protected], 216-999-4816

 

Oh well. I wasn't expecting this to happen quickly anyway.

 

KJP

well atleast it wasn't Cleveland draggin' the ball!

and my life goes on.......still hoping though......

It's nice to see there's money for the terminal -- and not just a feasibility study, actual CONSTRUCTION!

I love the way that the Ferry and CVSR will connect Downtown with outdoor recreation opportunities.  A bike ride in the valley will be possible without packing a bike into a car, and I am sure there is some good camping and hiking up on the Canadian Shield (although a car will help for that trip).

If you get the Science Channel, watch a program at 10 a.m. Sunday about this catamaran....

 

http://www.catferry.com/

 

...I'd love to see this on Lake Erie, linked to rail and transit at both ends, of course!

 

KJP

That's awesome! I think a really modern ferry and ferry station would help to "set a tone" of Cleveland being a modern city emerging from its old industrial shell.  It would just make such a contrast to our '50's looking industrial waterfront and freighters.

^ There's a thread for that.

I thought this was it?

Maybe this silly Painesville plan will light a fire under some butts to get the Cleveland ferry going.

I thought this was it?

 

I meant the Port Burwell to Fairport Harbor ferry.  I posted something a week or two ago about it.

Missed it.

Glitches in Canada delay Lake Erie ferry

Saturday, June 03, 2006

Sarah Hollander

Plain Dealer Reporter

 

The launch estimate for a Lake Erie ferry to Canada has been delayed again. Cleveland port officials now say the service won't begin before 2008.

The uncertain future of the harbor at Port Stanley, Ontario - the ferry's proposed northern terminus - is the main source of delay.

 

The Canadian government plans to rid itself of the harbor. But the local government, which wants to take ownership, hasn't been able to seal the deal yet.

 

 

[email protected], 216-999-4816

 

http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/114932349148340.xml&coll=2

 

^Freak in Canadians!

 

John Regan, who retired as director of Cleveland's U.S. Customs Office last year, will investigate the possibility of locating Customs service on board the ferry for quicker cargo movement.

 

I hope they do more than investigate. I don't know how extensive the procedure for inspecting cargo to and from Canada on land is, but doing it on board and speeding the process for everyone will really make this venture economically feasible, especially since I have a feeling that cargo transport will really economically support the ferry more than tourism.

I have a feeling that cargo transport will really economically support the ferry more than tourism.

 

That's the port authority's assessment as well.

If I remember correctly, an article in this morning's (Sunday's) Plain Dealer conjectured that now it looks like no earlier than 2008. My comment at the time was, "Which do you think will come first, Cleveland - Columbus - Cincinnati passenger rail, or the ferry?"

I would say the ferry, because there is less capital investment required for it, Cleveland has the money for the ferry terminal, and has a ferry operator lined up that is willing to provide the boats.

Would the proposed Cleveland ferry terminal be able to service the same type of cruise ships that Toledo is trying to attract?  Would it make sense to make it so?

I would be surprised if it couldn't. The dock which the ferry would use is pretty big/deep -- the proposed ferry is pretty big too!

From the 6/23/06 Akron Beacon Journal:

 

 

Ferry to Canada plan slogs along

Passenger, truck trips across Erie aren't expected until 2008 or later

By Bob Downing

Beacon Journal staff writer

 

CLEVELAND - Plans for a ferry across Lake Erie are slowly progressing, but service for passengers and trucks to Port Stanley, Ontario, is unlikely until 2008 at the earliest.

 

That assessment came from Rose Ann DeLeon, vice president of strategic development for the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority.

 

 

Bob Downing can be reached at 330-996-3745 or [email protected]

 

http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/business/14884137.htm?source=rss&channel=ohio_business

 

"slogs"?

^In the context of the title, I could figure out what it meant... but I still had to look it up to be sure.

From Google - "define: slog"

# plug away: work doggedly or persistently; "She keeps plugging away at her dissertation"

# walk heavily and firmly, as when weary, or through mud; "Mules plodded in a circle around a grindstone"

# slug: strike heavily, especially with the fist or a bat; "He slugged me so hard that I passed out"

wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn

 

I guess it works

doesn't the BJ typically write at a 5 grade level?

July 13, 2006 - Port Stanley, ON - CENTURY 21 Canada is pleased to announce the opening of a new branch location for CENTURY 21 Network Realty Ltd. in Port Stanley, ON. The new location is the second addition to the CENTURY 21 Network Realty Ltd. firm, which established the main St.Thomas location in 1990 and an Aylmer branch in 1994.

 

“We are excited to extend our presence to the Port Stanley area,” says Kewley, who began his real estate career in 1973. “The expansion will enable us to grow in these markets while continuing to provide the same level of quality service to our clients.”

 

“Port Stanley is a hidden gem with a lot of Lake Erie waterfront property. It’s very affordable compared to other resort areas and as a result, many boomer retirees are coming here from all over southwestern Ontario - Toronto in particular. There has also been talk of a Cleveland – Port Stanley ferry service which would open up a huge marketplace to the potential American buyers looking for cottages or summer homes in a beautiful harbourfront village,” continues Kewley.

 

“CENTURY 21 Canada joins Mr. Kewley and his staff in celebrating the announcement of their new branch location in Port Stanley, ON. This new office will allow CENTURY 21 Network Realty Ltd. to provide their customers with easy access to Lake Erie shore properties for sale and the Port Stanley marketplace will certainly benefit from the unique advantages of the globally recognized CENTURY 21 brand,“ says Brian Rushton, Senior Vice-President of Franchise Sales and Development for CENTURY 21 Canada.

 

The new office, located near the harbour at 288 Bridge Street in Port Stanley, ON, offers a full array of real estate services, specializing in residential, recreational and commercial property sales in Elgin and Middlesex counties.

 

Century 21 Canada Limited Partnership is a real estate franchisor with exclusive rights to the CENTURY 21 brand in Canada and is part of the world's largest residential real estate sales organization. CENTURY 21 provides comprehensive training, management, administrative and marketing support for the CENTURY 21 System, which is comprised of more than 7,800 independently owned and operated franchised broker offices in 44 countries and territories, with more than 143,000 sales associates worldwide. CENTURY 21 Canada is the only organization to offer customers AIR MILES® reward miles on real estate transactions. For more information visit the award-winning CENTURY 21 Canada website at www.century21.ca.

 

 

For more information, please contact:

 

Harold Kewley, Owner

 

 

When I was in Port Stanley three summers ago to look at the town and check out the port facilities, I was amazed at how small the town was. Yet, it's one of, if not the most populous towns on the Canadian shore of Lake Erie -- and I drove the whole north shore on that trip. Fascinating drive.

 

Anyway, while in Port Stanley, the thought that came to my head is that I wished I had some disposable income because I would be buying up land there right now! And with such a sleepy little fishing community, you could probably get land there very cheap.

^well a lot of the land is extremely valuable as farming, specifically tomatoes and wines due to the rich soil and short freeze cycle

No farms in Port Stanley, Mark.

have you looked at an aerial map recently?

The GoogleEarth image is too low-res to make out details. I'm just going with my memories of the photos and video I shot in the area.

well I'm canadian, so take my word for it.

from the July 14 NOACA board meeting:

 

Board members also approved the Trans-Erie Ferry Terminal project, submitted by the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority, for inclusion on NOACA’s Transportation Plan, Connections 2030, and State Fiscal Year 2006 – 2009 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The project has been earmarked for SAFETEA-LU funds and includes the construction of a 30,000 square foot terminal building and operational costs to ferry both passengers and cargo across Lake Erie.

 

http://www.noaca.org/july06rel.html

 

 

^ where exactly would the 30,000 sq ft building go?

Still no date, but at least somebody is trying to make this happen sooner, rather then later.

 

 

Tubbs Jones, English Reintroduce the Great Lakes Short Sea Shipping Enhancement Act  

 

 

Legislation Would Increase Commerce and Economic Development in the Region

 

    WASHINGTON, Feb. 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Representatives

Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D-OH) and Phil English (R-PA), Senior Members of the

House Ways and Means Committee, reintroduced H.R., 981, the "Great Lakes

Short Sea Shipping Enhancement Act of 2007." The legislation is designed to

improve the efficiency of commerce in Cleveland (Ohio), Erie

(Pennsylvania), and the surrounding Great Lakes region and ports.

    Under current law, the Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT) is assessed on

cargo transported between U.S. ports, and cargo imported to U.S. ports from

other countries. Because the HMT is only assessed on cargo if it moves by

ship, the tax serves as a disincentive to move trucks and their freight by

water. As such, the tax actually contributes to greater highway congestion

which results in choked border crossings, increased fuel consumption, and

increased air pollution.

    The Great Lakes Short Sea Shipping Enhancement Act would provide a

narrow exemption to the HMT for the movement of non-bulk commercial cargo

by water in the Great Lakes region. This includes the movement of freight

and people between U.S. ports on the Great Lakes and between U.S. and

Canadian ports on the Great Lakes.

    By removing the HMT as a disincentive, this legislation will encourage

the development of new shipping services on the Great Lakes. This could

lead to the creation of new jobs in the maritime sector and enable

commerce, such as steel and automotive parts, to flow more efficiently in

and out of Cleveland and Erie.

    "The Port of Cleveland and the economies of Northeast Ohio and the

Great Lakes region stand to benefit significantly if we expand the usage of

our waterways," stated Rep. Tubbs Jones. "H.R. 981 will increase the

commercial flow into our region and create jobs. The legislation will also

decrease truck congestion on our highways, polluted air emissions, and wear

and tear on our roads."

    "Burdening facilities with unfair taxes like the Harbor Maintenance Tax

impedes the area's economic development and serves as a major impediment to

the ferry traffic that is so critical for our local economy," said Rep.

English. "This measure is a straightforward fix that would encourage

greater mobility of freight and passenger transport."

    "The Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority applauds Congresswoman

Tubbs Jones for reintroducing the Great Lakes Short Sea Shipping

Enhancement Act. Moving more cargo by water could lead to substantial

economic development benefits for the Cleveland area. The Congresswoman's

efforts will contribute to the success of the future Cleveland-Canada ferry

service and positively impact the region's economy," said Adam Wasserman,

President of the Cleveland- Cuyahoga Port Authority.

    "As the Port of Erie works to initiate new ferry service to Canada,

this legislation will remove the primary roadblock, clearing the way for

the creation of more than two hundred new jobs," stated Ray Schreckengost,

Executive Director of the Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority.

    H.R. 981 would create a win-win situation for the public and private

sectors. The legislation would:

    * Clear the way for new shipping services to be offered on the Great

      Lakes, creating jobs in the maritime sector;

    * Enable commerce to flow more efficiently by offering trucks alternatives

      to congested highways;

    * Reduce the amount of wear and tear on the region's roads by offering

      trucks alternatives to congested highways;

    * Reduce air emissions and improve air quality by diverting  trucks off

      congested highways will.

 

    Specific Benefit to the Cleveland region

    A study concluded that running a ferry service between Cleveland, Ohio

and the Greater London Area of Ontario Canada is feasible as a profitable

venture. There is a strong market demand for the proposed ferry service.

The project would employ two vessels, one based in Cleveland and one in

Canada. The proposed ferry service could transport 250,000 passengers,

42,000 vehicles and 25,000 trucks annually between Cleveland and Port

Stanley, Ontario.

    This ferry service has the potential to accommodate significant numbers

of both cargo and passengers. The Great Lakes Short Sea Shipping

Enhancement Act would make the ferry service an economically viable option

for those interested in moving cargo efficiently between the U.S. and

Canada. The jobs created by the ferry service, including new shore-side

jobs, as well as the possibility of increased tourism and trade in the

area, could prove a significant economic boom to the Cleveland area   

 

Specific Benefit to the Erie region

    Erie is also planning a ferry service, which would be enhanced by The

Great Lakes Short Sea Shipping Enhancement Act. One ferry will exclusively

be a passenger ferry, the second will be a freight ferry for trucks. The

two ferries will operate between Erie, PA and Nanticoke, Ontario.

    According to a 2004 economic impact study commissioned by the

Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority, the two ferries will create 260

direct jobs. The two ferries will also generate 1,200 indirect jobs in

Erie, and 4,800 indirect jobs Pennsylvania-wide. The ferries are expected

to generate an additional $67.5 million in additional personal income, and

result in an additional $16.3 million in state and federal tax revenue.

 

bump....any updates??

Seriously, I have a real personal interest in this ferry (frequent visitor to London)