North West Arm Ferry plans to waive the $4 per crossing fee for the first week

After about a four week delay, the new passenger ferry service across the Northwest Arm is expected to launch next week.

North West Arm Ferry will use a 22-foot pontoon boat to carry people back and forth between a floating dock at the north side of Sir Sandford Fleming Park and Jubilee Drive.

Timothy Backman is one of the captains and said they originally hoped to be up and running about a month ago, but it took longer than expected for the wharf to be installed at the end of Jubilee.

"I believe they put a brand new float in and that was the hold up. It went out for tender and once it was awarded, the company needed time to build it and put it in," he explained.

Backman told NEWS 95.7's The Rick Howe Show, they considered St. Mary's Boat Club as an alternative, but their dock -- designed for kayakers and canoeists -- is low to the water and not safe for loading and unloading passengers.

The pontoon can carry about 10 people and the crossing takes about 4 minutes. The ferry should be able to run about every 15 minutes during the morning and afternoon commutes.

Those hoping to bring a bike or dog are asked to call ahead to make arrangements.

"We're pet-friendly, but it's going to be a matter of whether the other passengers are comfortable and the size of the dog, that kind of thing," said Backman. "It's through the captain's discretion at the time."

The ferry is a private venture, so it's not run by Halifax Regional Municipality.

Opening day is planned for Tuesday, June 4, with a first departure of 7 a.m. from Dingle Park.

It will cost each passenger $4 per crossing, but North West Arm Ferry plans to waive that fee for the first week of the seasonal service.

Passengers can head to the company's Facebook page to get an official schedule, watch for updates and contact the company.