Businesses owners in P.E.I. and N.B. say cuts to bridge tolls, ferry fees will give them a boost

Business leaders around the Maritimes are feeling optimistic over the news that the cost of crossing the Confederation Bridge and using the Northumberland ferry service is being reduced.

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Monday that the toll to use the bridge, which connects Prince Edward Island with New Brunswick, will be reduced to $20 as of this Friday. The rates to travel by ferry between Wood Islands, P.E.I., and Caribou, N.S., are also going down by 50 per cent on Aug. 1. 

The move fulfilled an election campaign promise from Carney, who pledged to reduce the cost of travelling between provinces and barriers to interprovincial trade. 

Marc Pelletier, director of membership and business support at the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Moncton, said the announcement is good news for New Brunswick and P.E.I. 

"The high bridge tolls have really acted as an interprovincial tariff, so to speak, between the two provinces, increasing the cost of transport and final costs of goods on both sides," he said. 

"You just have to scan the parking lot of Costco and other retailers in Moncton on a weekend to see how many Islanders make the trek across the bridge to shop." 

'It will drive more business'

Ben Murphy, CEO of P.E.I.-based Murphy Hospitality Group and Whitecap Entertainment, agrees.

His companies have business interests on both sides of the bridge that include retaurants, breweries and hotels. 

"Anytime anything's cheaper, it will drive more business," Murphy said.

"It's tremendous news for Islanders because obviously we're back and forth all the time." 

Whitecap Entertainment also produces the Sommo Festival held in September in Cavendish, P.E.I., which draws concertgoers from around the Maritimes. 

Murphy said he's already seen people who are set to attend the festival commenting on social media about the savings the toll reductions will bring.

"It's cheaper than it was to come to P.E.I., and hopefully that will continue to drive tourism," he said.

"I think there will be big crowds at Sommo either way, but I'm expecting a few more people because of this announcement."

WATCH | Islanders and tourists excited about reduced price to leave P.E.I.:

Islanders and tourists excited about reduced price to leave P.E.I.

2 days ago

Duration 1:52

Starting Aug. 1, Islanders and visitors will save some money when they leave Prince Edward Island. The toll for the Confederation Bridge is being reduced to $20, while the cost to take ferries is being cut by half. CBC’s Tony Davis spoke with people in Charlottetown about what it means for their travel plans.

Murphy said the changes will cut costs for Islanders travelling to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, and will also put money into the pockets of P.E.I. consumers. 

"There's no question that... the price of food at grocery stores or at restaurants [has] gone up a lot over the last five years," he said.

"No question that costs will be pushed down [for] consumers."