Emphasizing that his proposal to the New Brunswick legislature was “in a very preliminary stage,” Allaby nonetheless was equally emphatic that there’s a need for such a service – a need fueled by the events of Sept. 11.
As things stand now, Campobello residents must pass through two U.S. and Canadian Customs stations in order to reach the rest of the province and the country.
“When the border was closed because of a bomb threat, even though it was a short closure, Campobello Islanders felt even more isolated than usual,” Allaby said. “Don’t get me wrong, the people at the border are friendly; there have been no complaints. The Customs officers are, after all, just doing their job. But the procedures now, no matter how necessary, are extremely burdensome.”
Allaby adds that he’s talked to legislators about the ferry “in general terms, dealing with the principle of the idea. Right now, I’ve taken it as far as I can take it.” He adds that Stan Lord, owner of East Coast Ferries, operator of summertime ferries between Campobello and Deer Island, as well as Deer Island and Eastport, is putting together “the nuts-and-bolts” package. Lord is currently running a ferry between Deer Island and St. George, and could not be reached for comment.
In general terms, Allaby sees the New Brunswick government subsidizing the proposed ferry’s operation “until the ferry becomes self-supporting,” while the federal government would underwrite the capital costs. (Lord currently runs barge ferries that are open to the weather and sea spray.)
“Both the provincial government and the federal government have a responsibility to the people of Campobello Island,” Allaby says. “Let’s face it, these people cannot travel about in their own country unhindered, and the federal government must deal with what should be a basic right. I believe that this a solid, and compelling, argument to the government.”
As for the New Brunswick government, Allaby sees the proposed ferry as part of the province”s road links and he feels “fairly optimistic” that he can convince the province to see it his way.
Would the ferry save islanders time going to St. Stephen, the New Brunswick point of entry opposite Calais, Maine?
“Probably not,” Allaby says, “although it might shave some time off trips to Saint John. But time isn’t the important factor here. What’s important is providing a link between Campobello and the rest of the country.”