May 23, 2009

Just one of many

Development: More additions to waterfront coming

HILARY PAIGE SMITH
TELEGRAPH-JOURNAL

SAINT JOHN - The new cruise ship terminal on Water Street was buzzing with flowered shirts, festive music and a vibrant crowd of Saint John business people Friday night.


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Peter Walsh/Telegraph-Journal


Saint John Board of Trade president Imelda Gilman, left, and Heather Peterson, manager of Market Square, enjoy the Big Splash.

The occasion was the Saint John Board of Trade's Big Splash, celebrating the work the business group has done in the past year.  Board president Imelda Gilman said the new terminal was an ideal spot for the organization's fourth annual celebration.  "It's a wonderful addition to the waterfront," she said.  "It's a beautiful building and the view of the waterfront is just spectacular. It's a key piece of infrastructure."


Those who turned out for Big Splash could truly experience the view as they entered the building up the stairs and through the gangplank normally used for loading and unloading cruise ship passengers. They were given a tropical drink to sip and a lei to wear as they walked through a giant mock life preserver and down the escalator to the cruise-themed party.  Coloured beach balls dangled from the ceiling and there were beach-themed centrepieces on each table.


Big Splash chairwoman Heather Peterson, manager of Market Square, said the event was an opportunity to shatter stereotypes about business people.  "A lot of times people think business is all suit and tie and you can't relax. This is a great networking event where people can let their hair down and enjoy each other in a more relaxed atmosphere," she said.


Big Splash was also an opportunity to introduce business owners to the terminal facility in hopes they will be inspired to hold events there, Gilman said.  "It showcases to all those businesses and all of those people that this is another venue that we've got in our community to attract meetings and conventions," she said.


Michael Baldwin, the general manager of Saint John Waterfront Development, is certain the new cruise ship terminal will be just one of many new additions to the waterfront.  He said there are plans to expand and beautify public space, such as the Market Square boardwalk and the Reversing Falls area, as well as opportunities for private and commercial properties. Baldwin even said there is a possibility of working with Partridge Island, a heritage site famed for being the medical inspection and quarantine location for sick immigrants during the 19th century.


He hopes the waterfront can be renovated for tourists and residents alike to enjoy. "It's a working, unique harbour," Baldwin said.  "We're recognizing now how you could enhance it with public space. We work hand in hand to create a new feel for Saint John as a whole."  Baldwin said many projects lay ahead for the waterfront and changes, such as the new terminal, can be expected for years to come.