Council backs subsidizing of ferry service

Resident frustrations at the continued lack of ferry service to Campobello Island boiled over during the July 30 meeting of the Campobello council, when a standing‑room only crowd filled the meeting room to voice their concerns. The issue was on the agenda, and discussion centered on letters sent to the council by residents Stephanie Gough and Peter Harwerth. Both urged the council to support the need for a government-sponsored ferry service.
The Harwerth letter pointed out that local accommodations "have already lost thousands of dollars, which will result in lower tax payments." He asked the council to "contact the New Brunswick government at minister level to find a permanent solution" to funding of a seasonal ferry between the islands, terming the lack of ferry service "a disaster" and holding that "the government is ignoring the needs of this island." Harwerth is the operator of Campobello Sightseeing Tours.
Gough urged the council to support a year‑round ferry, pointing out that the lack of such in‑country service disadvantages many residents, including those who might find themselves lacking firewood and other necessities during a bad winter. She pointed out the restrictions on importation of wood -- utilized by many island residents -- from Maine's Washington County, suggesting that a waiver of the permit process may be one possibility.
The discussion was pointed but -- for the most part -- cordial. "All options are on the table," said Brent MacPherson who, with the Year-Round Ferry Development Committee, has pushed for ferry service, including meeting with New Brunswick officials without council support. Recently the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency agreed to fund a feasibility study for year-round ferry service, with a report to be completed this fall.
Resident Kathleen Case pointed out that the existing private ferry landings on Campobello and Deer Island are on leased land. "What are the chances some other group could just take over those leases?" she asked, suggesting that it was unlikely. That led to the question of alternative landings, including Letete and St. Andrews, where facilities exist. Several expressed concerns about the apparent change of heart by St. Andrews, asking, "What's in this for them?"
"I'm very thankful for the St. Andrews Chamber of Commerce," said MacPherson, citing their support for the ferry service. "In St. Andrews they were against this, until they decided they were for it," said Beatrix Harwerth, following the meeting. "What gives with that?"
An important cost, as pointed out by Mayor Stephen Smart, would be construction of a new landing on the island. Smart also pointed out that the dependence on the bridge could lead to "a food security issue," saying, "I don't hear people talking about this."
Operational alternatives were also discussed, with the suggestion that a ferry that operated year‑round but only two days per week would meet the needs of most residents, although probably not those of summer visitors.
Concerns were also aired about the impact of the loss of ferry service on Fogfest. "Attendance might be down because Canadians don't want to drive through the states," observed Smart. Local fishermen stepped up to provide a shuttle service for musicians; however, they couldn't accommodate festival attendees.
After further discussion, the council voted 4-0 to send a letter to New Brunswick authorities asking for a seasonal ferry service based on the Harwerth letter, with the possibility of later extending the request to include Gough's year‑round suggestions. Councillor Kevin Sawtelle was not present during the meeting.

Costs eyed for building removal
In other business, Councillor Raymond Brown provided cost information regarding removal of the ruined structure adjacent to the Wilson's Beach landing. "First we have to buy the land," he said, "then it's $6,000 for test bores for water quality, and then two $2,000 per year" for monitoring water quality. Two alternatives were explored for disposal of demolition debris: on‑island and off‑island.
"It'll cost $100,000 to $150,000 if we can dispose of it here," Brown said. "If we take it off the island it'll be $200,000 to $350,000." Kathleen Case spoke up at that point, asking if there was any possibility of cost recovery. "Nope," said Brown, prompting Case to reply, "So if we want to have it removed we have to pay for it, otherwise we should shut up." Part of the issue, said Smart, is that the community has not enacted an Unsightly Building Act, partly out of concerns over "how it would be applied."