Cape Vincent man helping lead the way to restore Horne Ferry service

Dick MacSherry is partnering with Bruce Horne to establish a holding company that would allow the cross-border service to return.

The picture on the future of the cross-border Horne Ferry service is becoming much clearer.

One of the remaining pieces is the sale of the vessel and there appears to be a buyer.

Cape Vincent, New York resident Dick MacSherry says he along with the former operator of the ferry will be become partners in a new consortium called Wolfe Vincent Holdings Company.

MacSherry is set to purchase the 74-year-old ferry from the Horne Family which will then be transferred to the holding company. 

He says the vessel is being inspected for defects and will be repaired in order for it to return to service.

The Horne Ferry operated between Cape Vincent and Point Alexandria on Wolfe Island between 1802 and 2024. The ferry service has not operated since after the death of Bruce's brother George.

Bruce retired a few years earlier and the rest of the family decided to sell the ferry and the two docks.

MacSherry says he felt the need to get this important service back up and running again.

One thing that appears to be preventing the ferry service from returning is the installation of customs inspection on the Canadian side.

MacSherry says the current set up on Wolfe Island is inadequate but the RCMP has a mobile trailer that can be utilized.

MacSherry also hinted that Canadian customs could use the facilities on the American side has it has the necessary amenities.

Last year, the ports in Point Alexandria and Cape Vincent were purchased by their respective municipalities.

Once all the pieces are in place, the ferry service could be operating again possibly by next summer.

Story by Ken Hashizume