At least three (3)viable ferry alternatives to the Causeway and Bridge proposal have been identified. These alternatives do not only provide safe and convenient travel for the many passengers who are without cars, but also for bicyclers, and alternate vehicle users. Provision for an all weather, year-round reliable, environmentally friendly, sustainable dependable, transportation service across the Lake Simcoe waters, to and from Georgina lsland.
Without going into detailed costing, a Ferry Based solutions would be less than ten (10%) percent of Causeway and Bridge financial solution. The Causeway and Bridge will encounter snow, ice and unsafe
conditions and will require additional maintenance for safe transit operations, which will see certain levels of salt and chemicals being utilized, seeping into the lake and water system affecting the
environment. The construction phase of the Causeway and Bridge alone will have serious impact on fish, birds, marine and animal life, as well as local plant life.
Feedback indicated several concerns included but not limited to; "end of life" for the existing Ferry; a replacement lce Capable Ferry requiring a draft of at least 10ft (3.048 m; a Vessel even the size of the current Ferry could not be delivered into Lake Simcoe.

Based on conversations with the ferry manufacturer, experts and operators, and requests to Transport Canada, we are confident that there is substantially more life in that vessel.  properly maintained as much as twenty (20) more years.

Development in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering have developed significantly and the building of a new lce Capable Ferry the same size or
even bigger than the existing is not a problem along with hull designs that would only require 7 ft (2.133m)draft.
Some very viable options that could be considered are as follows
1. Retrofit the existing Ferry from a Diesel Power to Battery Power Electric Propulsion type system.
Full Hull lnspection and NDT to establish any level of deterioration and tentative additional repairs and/or structural reinforcement to mitigate any ice breaking concerns. With tentative barges being made available for interim transit and emergencies.
2. A new lce Capable Electric Ferry built bigger to accommodate more vehicles (up to 30) and more passengers (up to 100). or.
3. The combination of 1 & 2, so that if and when required they could operate simultaneously in the busier periods on a strict route to provide safe and clear passage on a timely basis. The older Ferry could then be and Emergency and/or back-up for the new Ferry, and this would also
accommodate the ability for removing one of the vessels out of service for maintenance
purposes.
These are just some basic suggestions to clearly indicate that there are many options available, and certainly there should be no pressure for the IAAC to rush into any assessment decision because of the
suggested "end of life" conditions. Canadian ferry manufacturers such as Hike Metails could partner in manufacturing a new safe, dependable, economical, environmentally friendly Vessel for the GIFN to operate to and from Georgina lsland. Also, the retrofit program, and/ or any combination that can provide a high level of confidence and satisfaction for all parties.