Dartmouth III is a ferry that served the Halifax–Dartmouth route in Nova Scotia from 1978 to 2016.[1][2] After the ferry was retired, it was put up for auction, and bought by a Toronto company for service in Toronto.

Dartmouth III, transiting Halifax Harbour in 2015.

Specifications

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The vessel has two passenger decks, with a small bridge deck above. She has a capacity of 390 passengers. She is propelled by Voith Schneider system.[3]

Halifax service

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In 1980 fans of the rock and roll band, April Wine, overcrowded the vessel, following a concert.[4] Passengers described frightening overcrowding, and finding the extra weight made the vessel seem unstable. During the ten minute trip to Dartmouth the fans caused $20,000 worth of damage. Service was suspended and those left at the ferry terminal had to walk across the bridge crossing.

Toronto service

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Dartmouth III moored in Toronto, 2022

After she was put up for auction the ferry was purchased by the Toronto Island Transit Service, for $100,000.[5] The plans are for the ferry to operate under a charter, beside the ferries owned by the City.

The vessel was sold for $100,000, by a company that runs an amusement park on Toronto's Centre Island.[5] She started a $500,000 refit, and was expected to begin service in Toronto during the 2018 summer season, but has not been put into service.[citation needed]

References

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  1. ^ "Former Dartmouth ferry on its way to Toronto". Chronicle Herald. 2017-07-05. Retrieved 2017-07-08. The ferry, which ran between Halifax and Dartmouth, was decommissioned in December.
  2. ^ Shaina Luck (2017-07-04). "Dartmouth ferry set to make slow, long journey to Toronto". CBC News. Retrieved 2017-07-08. Once in Toronto, the new owners intend to use it to supplement the existing city-run ferry service to Centre Island, said McCulloch.
  3. ^ "HALIFAX TRANSIT FERRIES". Eye Marine. Retrieved 2017-07-08. These four Voith propelled replacement ferries are similar in design to the originals, but incorporate modern safety systems and amenities in order to meet current standards.
  4. ^ "Cops stand back as April Wine fans riot". Chronicle Herald. 2012-05-20. Retrieved 2017-07-08. When the doors finally opened, the jean-jacketed mob surged forward, overpowering the ferry staff. The unstoppable mass, largely decked out in Greb Kodiaks, rumbled down the concrete ramp and stormed the Dartmouth III.
  5. ^ a b Vjosa Isais (2017-07-07). "Toronto is getting a new ferry". Toronto Star. Retrieved 2017-07-08.
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