Island group receives grant to repair wharf

Within the next three years the nonprofit Friars Bay Development Association (FBDA) hopes to have the Welshpool, Campobello, wharf bustling with activity. The Small Craft Harbours branch of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) had closed the wharf because of unsafe conditions and had it on its divestiture list. The FBDA has been awarded both the wharf and a grant of $1,020,000 to be used for its repairs.
According to FBDA, the island's council had no interest in taking on the project and supported the nonprofit's involvement. The main mandate under the transfer agreement is to restore the fishing harbour.
The group says that the wharf's underpinnings remain sound. However, they expect the total repairs to cost more in the realm of $2 million.
FBDA member Joyce Morrell explains that it was less expensive for DFO to hand over the wharf with the grant than to demolish it and cart all the debris off‑island. "They wanted to get rid of it," she says.
The nonprofit found the grant "at the very end of the four‑year program. Usually they guide you through the process," Morrell says. Instead the group received the funds and the transfer but without the time to build a plan with the DFO.
Morrell, who also has worked on the renovation of the Head Harbour Lighthouse, remembers how busy the wharf was when she was a child. "It was the heart of the community. Now it's all gone."
Finding the remaining repair funds will be a "step‑by‑step process," she says. "We have three years to figure out what to do. It seems to me to have a deep-water working wharf in good condition -- that in itself will bring opportunities."
She notes that there have already been some inquiries about using the wharf. "We're trying to build a healthy community." To that end the group wants to work with community members on collaborations or project development. "We're open to anyone who wants to come talk to us about possibilities."
Reconstruction will not only boost local employment opportunities, the group says, but will create opportunities that will benefit the wider community by boosting tourism revenue and commercial fisheries. Scallop fishermen have expressed interest in using it, and aquaculture vessels, whale-watch boats and kayakers may also want to use the wharf. Attracting small and medium cruise vessels during the summer is another possibility. According to a FBDA release, the Welshpool wharf, with a depth of more than 16 feet at the offshore end, has in the past served cruise vessels as long as 300 feet. Eastport, St. Andrews and the Roosevelt Campobello International Park are working to attract more cruises to the area. As the closest port to the United States, Welshpool could offer a convenient entrance to Canada.
For further information about the project, contact Joyce Morrell at 506‑752‑2977.