Digby could be ‘gateway’

“And when that happens the ferry service between Digby and Saint John will play an essential role.”

A gateway is a system of marine, road, rail and air transportation infrastructure that has national importance to global trade. A port that is recognized as a gateway automatically has a good case for federal investment in its transportation infrastructure.

Heron, the board’s president, said the city of Saint John and its port association announced its intention of forming the Southern New Brunswick Gateway last fall. That city has a nearby border crossing, a strong port, an airport and a railway system—making it a logical point of entry for shipments destined for southern New Brunswick.

With Digby’s proximity to Saint John, and with its harbour and the ferry service, this town is the logical entry for goods that have travelled from the United States or across Canada to Saint John, and that are destined for Nova Scotia locations, she said.

Nova Scotian products being shipped to the U.S. and across Canada could use the same route in reverse.

“The preservation of a ferry service is a key part of this strategy,” said Herron. "We find it ironic that with the current concerns about carbon emissions and transportation challenges brought on by the ever escalating fuel prices that this issue remains unresolved. The most efficient and environmentally responsible method of transporting goods is by sea.”

In the next few weeks the economic enhancement committee of the board of trade will be approaching stakeholders in the area to develop a strategy to maximize this region’s potential in global markets.