Campobello finds its voice
Published Monday January 5th, 2009
CAMPOBELLO - The residents of Campobello have spent the last year trying to find a united voice and in 2009 they plan to use it forming a new island government and lobbying for a year-long ferry service.
Gerry Hicks, chair of the Campobello health advisory committee, said in 2008 there was a reenergizing of the island community.
"I think there is a sense of hope for a different future," Hicks said. "A lot of people have been comfortable with what is will always be but now they see the potential for positive change."
A new community newsletter is being published, a food bank has been created, and events for youth were organized throughout the holiday season.
Last year Campobello underwent a health needs assessment driven by the local health authority. It included the formation of a community group, an island-wide poll and a series of community meetings.
Though the findings of the assessment will not be released until February, Hicks said the process opened doors. Already, a batch of committees have been struck to tackle different issues.
For the 1,000 or so island residents there is no way of getting to mainland New Brunswick during most months without a long trip through the United States, where there's a bridge.
Kathleen Case, chair of the new year-round ferry committee, said her group has big plans this year.
"I think the Atlantic Health Sciences survey validated a lot of our concerns and gave us ammunition as far as the ferry goes," Case said.
Case said the survey on more than 400 islanders revealed an 11.6 per cent reduction in population between 2001 and 2008, an average age of 44, an average income lower than the rest of Charlotte County, and an 18.5 per cent adult unemployment rate.
Case said the transportation barrier was responsible for the gloomy statistics.
"If we want to continue to be a place where people can live and raise families we need to concentrate on access to goods and services. For so long we were crossing the border with very little problem, but things have changed. We wanted it to be the way it was so bad we kept pushing the American government for a concession but that's not their responsibility. The responsibility lays with our government."
Case said it is hard to recruit new businesses because they have to take all of their goods across the border, where controls have tightened considerably. The border also makes it difficult for students to participate in extra-curricular activities and limits access to health and other services.
The committee has already contacted the provincial and federal governments. It's also begun collecting letters from individuals and businesses in support of a year-long ferry.
Case said the committee's next step is to access funds for a feasibility study.
By the end of 2009 she plans to have a commitment from government for year-round ferry service.
"I don't think we are asking for anything that is a big deal," Case said. "We are a Canadian community and all we want to do is reach our own country."
A community group to deal with local governance has also been busy gathering information.
It's looking at whether to incorporate the area as a municipality or rural community. Hicks said incorporation would mean greater control over tax dollars and services.
"I think 2008 was the time for planning, preparation and groundwork and in 2009 we will see the fruits of our labour. It is time to see the pay off."
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