“We want to reestablish Welshpool Landing as the 'go‑to place,'" said consultant Benson Milner, speaking at an open house hosted by the Friar's Bay Development Association (FBDA) on October 29. The event, which attracted about 20 individuals, was held in Welshpool Hall, an important component of the redevelopment group's vision. Plans call for upgrading of the facility and the nearby wharf into a destination for cruise and tourist vessels and also for use by commercial fishermen.
     The entire project, according to information provided by Milner, is pegged at $3.9 million, which includes major renovations to the hall and rebuilding the wharf, which is presently unusable. About $400,000 has already been invested, says FBDA board member Joyce Morrell, mostly for property acquisition and preliminary engineering work. The planned budget includes marketing activities intended to promote the use of the facility by outside groups. The group is working on grant applications and expects work to begin in 2015.
     According to handout material provided by FBDA, cruises deliver a $30 million economic impact in New Brunswick, with another $46.1 million in Maine. With a depth of 20 feet, the wharf will be able to accommodate many vessels, with deeper mooring access close by. The facility is intended to be attractive to the 35,000 leisure boats in the states of Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts that are capable of travel to the Bay of Fundy. Nearby Saint John had nearly 188,000 transit passenger arrivals in 2012, placing it fourth in Canada, the group's literature states. When complete, Welshpool Landing expects to help increase traffic to the nearby Roosevelt Campobello International Park, to the Head Harbour Lighthouse, as well as to whale-watching and other excursion boats and other regional attractions.
Plans call for a floating dock to be added to the existing wharf, similar to the dock now in use in St. Andrews. The deck of the existing wharf will be rebuilt, using a wood surface. "We went with wood," said Milner, "because when it needs to be repaired, the work can be done by local contractors." The hall will include a stage for local theatrical productions and an upgraded kitchen. Plans include providing shower facilities for visiting yachtsmen as well as an off‑loading platform for commercial fishing boats.
     MLA John Ames, who attended the event, pointed out that "investments in infrastructure are important because they help other businesses grow," as well as facilitating tourist activities. Campobello resident Bernard Bourque, who frequently directs local theatre productions, says he already has plans to stage plays in the hall.