Press/Stories
Saint John Waterfront Development announces new General Manager
For Immediate Release – September 2, 2008
(Saint John, NB) - Saint John Waterfront Development today announced that Michael Baldwin will assume the role of General Manager and continue to build upon the strong foundation of success Waterfront Development has enjoyed. More than 50 applications were received for the position which was advertised in early July.
"I was born in Saint John and have always wished for the opportunity to return” says Michael Baldwin. “The Saint John waterfront is the perfect setting, as its architectural and urban character allow for the easy integration of new private development projects with new public space. This balance creates a synergy of which all Saint John residents can feel proud.”
Michael was with the University of New Brunswick for 8 years. He played a key role in the university’s strategic planning and implementation of those plans; specifically, the development and leasing of UNB owned land. Along with real estate development activities, Michael was also involved with projects focused on implementing the UNB campus plans and major capital planning projects.
Michael has a Bachelor of Business Administration from Bishops University, a Bachelor of Science in Forestry & Environmental Management from UNB and a Masters of Philosophy in Policy; focused on the various aspects of land planning, development and revenue generation. He has also continued his professional development by participating in courses offered by the Urban Land Institute and by being a member of the Planning Advisory Committee for the City of Fredericton.
“We welcome our new General Manager to Saint John and to Saint John Waterfront Development. He will be stepping into his role at a very important time for the waterfront of Saint John” says Charles Swanton, Chairman of Saint John Waterfront Development.
During the upcoming weeks, Michael will be introduced to the partnership’s partners, volunteers and community leaders. In addition, to the various projects including the three park spaces surrounding the Bay of Fundy Cruise Welcome Center, Partridge Island Project, Reversing Falls, Coast Guard Site and Harbour Passage.
Bill MacMackin, President of Saint John Waterfront Development is pleased with the appointment. “We are excited about the enthusiasm and experience that Michael is bringing to the job. As a native of Saint John, the position offers an opportunity to be part of the transformation of our waterfront and our city in the future. I am looking forward to working with Michael.”
In total, approximately $9 million dollars to date has been raised for Waterfront Development, including support from provincial and federal grants, municipal investments, and private and corporate donations. The primary objectives for these investments include: returning life to and rejuvenation of the city centre district, improvement of the image and brand of the region, acting as a catalyst for new private investment, and growing the tax base for the City of Saint John. To date, new developments and the growth in the tax base in the Waterfront District is estimated at $65 million and recently announced projects are expected to surpass $175 million in total.
Saint John Waterfront Development operates under the direction of the Saint John Development Corporation, and works closely with Saint John Common Council. The Saint John Waterfront Development Partnership is comprised of the City of Saint John, Saint John Development Corporation, Uptown Saint John Inc., Enterprise Saint John Inc., The Saint John Board of Trade, the Saint John Port Authority, and The Province of New Brunswick.
The mandate is to channel, focus, and direct the community of Greater Saint John’s collective energy and enthusiasm for waterfront development and to oversee the obligations of the Market Square complex.
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For more information:
Michael Baldwin
General Manager
Saint John Waterfront Development
Tel: 506 674 4278