Dawson City, Yukon's George Black ferry nears retirement after serving town for over 50 years

It's been a good run for Dawson City, Yukon's George Black ferry but it is soon going to be retired.

Operated, and maintained by the Yukon Government's department of highways and public works, the aging ferry has transported passengers across the Yukon River in the summer months for over 50 years.

For some locals, and most visitors it connects the main town with the Top of the World Highway, and the residential subdivisions that occupy the west side of the river.

"It's time to replace it with a newer, more reliable option," said department spokesperson Kalah Klassen. "We are starting the planning phase to replace the George Black ferry."

Klassen said the department made the decision to replace the ferry after hearing concerns from users that mechanical issues in recent years have impacted it's reliability. 

Klassen said before a new ferry can be built or purchased, a 'planning study' has to be done first, which would entail looking at possible design options and how the replacement could best serve the community.

Klassen said the department has budgeted $100,000 for the study which will take approximately two years to complete. She said at that point a budget for replacing the ferry would be determined.

"We're looking at starting the actual replacement in 2027 and we're hoping to have it fully in place by 2029," she said.

"I don't know if you've driven in a vehicle made in the sixties any time recently but they're usually louder. Consume more fuel. So I think with a new vehicle with our modern technology it's just going to be better, more efficient , more reliable all around."

Klassen said she doesn't know what will happen with the George Black ferry once it's retired.

Leading up to this decision, the department of Highways and Public Works held numerous public engagement sessions in Dawson where it received feedback from locals.

Residents offered ideas like a gondola, a tunnel, and most commonly suggested a bridge.

Klassen said this replacement doesn't mean that a bridge in the future will never happen, but at this point in time replacing the ferry is the best, quickest, and most cost effective way to keep traffic flowing.

"After our public engagement in 2023, and extensive technical analysis it was clear that a new ferry is the best option for making sure we have reliable access across the river in Dawson."