I had a message from a concerned reader last week saying he had heard a rumour that the Stockton Ferry (Ferry) was scheduled to be closed within the next 5 to 10 years because it wasn’t being used.
The reader went on to say he was extremely concerned because he used the Ferry regularly and was hoping that, “if it were to close, that it would be replaced with a bridge because not having it was going to impact not only him, but the many other travellers that depended on the Ferry.”
I took the question to the RM of Glenboro – South Cypress office.
After speaking to staff, I can share that there is no truth to the rumour that the Ferry will be closing, nor are there any plans to build any bridges.
The Stockton Ferry is here to stay!
The discussion with the RM staff regarding the Ferry made me think we should be looking at its history.
The Stockton Ferry, the last operational ferry in southern Manitoba, is an icon and a tourist attraction in the area. It is also still used by a large number of locals who need a ride to the other side of the river.
The Ferry also has a long and interesting history as well, with connections to Morris, Manitoba.
According to the Manitoba Historical Society, the Ferry was originally constructed by William Liggett in 1945. Built completely from wood, its size allowed just about any vehicle to be moved easily across the river, being an immense 18.2 feet in width and 34.6 feet in length.
This particular ferry remained cable operated until needing to be upgraded in 1960, when it was changed over to a gas powered, 3 brake horsepower engine. This changeover allowed the ferry to run with only a few interruptions until a major upgrade was made when the Aubigny Ferry was purchased in February of 1966, from the RM of Morris, who had installed a new bridge making the Aubigny Ferry unnecessary.
The Aubigny Ferry had been manufactured in Winnipeg in 1945 with a steel hull and wooden deck. It was larger than the original Stockton Ferry, with a deck measuring 47.8 feet long and 18.4 feet wide, allowing 4 passenger cars to be moved at the same time.
The newly purchased Aubigny Ferry was transported to its new home and by April, 1966 the Aubigny Ferry, renamed Stockton Ferry, began its seasonal service, remaining at the crossing until 1989.Over the years, several modifications were made, including the addition of steel ramps to both ends of the deck.
Although it was well maintained, as the ferry aged, it began to need additional repairs to keep it running.
In 1989 the Treesbank Bridge opened, making the Treesbank Ferry obsolete, ending its 109 year history.
The RM of South Cypress purchased the Treesbank Ferry III, using it to replace the then existing Stockton Ferry.
The former Aubigny Ferry, then operating as Stockton Ferry, was sold as scrap to Bud Miller, who had it removed from the Stockton Ferry site.
Our local Stockton Ferry is a solid piece of our area’s history and will remain as such for many years to come.
If you are looking for the perfect place to visit, stop at the Stockton Ferry, enjoy a leisurely trip across the Assiniboine River or just savour your picnic lunch under the newly installed picnic shelter outfitted with picnic tables and a huge historical display of the Stockton Ferry.
Caption: The Stockton Ferry has been helping people cross the Assiniboine River since 1945 and there are no plans for this critically required service to end anytime soon. PHOTO BY SUZANNE PADDOCK
