Wrigley (Oct 17/03) - Residents in Wrigley want their ferry service to run a few weeks beyond the Oct. 19 closing date, but it doesn't look like that's going to happen.

The Pehdzeh Ki First Nation has written a letter to the Department of Transportation requesting an extension of service.

However, the department's budget is set and the Ndulee ferry will shut down as scheduled on Sunday, said Les Shaw, director of marine operations.

"I don't have the money to run the ferry past that date," he said, acknowledging that operations are ceasing about a week earlier than usual due to financial restraints.

The Wrigley band has the full support of Deh Cho First Nations Grand Chief Herb Norwegian.

"People in (Wrigley) are abandoned and isolated until the ice crossing is put in," Norwegian said.

He added that the service could be essential should a medical emergency occur. Heavy fog can sometimes prevent a medevac plane from landing, he said.

Shaw said the Ndulee ferry is not designed to operate when ice is flowing on the river. Although temperatures have been relatively mild in October, he noted that weather can change drastically in a short period.

"Last year is a good example. It was really nice all the way up to about the 21st of October and then, Bam, winter! Then we had ice within three or four days," Shaw recalled.

The Liard River ferry to Fort Simpson generally operates until the first week of November and it has no set date for closure this year, he added.