Press/Stories

Capital funding announced for Harbour Passage Project

For Immediate Release

Saint John Harbour Bridge Authority
Saint John Waterfront Development Partnership

May 7th, 2002

SAINT JOHN, N.B. – The Saint John Harbour Bridge Authority announced a contribution of $284,500 towards the construction of the Harbour Passage Project on Saint John’s waterfront, Chairman Stephen Fitzpatrick announced today.

Fitzpatrick made the announcement today with Saint John Waterfront Development Partnership President John Wallace and Saint John Mayor Shirley McAlary.

“The Harbour Passage creates permanent improvements to the City of Saint John’s uptown core by restoring public access to an extensive area of our waterfront.” said Fitzpatrick. “The project provides the Saint John Harbour Bridge Authority with a unique opportunity to significantly enhance its own lands, while partnering to move forward a priority community development initiative.”

The funding will be used to support construction of the portion of the Harbour Passage to be located on lands owned by the Saint John Harbour Bridge Authority. The funding is conditional on the City of Saint John providing matching capital funds.

“Today’s announcement by the Saint John Harbour Bridge Authority is a tremendous boost for our Harbour Passage Project and waterfront development efforts” states Wallace. “We are extremely pleased to launch our Harbour Passage capital fundraising campaign with such a timely and significant contribution.”

“Our community has clearly indicated that waterfront development is a priority for the City of Saint John”, adds Mayor McAlary “and I am very pleased to recognize the Saint John Harbour Bridge Authority as the first corporate citizen involved in this initiative. An enhanced quality-of-life will attract new businesses and new residents. The Harbour Passage is a solid investment in our community’s future.”

The Harbour Passage 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, Chesley Drive, and ultimately to Fort Howe, Fallsview Park and Reversing Falls.

The Harbour Passage will include:

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

The Harbour Passage will be accessible on a year-round basis and will be suitable for use by all age groups: youth, families, adults and seniors, including those requiring wheelchair accessibility.

The Saint John Harbour Bridge Authority is an incorporated body with seven appointed Board members. These board members represent the Government of Canada (1), the Province of New Brunswick (1) and the City of Saint John (5). The Saint John Harbour Bridge Authority serves the citizens of Saint John to ensure the safe, efficient passage over our harbour.

The Saint John Waterfront Development Partnership, comprised of the City of Saint John, Saint John Development Corporation, Uptown Saint John, Enterprise Saint John, Saint John Port Authority and the Saint John Board of Trade, was formed in 2001. The Partnership’s mandate is to launch a new era of community development for the City of Saint John and greater Saint John region by encouraging economic, environmental and aesthetic improvements along the City’s waterfront areas.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Jack Keir, General Manager
Saint John Harbour Bridge Authority (506) 635-1320

Neil Jacobsen, General Manager
Saint John Waterfront Development Partnership (506) 632-6112