It is a common misconception that once the last ferry sails for the season in December that those living on Pelee Island year round are island-bound with no provisions or connection to the outside world until the ferry begins its daily treks across the lake again in the spring.

For almost four months, while the ferries tie up in Kingsville and Leamington terminals, residents rely on daily flights back and forth from Windsor International Airport (YQG) to Pelee Island Airport (YPT). An 8-passenger Cessna Caravan is operated by Cameron Air and flies out of the Great Lakes Flight Centre at Windsor International Airport.

Transportation across the lake, on the Island, and back again, is always an issue. So many Islanders leave vehicles at the Windsor International Airport and also on the Island in order to be able to get to mainland locations and home again.

Traveling with pets requires the crating of furry friends. Fido can be accommodated on the plane, being charged at 19 cents per pound, or under $10 for a dog 50 pounds or less.

Adults that fly regularly pay $22.31 each way, with seniors earning a reduced rate of $17 each way.

According to the Owen Sound Transportation website, Cameron Air Service requires that all passengers be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to board their aircraft. Passengers who are not fully vaccinated will be denied boarding unless a legitimate religious or medical exemption has been granted.

Once aboard, the crossing takes 15 to 25 minutes, depending on which runway is used in Windsor, and on weather conditions. The Pelee Island Airport is located on the west side of Pelee Island with an asphalt runway just over 3,300 feet in length.

For many mainlanders, having to order groceries in advance, to shop online or by phone, are the new normal due to COVID-19. But for Pelee Islanders, that just sounds like a typical winter.

In the winter months, the Pelee Island Co-operative Association takes the lead on getting groceries and perishable supplies to Islanders. The Co-op is located at the north end of the island and is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with extended hours to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays. Residents can shop in person, or call and email in orders if preferred.

The Co-op also serves as the Island post office and gas station. On Wednesdays fresh produce, bread and dairy products arrive, and it’s a day many look forward to.

Manager of the Co-op Melissa Evers explains, “We try to get as much non-perishable stock in before the ferry stops to minimize our freight costs with the plane. We still bring in bread, milk and produce weekly and other requested items when we can.”

Melissa anticipates special requests from customers to increase in February, when the residents’ supplies start to dwindle.

Not all flights to and from Pelee Island carry passengers. Operations Manager of Cameron Air Adam Zahody says freight runs are being added during the pandemic.

“February 17th, 2022 we will be adding an additional freight run as per OSTC (Owen Sound Transportation Company). Cargo loads have been higher throughout the pandemic as fewer residents engage in discretionary travel to and from the mainland to shop for provisions.”

As much as some freight can be accommodated on the plane, it can be costly. Larger building materials needed for home improvements or furniture have to be brought to the Island before the ferry stops, or wait until spring.

Melissa has one message for people considering wintering on Pelee Island.

“Come prepared! We do try to carry popular items but this last year has proven difficult to even have the basics on hand. We understand that for most people on Pelee, we are their supplier of perishable items and occasionally a pantry item or two, so we do our best to keep popular items in stock.”

Most Islanders have come to manage the challenges Island life presents and are rarely caught off guard. Sharing resources and relying on your neighbours is a way of life that most islanders value, and it’s certainly required on a remote island in the middle of a Great Lake in the dead of winter.