If Highways were built connecting Port Nelson to Cochrane, Ontario (linking Shamattawa and Moosonee along the way), along with Port Nelson to Gillam, would multiple ferry routes work to go along with it? One route from Fort Severn to Port Nelson (around 400 km) could be a possibility. If a Road to Churchill would be built, possibly a Ferry going from Nunavut Communities like Chesterfield Inlet, Rankin Inlet, Arviat, etc.
A ferry service could offer a seasonal alternative, especially for Nunavut communities relying on coastal routes. However, ferries have challenges including maintenance costs, seasonal reliability, lower speed travel, and travel fluctuations. Ferry systems unfortunately more of a band-aid solution, but could help with reliability of travel and exporting goods, also slightly lowering export costs, until a permanent road or railway can be built. Roads and railways are expensive upfront having to deal with environmental and landform constraints, higher costs, etc. However, they are a long term solution and pay off in the long run. Roads can ensure consistent year-round access and ensuring relaible supply chains for landlocked communities like Shamattawa.
Could a hybrid system work using ice roads in winter and ferries in summer for Fort Severn or Nunavut?
