Study Background

Pelee Island
The northern tip of Pelee Island is located 26 km south of Leamington, in Lake Erie. Pelee Island is the largest Lake Erie Island, with 10,000 acres. Approximately 6,400 acres of arable land are in agriculture, and a significant portion of the remaining land is dedicated to conservation and natural heritage. Pelee Island is a significant attraction for bird watching, hunting and eco-tourists. 

Roughly 320 residents live year round on Pelee Island, and in the summer months the population grows to approximately 1,200 with cottagers and vacationers. 

Transportation Services
Transportation services to Pelee Island have evolved over the years in response to: local business interests; support for the permanent and seasonal residents; servicing to meet local agricultural and tourism/recreational market needs; and in consideration of the operational constraints imposed by physical, seasonal and cost constraints.

Pelee Island’s West Dock is used for all ferry services operating between Pelee Island and Leamington and Kingsville on mainland Ontario and between Pelee Island and Sandusky, on mainland Ohio. 

During the winter ice-up of Lake Erie, air services are provided between Pelee Island and Windsor Airports. 

Owen Sound Transportation Company (OSTC) is currently contracted to provide ferry and air services on behalf of the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO). 

Current Ferry Vessels
The 64-metre MV Jiimaan was built in 1992 and can carry up to 400 passengers and 35 automobiles. This vessel is the main service provider to Pelee Island from the docks in Leamington and Kingsville in the summer months. 

The 42-metre MV Pelee Islander was build in 1959 and can carry up to 196 passengers and 10 automobiles. It is the only vessel used during the spring and fall “shoulder” seasons for service to Leamington and Kingsville, and also to provide service to Sandusky in the summer. 

Pelee Island Transportation Needs Study
The current study will develop a sustainable transportation plan for Pelee Island, including immediate (3-year) needs and long term (20-25) year needs. See details in Study Overview

To obtain additional information, provide initial comments, or to be placed on the study mailing list please contact the Project Team.