Border fee proposal creates concern on Campobello council

Campobello Mayor Stephen Smart doesn't mince words. Speaking at the monthly council meeting on April 29, he observed, "We're a little different than anybody else." In a follow‑up interview he expanded on that statement by observing that it referred to both the provincial plan to reorganize area emergency services and to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's suggestion that may lead to border crossing fees.
Residents of Campobello are quite aware of Smart's concerns, as the island lacks many services that can only be obtained by entering United States territory, either by traveling to the Canadian mainland via the crossing at Calais, or else from providers in the United States. "This would ruin tourism," said Councilor Corliss Calder, with other members of the council nodding in agreement. "It could, in fact," stated another, "cause people to move back to the mainland."
"Maybe this will make them rethink the ferry service they don't want to provide," quipped Smart.
U.S. Senator Susan Collins, herself a Maine native from Aroostook County, opposes such border crossing fees. In a recent letter to the Senate Appropriations Committee, Collins cited Maine International Trade Center data that show 300,000 individuals crossing between the United States and Canada every day. She stated that "imposing a land border fee on individuals would further deter Canadians from visiting the United States. A decrease in tourism and travel would have a detrimental impact on these border communities and hinder the strong economic relationship between the U.S. and Canada."
While the final details of the provincial emergency services realignment are not yet known, it is clear that many services will only be available through operations at St. Stephen.
In other business, John Hough, race manager for the upcoming Bay of Fundy International Marathon, spoke to the council. "When we came before you in September we didn't know we needed to get a letter of support," Hough explained, adding that the document was needed before the RCMP could provide support. The council voted unanimously to provide the letter.
A proposal to reduce the fee for a "safety inspection" prior to construction work not currently requiring a building permit passed. The fee has been dropped from $50 to $25, but a similar proposal to clarify when a building permit is needed was tabled at the request of Councillor Raymond Brown. "The issue," explained Smart, "is that if you are re-roofing you don't need a permit. But if you find rotten planks you have to stop work and get a permit." Further discussion on the issue was put off for the next meeting.
Elections will be held on Monday, May 13. Residents of Ward 2, which includes Wilson's Beach, will choose between Peggy Flynn and Blair Tinker to fill the open council position.