P.E.I. bridge tolls and ferry fares drop sharply, sparking economic optimism as locals anticipate increased tourism and support for small businesses.
P.E.I. Marks Major Toll and Ferry Fare Reductions
Islanders are celebrating a significant drop in transportation costs as ferry fares and the Confederation Bridge toll were officially reduced, a move hailed by local residents and businesses as a long-awaited boost for tourism and the regional economy.
Federal Announcement Sparks Immediate Impact
Prime Minister Mark Carney visited P.E.I. earlier this week to confirm the changes: effective August 1, the Confederation Bridge toll has been cut from $50.25 to $20, and ferry fares between Wood Islands and Caribou, Nova Scotia, slashed by 50%. The announcement comes amid a broader federal push to improve affordability and interprovincial travel.
Local Businesses Welcome Economic Opportunity
Jared Murphy, CEO and co-owner of Lone Oak Brewing Company, which operates near the bridge in Borden-Carleton, said the toll reduction will directly benefit both tourism and small-scale commerce.
“Thirty dollars saved at the bridge is thirty more that could be spent supporting a local business,” Murphy said. “This makes day trips from the mainland far more appealing — and helps us move more product off-Island at lower cost.”
Municipal Leaders Expect Tourism Uptick
Cora Lee Dunbar, chief administrative officer for Borden-Carleton, said she noticed a rise in vehicle traffic toward the bridge on Friday morning.
“It’s great news for our town and for P.E.I. as a whole,” Dunbar said. “Lower tolls make us more competitive with other tourist regions. It’s been a long time coming.”
Eastern Island Sees Ferry Lines Grow
On P.E.I.’s southeast coast, long lines formed at the Wood Islands ferry terminal on Friday as visitors took advantage of the reduced rates. Treena MacLeod, owner of Treena’s Takeout near the terminal, said she expects to see more foot traffic this season.
“People who never considered the ferry before might now plan a weekend or even a day trip,” MacLeod said. “The service still faces challenges, but this pricing shift is something positive for the community.”
Contract Commitments Ensure Price Stability
The reduced Confederation Bridge toll is guaranteed until at least 2032, when the federal contract with operator Strait Crossing Bridge Ltd. expires. Similarly, the ferry fare cuts will remain until 2029 under Northumberland Ferries Ltd.’s current agreement. Ottawa has pledged to re-evaluate rates at those times.
Islanders Hopeful for Long-Term Gains
The fare reductions come at a critical time for P.E.I.’s tourism sector, which continues to rebound from pandemic-era losses and transportation setbacks — including the 2022 ferry fire that disrupted east coast travel.
“This is the kind of good news we needed,” MacLeod added. “It’s more than just cheaper fares. It’s a signal that people — and their dollars — are welcome here.”
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