Study supports Campobello year-round ferry

More than 30 people crowded in to the January 28 meeting of the Campobello council to hear Justin Tinker of the Year‑Round Ferry Development Committee discuss the contents of the Phase 2 ferry report prepared by Vaughn McIntyre Consulting. Phase 1 of the two‑part report was presented to the council last October. Many economic woes have been attributed to the lack of a ferry during the summer of 2018, limiting traffic and commerce to the bridge to Lubec and requiring all to abide by both United States and Canadian border regulations, including Campobello residents with mainland Canada destinations.
The Phase 2 study describes the pros and cons of four different routes that all originate at Welshpool and would go to the existing Deer Island Point landing; to Letete; to St. Andrews; and to Blacks Harbour.
A St. Andrews terminal would require a new ferry while the others could utilize existing equipment; however, use of the Grand Manan V for the Blacks Harbour route was termed "overkill."
Phase 2 concludes by recommending a year‑round ferry operating over the existing summer route to Deer Island Point. Based on a ferry operating 340 days per year, at an estimated daily cost of $6,000, the total cost of operation would be just over $2 million. An earlier study estimated 17,000 automobiles annually, which with a per‑car fee of $10 would leave $1.87 million to be made up from other sources including an annual subsidy.
Listed benefits to Campobello include better access to medical services; freer trade of goods and services; access to and from the island for those refused entry to the United States; fewer border‑crossing hassles; more employment opportunity; and much improved tourism. Specifically mentioned was the ability of tourists to travel the popular Quoddy Loop, which requires ferry transportation between Campobello and Deer Island.
The decline in population on Campobello was mentioned in the Phase 2 report, with figures reflecting a nearly 34% decrease from 1996. Tinker presented a population forecast predicting that by 2058, assuming a continued decrease at the present rate, Campobello would be down to 400 residents. At the same time, the Canadian population is projected to increase by nearly 30%, while regional totals would remain stable. In other words, according to Tinker's figures, those areas with regular mainland access would remain steady or grow, while Campobello -- the only area lacking direct connection to the mainland -- would shrivel.
At the conclusion of Tinker's presentation, Councillor Katherine Breton asked why economic impact information had been provided for mainland communities but not for Campobello. This question sparked a lively discussion, with several members of the ferry committee pointing out that "getting mainland buy‑in" was critical, but the economic benefit provided to Campobello would depend on the effectiveness of island‑based businesses in exploiting the opportunity presented by increased traffic and number of visitors.
Mayor Stephen Smart pointed out, "If the province of New Brunswick sees no benefit this won't happen." He added later that "my preference is for something that is sustainable" and "until the province gets on board with this we won't get very far."
Both the report and Tinker acknowledged the considerable investment the Friar's Bay Development Corporation has made in the wharf at Welshpool Landing but that their intention was not to provide a ferry terminal -- to which the corporation has reportedly expressed objections. "We have no intention of hijacking it for that purpose," said Tinker.
The council voted 5-0 to accept the report, with the provision that "it be kept on an immediate basis." The council will be holding a closed‑door meeting to discuss the next steps.
In other business, Bay of Fundy International Marathon Co‑chair Carol Joy provided the council with an update of event plans and requested the same road closures as before. Plans are the same as last year she said, adding, "We're always looking for more volunteers."

Mayor to step down
At the conclusion of the meeting, Mayor Stephen Smart announced his intention of stepping down as mayor, one year before regular elections. He pointed out that he has held the position for nine years and it is "time for me to get out of the way."
"I can't do it any more," Smart said. The timing of his departure will allow a replacement to hold the job for one year before committing to a full three-year term. Smart promised to remain on board pending completion of some of the projects currently under way. "Vice Mayor Kevin Sawtelle will run the meetings well until someone new is on board," he said.