Folks looking to travel across Lake Diefenbaker will have to continue to find somewhere else to cross aside from the Riverhurst Ferry. 

Both engines on the ferry, the main engine and the backup engine, recently failed meaning it won't be back in service for its end-of-June target. 

These engines have been running since their production in the early 1980s, and have reached the end of their serviceable lifespan. 

Dan Palmer, a media spokesperson with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways, apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. He reassures people that they are trying to fix the old engines for the 2024 summer season. 

"There are new engines that are on the way, but we don't expect them to receive until the fall," said Palmer. "We are working hard to get the engine that is there repaired so that the vessel can be up and running."

The new engines will be installed and operational for the 2025 season but will require the ferry to stop operations again for installation.

Part of the reason the current engines are hard to service is the fact they are over 40 years old. Parts have become scarce, leading to long wait times between fixes as the parts first have to be located and delivered. 

"They are at the end of their service life and have become more difficult to service and maintain as industry standards have changed since the engines were originally purchased," explained Palmer. 

For now, no timeline has been set for the Riverhurst Ferry to resume operations. Folks are encouraged to check the Highway Hotline for updates on reopening the ferry.