Public Service Announcement

Residents Invited to Help Name New Harbour Ferry

Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2014 (Halifax, NS) – The Halifax Regional Municipality and Metro Transit are asking residents to come up with options to name the newest replacement harbour ferry, expected to go into service in 2015.

Earlier this year residents voted to name the fourth harbour ferry “Christopher Stannix” in honour of a young soldier from Cole Harbour who was killed in 2007 while serving with the Canadian Armed Forces in Afghanistan.

The Christopher Stannix is the first new vessel to be added to the Metro Transit ferry fleet in more than 25 years.

Regional Council also approved the construction of two new harbour ferries to replace two aging vessels in the existing Metro Transit harbour fleet. The first of those vessels is expected to be delivered in the spring of 2015. These new vessels will bring more continuity and efficiency to Metro Transit’s ferry services.

Beginning today, Sept. 24, until Sunday, Oct. 12, residents can submit their name ideas for the first new vessel online at www.halifax.ca/surveys.

Metro Transit and Corporate Communications staff will review all submissions and narrow it down to a short list based on appropriateness, originality, cultural significance and diversity. A selection committee comprised of Mayor Mike Savage and one member from each of the three community councils will then develop a final list of five names from which residents can vote for their favourite choice.

The name receiving the most votes will adorn the new ferry, subject to final approval by Transport Canada. The resident who submitted the winning name will receive a one-year conventional transit pass courtesy of Metro Transit and the municipality.

Residents are encouraged to submit as many name suggestions as they wish and to check www.halifax.ca over the coming weeks for the opportunity to vote for the winner.

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Media Contact:

Jennifer Stairs
Halifax Regional Municipality
Public Affairs
902-476-5975
stewarj@halifax.ca