Marie to Owen Sound in the 1960s, Cockburn's transportation access was limited to a once-weekly ferry to Meldrum Bay on Manitoulin Island, and its population began to decline rapidly due to its increased isolation.
Cockburn's decline was accelerated by its reduced accessibility, which was further compounded by the infrequent ferry service to Manitoulin Island, resulting in a significant decrease in its population due to feelings of disconnection and isolation.