Marine Atlantic blocking passenger access to Port aux Basques, says councillor

A town councillor in Port aux Basques says Marine Atlantic is obstructing ferry passenger access to the town.

Right now, a fence prevents waiting passengers from exploring the nearby downtown area or visiting local businesses.

"Marine Atlantic has really put every obstacle in the way for people using the ferry service to access our town," Coun. Bruce Burton told CBC's Corner Brook Morning.

I often think this is a Nova Scotia ferry service more than a Newfoundland ferry service.- Coun. Bruce Burton

"There was quite a surge of business in that area when it was open. A few years ago Marine Atlantic really sealed off their facilities by putting a fence right at the boundary to Scotts Cove Park."

In addition, Burton says if passengers leave the terminal they must check in again.

He said that creates a situation where people show up hours before their sailing and are somewhat trapped in the terminal area for long periods — time he feels could be filled by spending time and money in downtown Port aux Basques.

"People are sitting in the parking lot and if it's in the evening they can hear the music in Scotts Cove," he said.

"The restaurants and kiosks are over there but they just can't have access to them. It's not a good situation."

Burton says the town is pushing Marine Atlantic on the issue, making suggestions such as putting in a controlled walkway where passengers can easily check in and out on their way to and from downtown. However, he said the company won't budge, citing security concerns.

In contrast, he says a new $20-million terminal in North Sydney is specifically designed to be close to local shops and businesses.

"If there was such an influence over there for Marine Atlantic to build a brand new ferry terminal of $20 million, the least they could do here is give us access to the downtown area," he said.

"I just wonder why the terminal in Port aux Basques only gets a facelift."

He hopes that going to the media will get Marine Atlantic to look at ways to help Port aux Basques and the province in general.

"I often think this is a Nova Scotia ferry service more than a Newfoundland ferry service," he said.

"There's two issues here: get people to Newfoundland and get people from the Marine Atlantic facility in Port aux Basques to our downtown."