Waterfront Open House
Information Open House
The Inner Harbour, an area of cultural, historic, natural and economic resources, presents possibilities that capitalize on existing assets and provides opportunities for new complementary, yet uniquely different developments.
The Information Open House held on January 13, 2010 was designed to allow all citizens of Saint John an opportunity to view, learn, and comment on conceptual and proposed ideas for the waterfront. Input from multiple sources, particularly the general public is critical to long term sustainability, planning and effective decision making. Saint John Waterfront Development is a leader in development consultation and feedback – we’re here to help drive progressive change and make Saint John a great city.
The objective of the Information Open House was to allow citizens to mingle and talk with primary stakeholders of each proposal in an effort to learn more details and better understanding of the projects. Representatives and key senior people from each projects were available to speak with all visitors.
The Projects on Display:
Long Wharf – The Irving World headquarters. An incredible building, designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects, will be a catalyst for future development in Saint John. The building utilizes leading edge technology including renewable energy, water conservation, storm water management, water reuse, advanced building materials complete with open interior layouts, maximum use of sunlight, natural ventilation and atrium spaces.
Long Wharf Slip – This is envisioned as a new waterfront destination for the residents of Saint John as well as visitors to the City. The guiding principle is that the public realm is paramount and all elements of future designs should consider their effect on the pedestrian experience. In addition, future development on Long Wharf Slip will need essential components to make it a success – connectivity, open space, viable economics and environmentally sustainability. This is a waterfront property that has great potential to enhance the downtown core.
Fort LaTour – Is a National Historic site strategically located in the heart of the Saint John Inner Harbour. With a history that goes back over 4000 years, the site has been the location of ancient First Nations settlements and colonial forts in the 17th and 18th centuries. Fort LaTour was established in 1631 at approximately the same time as the settlements of Plymouth, New York and Boston.
This site falls directly under the direction of the Fort LaTour Development Authority who turned to Saint John Waterfront Development to assist them with the preparation of a concept design for the site. Saint John Waterfront Development has been asked to lead a project team that would bring together the Fort LaTour Authority, community stakeholders, all three levels of government and the developer to pursue the development and completion of this project. We anticipate that this project will have requirements for community fund raising for initial capital and ongoing operations.
Fort LaTour is a significant National and Provincial Historic Site but the story remains largely untold and unknown to the locals and tourists alike. There is a unique opportunity to teach about the history of this place and the 4000 years of history there. This project will provide significant educational and cultural opportunities as well as economic benefits as a tourism location.
Coast Guard Site – On behalf of the City of Saint John, Saint John Waterfront Development is in the concluding stages of securing the Coast Guard property. Once the acquisition is completed, Saint John Waterfront Development will finalize a development agreement with the Hardman Group Limited.
Harbourfront residences – During the last 12-18 months Harbourfront Residences at Three Sisters Park has been pre-selling condominium units in the proposed new Phase I development (75 units) on Water Street. Harbourfront Residences is now ready to proceed with construction as early as May/June 2010.
StoneHammer Geopark – This Geopark will combine a billion year geological story with a long history of geosciences investigation. The proposed geopark is centered in Saint John, historically and scientifically, the regional geological story. The Geopark would include an area from Lepreau Falls in the west to Fundy Trail Parkway in the east and north to Norton and Hampstead. The park is designed to encompass the varied geology and significant fossil and geological sites.
Some of the geosites are scientifically significant but many are publicly accessible parks, suitable for geotourism. Geoparks encourage sustainable economic development through the geotourism aspect. Geosites include, Reversing Falls, St. Martin’s caves, Fundy Trail, Rockwood Park, Irving Nature Park, Hampton Lighthouse River Centre, Brundage Point River Centre and many more.
StoneHammer Geopark committee has applied to be a member of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network – a select group of only 65 sites worldwide. StoneHammer will be the first North American UNESCO Geopark if approved in September 2010.
Geopark Poster Three
YMCA – The Saint John YMCA intends to construct a new building in the City. Currently the YMCA Management and Board of Directors are reviewing four potential sites to determine a location best suited for delivery of YMCA services.
Partridge Island – This island is historically significant and has the potential to illustrate “Saint John’s role in the building of our nation”, because of its role as a gateway for many Irish, Polish, Italians, Bulgarians, Germans, Welsh, Russians and Danes that settled in New Brunswick or moved to other parts of North America. Today, Partridge Island is one of Canada’s best kept secrets.
The development of Partridge Island will play an important part in preserving substantial historic resources as well as leisure and educational opportunities. The Island served as a strategic military site, an entry point for new immigrants, a key navigation location (lighthouse station) and was the home for hundreds of residents from 1791 until 1989.
Reversing Rapids – The Reversing Rapids Lower River Passage is a pivotal tourism opportunity for the City of Saint John. Implementation of the proposed Master Plan is believed to be even more transformational than Harbour Passage in terms of generating all season tourism. Reversing Falls as a tourism product has fallen off the radar for visitors and the Province of New Brunswick has removed it from its core group of Class “A” attractions. Saint John Waterfront Development in conjunction with the City of Saint John is spearheading the development to redesign and realign Reversing Rapids as a premiere tourist attraction that will have significant long term economic benefits to Saint John. The Reversing Rapids theme is “Fundy’s Geo-Marine Wonder”, focusing on geology and history.
The proposed Plan includes the linking of three sites; Reversing Rapids, Fallsview Park and The Cove and includes a dynamic new Visitor Information Centre, expanded Garden Falls restaurant, dramatic outlook plaza, sculptural elements, observation decks, watershed plaza, amphitheatre and a series of walkways and trails.
Princess/Pugsley Park – A public green-space development and Eco-Hub location located at the foot of Princess Street designed to be a focal point in the uptown area for citizens and visitors. A pedestrian friendly, landscaped plaza with a lighthouse “town clock” as well as an interpretive ecological area that includes interactive, educational and colorful aspects for young children.
Boardwalk Refurbishment - This $450,000 Phase One began in October 2009 and will be completed in March 2010. It includes the replacement of some wood boardwalk timbers, installation of new decorative pole lighting, new landscaping including a contoured terrace garden with concrete flower pots and evergreens and new railing lighting. Phase two documentation and specifications are currently being reviewed before issued for tender.
Waterfront Strategy – The Inner Harbour Land Use Plan was completed in 2003 in co-operation with Saint John Waterfront development, the Saint John Development Corporation and residents of Saint John. It is a detailed policy document and long-term vision for the Saint John Inner Harbour. The objectives of the Harbour Land Use Plan are;
- Provide the Uptown Waterfront as a catalyst for new economic development and employment;
- Create a diverse and interesting waterfront offering a mix of land uses and range of unique year-round activities and experiences;
- Provide new flexible public spaces, both indoor and outdoor, that meet the needs of a variety of users and that can be used throughout the year;
- Demonstrate leadership and innovation in sustainability, planning, design, engineering and management practices;
- Promote design excellence to create inspiring places and high quality landmark buildings;
- Create a clear environment for investment.