The Riverhurst Ferry celebrated a historic milestone this year.

Originally commissioned on July 14, 1967, the Riverhurst Ferry recently celebrated 50 years of operation.

"The Riverhurst Ferry provides a convenient route for motorists crossing Lake Diefenbaker, connecting communities on both sides of the lake," Highways and Infrastructure Minister David Marit said. "It’s also Saskatchewan’s only ferry that provides a highway-to-highway connection, connecting Highways 19 and 42."

Riverhurst Ferry onboard
The ferry can transport up to 15 cars at once and transports about 30,000 vehicles every year

Saskatchewan has 13 provincial ferries as well as one barge located in northern Saskatchewan.

Steve Shaheen, with the Government of Saskatchewan's Highways and Infrastructure Communication Department, said the ferry is vital for many producers in the region. 

"There are some agricultural producers in the area that have property on both sides of the river, it's a good way to get thier equipment from one side to the other and it's the only 24-hour a day ferry in Saskatchewan."

He added the ferry travels a distance of about 1.5 kilometers each way and takes about 12-5 minutes to cross.

Riverhurst Ferry Inside
The Riverhurst Ferry is the only ferry in the province that operates 24-hours a day

"The Riverhurst Ferry is listed as one of the things to do here for tourists during the summer months," Riverhurst Mayor Lawny Gustafson said, who also serves as a provincial ferry operator. "The ferry provides a service for many local people, particularly farmers in the area who otherwise would have to travel a longer distance."

 

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