Saint John waterfront lot in midst of major makeover
The prime, high-profile piece of waterfront property on the former Coast Guard site, also known as the Fundy Quay, is now in the midst of a makeover as work begins to repair the sea wall in preparation for a major development.
"The sea wall is going to require about $8-million dollars' worth of work," says Saint John deputy mayor John MacKenzie. "$3.27-million is coming from the feds, $2.24-million from the province and the city is paying $1.8-[million] – once that work is done, we're ready to rock 'n' roll."
The repair of the sea wall is part of the first phase of upgrades to the property, which is being readied for an approximately $300-million development project being handled by Fundy Quay Development Inc.
"They're still working to finalize their plans, but one of the driving uses will be residential," says director of strategic projects for Envision Saint John, Jeffrey Cyr.
"The plan is for a lot of residential, potentially some hotel, commercial as well on the ground floor – maybe a cultural use."
Earlier this year, the province, federal government and municipality announced $24-million to make infrastructure improvements to the site – which also includes soil remediation, the redesign of Loyalist Plaza and the extension of Harbour Passage.
"The fall is where the dramatic change will be seen," says Cyr, "so what will happen on the Fundy Quay site itself when the southern half of the sea wall is finished, we'll start regarding – we'll raise that site in some areas as high as two metres."
The site has seen several false starts over the years – most recently the cancellation of plans to build a brand new provincial museum on the property.
However, Saint John-Rothesay MP Wayne Long says what was essentially a parking lot is now primed to become a 'major economic stimulant' for the region.
"We've talked about this for the last 10, 15, 20 years – about redeveloping the Coast Guard property – it's really one of the last waterfront sites that's not developed in all cities – if you include St. John's, Charlottetown or Halifax.
The first portion of the site is expected to be turned over to the developer for building construction sometime next year.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.