Press/Stories

Groundbreaking Ceremony Held For Harbour Passage

Over $1.1 Million Raised For Project From Local Individuals, Businesses and Private/Public Sector Organizations!

September 24, 2002

Download Powerpoint file for this article - Click here to download the Power Point presentation launching the Harbour Passage (2.2 Megs)

Saint John, NB - Waterfront development in Saint John received a major boost today with ground being broken for Phase I of the Harbour Passage Project. In addition, the Saint John Waterfront Development Partnership recognized over $1.1 Million in funds raised from the local community. The Saint John Hilton, Stewart McKelvey Stirling Scales and Uptown Saint John Inc. were recognized as Harbour Passage 'Partners' (contributions of $20,000 to $49,999), and the Saint John Harbour Bridge Authority, Saint John Port Authority, Saint John Development Corporation, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (Government of Canada), Province of New Brunswick, Saint John Parking Commission and Saint John Energy were recognized as Harbour Passage 'Founding Partners' (contributors of $50,000 or more).

"This a wonderful day for Saint John", stated Mayor Shirley McAlary. "Just over one year ago Common Council launched the Saint John Waterfront Development Partnership, and we are now breaking ground on our first major waterfront Project. This Project will help us attract new investment, new people and new tourists to the City and Uptown area."

Chairman William Grant of the Saint John Development Corporation added "Public access was identified as the community's number one priority in the 1999 Saint John Waterfront Strategic Plan, and the Harbour Passage Project is a direct response to that need. The Harbour Passage will also support our growing Cruise Ship industry, encourage the appropriate recognition and development of the Fort LaTour Site, and serve as an important catalyst for new commercial development on the Coast Guard Site, along Long Wharf Slip and on Chesley Drive."

"What is so meaningful about today's Groundbreaking is how all three levels of Government and the community have come together so quickly and so effectively to make Harbour Passage a reality", commented Saint John Waterfront Development Partnership President John Wallace. "In a matter of months we were able to raise over $1.1 Million from the community. The City of Saint John and Saint John Common Council have also been solidly behind this Project from day one, and have committed over $1.0 Million in design and capital funds to Harbour Passage."

Harbour Passage - Phase I will create a series of inter-connected waterfront parks, recreation spaces and heritage sites extending from Market Slip and Market Square to York Point, Long Wharf, Harbour Station, Fort LaTour, HMCS Brunswicker and Chesley Drive. Harbour Passage - Phase II will extend along Chesley Drive to Bentley Street and Douglas Ave. Future Phases could extend Harbour Passage to Fort Howe, Fallsview Park, Reversing Falls, the Coast Guard Site, Water Street and the Lantic Sugar Site.

Harbour Passage - Phase I will include:

  • a multi-purpose recreation trail network suitable for walking, running, biking and roller-blading;
  • year-round public recreation, arts, cultural and heritage spaces;
  • spectacular waterfront viewing areas;
  • interpretive structures, signage, lighting and seating areas;
  • landscaping, park areas, ponds and constructed wetland areas.

Harbour Passage - Phase I has a capital cost of $1.9 Million. One half of the required capital funding ($950,000) will be provided by the City of Saint John, with the remaining half ($950,000) allocated from Harbour Passage funds raised-to-date from local individuals, businesses and public/private sector organizations. Harbour Passage fundraising categories, fundraising results and a complete list of Donors are attached.

Fundraising efforts will continue for future phases of Harbour Passage.

For further information:
Neil Jacobsen,
General Manager,
Saint John Waterfront Development Partnership