A Saint John businessman has offered to buy the now boarded-up tourism centre at the Reversing Falls, but the city says it plans to move ahead with demolition plans.
The city says it will cost too much to restore the 50-year-old building and the only option is to tear it down. The building is undergoing an environmental, structural and hazard assessment and, if all goes well, it will be demolished by the end of August.
But businessman Guy Barbara believes the building, which once housed a restaurant and information centre, still has some life in it. He has offered to buy or lease the building, but says the city isn’t on board.
“I’ve asked for a conditional report on the building and the city hasn’t given it to me,” says Barbara. “I’ve asked for access into the building and the city hasn’t allowed that either, so it’s hard for me to make an informed decision without the information I’m asking for.”
At least one city councillor is on board. Bill Farren hopes something can be done to preserve the building and get a tourist bureau open for visitors.
“There’s people willing to lease it, buy it, do something to keep Saint John on the forefront,” says Farren. “I’ve had phone calls this morning from people who want to do things to help … there’s all kinds of interest, but the only interest they have in it is tearing it down.”
Many tourists have expressed disappointment over arriving at the Reversing Falls to find a boarded-up building and no tour guides in sight, and local residents are pushing the city to come up with a plan for the summer.
“We’ve visiting from Austin, Texas and one of the primary reasons we came to this area was to see this phenomenon and so we’re hoping to be able to pick up some information and get some more details about the area and just how it occurs,” says tourist Lois Stahlke.
Some local residents have even taken it upon themselves to visit the Reversing Falls and educate tourists about the site and the area.
The issue will be brought up at next week’s council meeting. In the meantime, Barbara says he will continue to ask the city to reconsider its plans.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Ashley Blackford
