Press/Stories
Harbour Passage Project Gains Momentum
For Immediate Release
May 24th, 2002
Saint John Port Authority contributes $ 250,000 to Harbour Passage Project
The Saint John Port Authority has announced that it will donate $250,000 towards the creation of Harbour Passage. This contribution, combined with in kind support for the project brings the Port Authority's total contribution to approximately $ 500,000.
In making the announcement, David L. Doyle, Chairman of the Port Authority stated "The Port Authority is pleased to add further support to Harbour Passage. This is an important phase of waterfront development and is an example of the balance that can be reached between the working port and its surrounding environment."
"Today, Harbour Passage goes beyond the original expectations of linking Fort Latour to the City Center, " Mr Doyle continued, "This Passage will provide public access along one of the most impressive vantage points in the harbour from Market Slip, past Fort Latour, along the Straight Shore and across to Marble Cove and ultimately to the Reversing Falls. You will be able to view wild life at water's edge, enjoy vistas of our port, observe ships loading and unloading cargo and at close quarters watch the mighty cruise ships and freighters turning in our harbour and heading for world wide destinations."
Captain Al Soppitt, President & CEO said " We are pleased to be playing a lead role in the development of Harbour Passage. The Port Authority was committed to linking the City center to Fort Latour even before the Waterfront Partnership was formed. "Our priority continues to be to provide marine facilities at the Port and to increase cargo. However, the Port Authority also sees in waterfront development, a huge potential for its future development and will continue to work within the Waterfront Partnership to expand on these opportunities while maintaining the balance between the ability of the port to handle cargo and expanding opportunities for full waterfront development.
"Today's announcement by the Saint John Port Authority is a wonderful example of our community's commitment to waterfront development in Saint John" stated John Wallace, President of the Saint John Waterfront Development Partnership. "The Port Authority is not only an active member, full participant and operational funding partner of our Saint John Waterfront Development Partnership, it has now come forward with a very significant capital funding commitment to support construction of the Harbour Passage Project. Our working Port is an economic driving force in this community, and the Port Authority has shown strong community leadership today in its efforts to balance increased public access and waterfront development with the on-going needs of a strong, working Port. Our Partnership is committed to working with the Saint John Port Authority and Port Users to maintain that balance."
For further information contact:
Alwyn G. Soppitt, President & Chief Executive Officer
Saint John Port Authority
Tel: (506) 636-5377