News Releases

Media Bulletin - Manitoba

September 23, 2016

New Cable Ferry for Norway House to Launch to Red River in Selkirk



Manitoba Infrastructure reports the launch of the new 156-tonne Cable Ferry Gilbert Laugher, will occur later this morning from the riverside provincial maintenance yard in Selkirk on the Red River, where crews have completed work on it. 

The vessel will require further testing and will remain at the Selkirk location for the winter.  In the spring of 2017, it will be moved to the north end of Lake Winnipeg and portaged overland to avoid the rapids at Sea Falls along the Nelson River at PR 373.  It will serve the community and area of Norway House First Nation.  

Moving the large vessel the two kilometres from the manufacturer’s Selkirk shop to the water’s edge is a major task, using a 96-tire transport platform with pilot vehicles over a 16-km route around Selkirk to the riverside location. 

The vessel name honours Gilbert Sandy Laugher, who was born in Norway House in 1928.  Working around lake vessels much of his life, he worked as a respected, long-service government ferry operator, until he retired in late 1993.  Gilbert passed away in 2008.  The First Nations communities he served nominated Laugher in recognition of his outstanding service. 

The $3.1-million ferry will replace the aging C.F. James Apetagon, which has been in service since 1977.  The Apetagon will see limited use at another undetermined location. 

- 30 -