Background Last year, the MV Merv Hardie made its first crossing of the Mackenzie River on May 9. The earliest date of the first crossing was in 1993 on May 6. The latest date of the first crossing was almost 40 years ago when the ferry had to wait until May 31. Spread out over the last the last five years and the last 10 years, the average first crossing date remains constant. Both the five year and the 10-year average date of first crossing is May 12.

Still no word on ferry

Update on Fort Providence crossing conditions expected Monday

Kevin Wilson
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (May 04/01) - Officials from the department of transportation say it's too soon to tell when the MV Merv Hardie will resume crossings at Fort Providence.

Dale Thomson, a spokesperson for the department says he's received, "no reports yet," about breakup conditions at the crossing.

"If you look at the 10-year average on our Web site, the crossing generally opens between mid-May and the end of May," says Thomson.

Thomson says that he expects to have an update on river breakup conditions on Monday.

Breakup is a predictable affair, according to researchers, dependent on how quickly the ice melts. However, the rate of melt from Great Slave Lake also plays a factor.

Officials had previously indicated that the ferry would resume operations the week of May 8.

Thomson says people can check the department of transportation's Web site, or call the toll-free information line to keep up-to-date.