Optimism After Campobello Ferry Extension

Those pushing for year-round ferry service to Campobello Island are feeling optimistic after a recent announcement.

On Sept. 5, the province announced that the private ferry service would be extended by around two months to Dec. 1

Justin Tinker, chair of the Campobello Year-Round Ferry Committee, said they were relieved to hear the news.

“It’s good to know that East Coast Ferries certainly recognizes that they are an essential link between Campobello and the mainland in this kind of a pandemic time,” said Tinker, “when we have folks on the island having difficulty getting to the mainland and folks from the mainland who, other than a ferry, it’s impossible to get to Campobello.”

The seasonal ferry service, operated by East Coast Ferries, typically operates for around three months each summer. For the other nine months, Campobello Island residents must travel through Maine to get to mainland New Brunswick.

But new border restrictions put in place as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic has made that more difficult, said Tinker.

Despite the relief of knowing the ferry will be in place for two more months this year, Tinker said there are still some concerns.

“There’s natural concern that as tourist season comes to a close, when you have a private enterprise that needs to make ends meet, what will that mean for the schedule and the fare,” he said.

Tinker said no one seems to have any details about why the service is being extended. In a Facebook post the day of the announcement, East Coast Ferries said they have “no further details” at this time.

The company did not respond to a request for comment from our newsroom.

Meanwhile, Tinker said there is hope the service extension is a foot in the door for year-round service to Campobello.

“The only fly in the ointment had been that the province had not submitted a plan to Ottawa. Ottawa is ready and willing to fund infrastructure and vessel. The province just needs to send that plan,” he said.

In a previous statement, the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure said it participated in a federal-provincial-territorial minister’s meeting on June 2.

“The federal government is aware of the situation involving the Campobello Island Ferry and will be looking into this further,” said spokesperson Jeremy Trevors.

A petition launched by Tinker calling for year-round ferry service received more than 700 signatures. MP John Williamson is waiting to present it in the House of Commons, he said.

“We have every indication from Ottawa that they absolutely recognize that crossing the border from Campobello to Maine and back again is not as easy as it was years ago. Even in non-pandemic times,” said Tinker.