This Quebec island loses its ferry for 2 months every year. Residents say it’s time for change

Photo: Isabelle Larose/Radio-Canada. Retrieved from cbc.ca

For about two months out of the year, Ralph Josey must rely on his personal boat to transport large items from his home in Entry Island up to Cap-aux-Meules in Quebec’s Magdalen islands.

As of Sunday, the small island of about 60 permanent residents will be without its permanent ferry, the MV Ivan-Quinn, as it undergoes annual maintenance.

The technical shutdown from Sept. 1 to Oct. 19 means residents won’t be able to have trash pickup, ambulatory services or get their cars or big appliances to the mainland.

“I mean right now if my vehicle breaks down I’m stuck,” said Josey.

“We have our own boats … But why should we have to go through the expense of sailing to the main island?”

Josey, who has lived there for nearly six decades, is among those calling for solutions or compensation.

“It’s too long for a shutdown.… That’s our highway. That’s the only route we have off Entry,” said Josey, pointing to the difficulties the maintenance period causes for the island’s seniors.