Year-round ferry eyed for Campobello

Reversing the declining population of Campobello was only one of the issues brought up during a round‑table discussion at the opening meeting of the newly established Year‑Round Ferry Development Committee, held at a private residence on February 11. The group, headed by Gerald "Brent" MacPherson, seeks the establishment of a year‑round connection between Campobello Island and the Canadian mainland.
An early order of business was to establish the mission statement: "The committee's mission is to investigate and establish a year‑round link to the mainland without having to cross through another country." The statement does not specifically mention a ferry, because as MacPherson commented, "They could give us a bridge or a tunnel instead."
Responses on social media have been spirited, with many making supportive comments while others raise issues. MacPherson says he wants to hear from the entire community, including those who object to the proposal, so that issues can be addressed and solutions found in an open discussion. One recurring fear is that establishing a direct connection might jeopardize the 24-hour open schedule for the international bridge to Lubec, which is an important link for daily activities and emergency access. Campobello residents must cross the bridge for things as commonplace as filling the gas tank of the car, and transporting prescription medications, reportedly including to the nursing home, sometimes is complicated by border-crossing issues.
Cost issues have also been raised, as the ferry would likely not be self‑supported and thus would depend on government subsidies, taxpayer support and fares.
MacPherson pointed out that island residents accept -- sometimes grudgingly -- the need to deal with border issues on a regular basis, but that potential new residents are "not going to want to do that every day," thus reducing the potential number of new residents. Input is sought on identifying potential terminal locations both on the island and the New Brunswick mainland.
On Tuesday, February 20, MacPherson and other members of his committee met with New Brunswick Southwest MP Karen Ludwig and MLA John Ames. According to MacPherson, Ludwig offered conditional support for the proposal and stated that she believes it falls within the responsibility of the federal government. She asked that, prior to requesting funding for the development of a marketing plan and a specific proposal, the committee determine the level of community support.
MacPherson plans on appearing before the next meeting of the Campobello council, set for Monday, February 26, to ask for council support. Additionally, the group has tentatively retained a marketing specialist to conduct a public meeting and help establish plans, pending the approval of funding.
At this time, MacPherson says, the committee is not prepared to host a public meeting as "there are too many things we need to work on."
Establishing a year-round ferry to the mainland has been considered previously, with the Campobello Island Health and Wellness Advisory Committee having looked at the issue starting back in 2008 when island-wide focus groups and surveys were conducted. Committee members found that the Canadian Census showed that from 2001 through 2006, Campobello had an 18.9% unemployment rate, with an 11.6% decline in population. In comparison, Deer Island had a 12.8% unemployment rate and a 3.2% decline in population.
The committee pressed for the need for year-round ferry service to the mainland to access goods and services, and Gerry Hicks, the chairman of the committee, wrote in a 2009 letter to New Brunswick Transportation Minister Denis Landry: "Restricted mobility of people, goods and services has had a pervasive negative impact on the economy, education, employment and mental and physical well-being of our residents, resulting in an unnecessary threat to the viability of our community."
In 2010 the province agreed to fund a study to look at traffic demand, capital and operating costs and a variety of options for a ferry service. But since then, not much progress has been made on the issue.