Don McColgan had planned to retire his old diesel ferries in 2012. (CBC)

The old diesel boats will live for another season at the Quyon Ferry docks, as a new cable-run ferry will be delayed until 2014.

The ferry has been transporting vehicles back and forth from the west Quebec town of Quyon to the landing across the Ottawa River in eastern Ontario for decades.

Quyon Ferry owner Don McColgan had intended to retire his two diesel ferries after the fall 2012 and install the new cable-run ferry for 2013.

McColgan confirmed the delay Saturday, saying costs for construction and dredging came in higher than expected, making completion of the docks and dredging not possible in time for the 2013 season.

"I know there were people and businesses counting on the new service in 2013 and we certainly apologize to them for this delay," he wrote in a note on Facebook.

"But, unfortunately it is completely beyond our control and I can assure you that there is no one more disappointed and affected than we, the ferry staff," he wrote.

McColgan said he had already purchased the new ferry and said he was unsure where he would keep it for the coming season.