Monday, May 12, 2014 (Halifax, NS) -Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) and Metro Transit are pleased to invite residents at an event to unveil the new ferry “Christopher Stannix” and to honour the memory Master Corporal Stannix, for whom the ferry is named.

HRM residents chose the name of the ferry, through a ferry naming contest approved by Regional Council. As part of the celebrations, residents will have access to free ferry service all day on both the Alderney and Woodside Routes.

The ferry will ensure that residents will have increased service on the Woodside/Halifax route and is the first new vessel added to the ferry fleet in 28 years.

The official ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. Mayor Savage, Regional Councillors, honoured guests Candice Ziowlowski, Ken and Kate Stannix, members of the Canadian Military, and representatives from A.F. Theriault, the company that build the ferry, will be in attendance. El Jones, HRM’s Poet Laureate, will present. Attendees will be serenaded by the Auburn Drive High School band and a graphic recording artist will capture the event in images and words. Residents may take a look inside the new ferry between 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Event unveiling new ferry, honouring Master Corporal Stannix Wednesday, May 14, 2014 10 a.m. – 11 a.m., public may tour inside new ferry 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. Nathan Green Square, near Halifax Ferry Terminal building Rain date: Thursday, May 15 – same time, same location

Master Corporal Stannix was a graduate of Auburn High School and attended Saint Mary’s University. In 2001 he enlisted with the Canadian Armed Forces. In April 2007, he was killed when the vehicle he was in struck a roadside bomb in Afghanistan. He was 24 years old.

The new ferry will go into service on May 20. The updated schedule for the Woodside Ferry Route can be found here: http://www.halifax.ca/metrotransit/Schedules/WoodsideFerryExpansion.html

Source: Release