[Saint John] Uptown Thread

[DyAm00394]

Paddington Station has announced on social media today that they are moving from 36 Canterbury Street to 42 Water Street, near the corner of Princess Street.

[sailor734]

Went to the Market this morning and noticed all the big plate glass windows in the Dollar Store next to it had been smashed out and were covered with 4x8 sheets of plywood. Retail uptown certainly has challenges.

[bingun]

Originally Posted by DyAm00394

Paddington Station has announced on social media today that they are moving from 36 Canterbury Street to 42 Water Street, near the corner of Princess Street.

Their current spot on Canterbury is a nice unit; I am sure someone else will snap that up quickly. 42 Water was LVT Design; I wonder if they are relocating.

[DyAm00394]

Originally Posted by bingun

42 Water was LVT Design; I wonder if they are relocating.

Their website currently says they are located at 89 Princess Street.

[bingun]

Originally Posted by DyAm00394

Their website currently says they are located at 89 Princess Street.

I thought the upper floors of that building were all residential Historica apartments, but there must be some other space too.

[adamuptownsj]

Somebody bought the old rectory at 54 Broad St for $295,000. I presume this gives the redevelopers of the old church at 58 Broad a bit of breathing room. Nice piece of property with a big yard. Presumable will be converted to apartments or restored to a single-family home. It'll be a mess until the apartment building to its rear is finished moving dirt around, though.

[bingun]

From the Heritage Development Board meeting next week - 56 Canterbury

[bingun]

228 Germain rezoning passed 7-2

I am not familiar with the organization or the back story, but there was a passionate speaker who explained that InterAction School of Performing Arts, which previously owned and used the building, had gone through some poor financial management and decisions, which is ultimately why the building was quietly sold and the rezoning proposed. This led to a lot of off-topic discussion, but it was interesting nonetheless.

I will post it in this thread as it is probably more relevant. The CBC just put up an article about what I described. I know that building has plenty of issues to address, but $150K sounds like a steal. Is it just me, or does the whole situation sound fishy?

Service New Brunswick's property assessment information page shows the site sold for $450,000 in 2013. When the site was sold again in October, it was for $150,000. The assessed value of the property last year was $597,700.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-bruns...school-for-the-performing-arts-1.7550410

[darkharbour]

Originally Posted by bingun

From the Heritage Development Board meeting next week - 56 Canterbury

Exciting stuff! Nice to see additions to Uptown's food scene.

[bingun]

Originally Posted by darkharbour

Exciting stuff! Nice to see additions to Uptown's food scene.

A quick google comes up with the following -

My name is Ellen Shaddad, and I’m a catering specialist with certified food handling credentials from both Ontario and New Brunswick. Over the years, I’ve worked in a variety of roles that have equipped me with the experience to manage large-scale orders for both home gatherings and professional catering needs.

I’m excited to share that I’ll be opening a café and eatery in Uptown in the next three months. I am available to provide catering services, either through delivery or on-site if kitchen facilities are available.

My menu includes a range of fresh and delicious options such as hot and cold sandwiches, salads, pastas, bowls, cookies, cupcakes, and more. I always ensure my offerings are nut-free, especially for schools and events involving children. All ingredients are of the highest quality and handled with care.

https://portcityprofessionals.ca/member/ellen-shaddad/

[bingun]

Originally Posted by DyAm00394

IDEA Centre Secures Home in Brunswick Square

https://sjcommercialre.com/2025/05/12/idea-centre-secures-home-in-brunswick-square/



Also, a new interview on Infromation Morning about new plans for Brunswick Square: https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-2...hn/clip/16145670-a-plan-brunswick-square

Mentioned in the interview is a couple more tenants in discussions/planning. One is food related and the other is traditional retail.

It appears they are occupying the unit that Global News previously had, rather than the one where Goodlife Fitness was, so it's not a net gain for Brunswick Square.

Has Global News abandoned the city completely?

[CharlotteCountyLogan]

Walked from Market Square to the Container village today and walked harbour passage around the Fundy quay site for the first time and I was very surprised about how nice it was. Smooth path with lots of chairs and seating, the stairs to the water looked cool, and great views of the harbour. The city did a really good job there.

[darkharbour]

Originally Posted by CharlotteCountyLogan

Walked from Market Square to the Container village today and walked harbour passage around the Fundy quay site for the first time and I was very surprised about how nice it was. Smooth path with lots of chairs and seating, the stairs to the water looked cool, and great views of the harbour. The city did a really good job there.

It's a gem. I was biking down the path on my way home yesterday and I swear almost every seat was occupied and people were out enjoying the space - even despite the fact there is an active construction site behind the fences everywhere. Once Fundy Quay builds out, this place will be hopping on nice days.

[bingun]

Originally Posted by darkharbour

It's a gem. I was biking down the path on my way home yesterday and I swear almost every seat was occupied and people were out enjoying the space - even despite the fact there is an active construction site behind the fences everywhere. Once Fundy Quay builds out, this place will be hopping on nice days.

It is an excellent improvement to the Saint John waterfront and unique, even compared to Halifax. I think it offers a great stretch for locals and tourists to enjoy, running from the container village down to the boardwalk and beyond. I was at Peppers for dinner the other night, sitting on their outdoor seating, and the atmosphere was pleasant.

You are right that there are usually quite a few people using the seating since the weather has picked up, and I am planning to do the same myself soon, on a warmer evening, to catch the sunset.

[sailor734]

Originally Posted by bingun

It is an excellent improvement to the Saint John waterfront and unique, even compared to Halifax. I think it offers a great stretch for locals and tourists to enjoy, running from the container village down to the boardwalk and beyond. I was at Peppers for dinner the other night, sitting on their outdoor seating, and the atmosphere was pleasant.

You are right that there are usually quite a few people using the seating since the weather has picked up, and I am planning to do the same myself soon, on a warmer evening, to catch the sunset.

Hopefully the commercial businesses that go into the ground floors of the Fundy Quay buildings will be a mix that will draw people to the area. That's what makes the Halifax waterfront vibrant in my opinion

[DyAm00394]

A new fast-food takeout restaurant called "Foggy City Takeout" is opening soon at 39 King Street, (Brunswick Square). Currently hiring and advertising on the "Saint John Job Alert" Facebook group.

[sailor734]

Originally Posted by DyAm00394

A new fast-food takeout restaurant called "Foggy City Takeout" is opening soon at 39 King Street, (Brunswick Square). Currently hiring and advertising on the "Saint John Job Alert" Facebook group.

I wish them well but Brunswick Sq is so moribund you have to wonder if they wouldn't do better to be in a streetfront location (rather than hidden away in a dead mall.)

[DyAm00394]

Originally Posted by DyAm00394

A new fast-food takeout restaurant called "Foggy City Takeout" is opening soon at 39 King Street, (Brunswick Square). Currently hiring and advertising on the "Saint John Job Alert" Facebook group.

Some additonal info:

"New Eateries Move Into Brunswick Square, Reviving Uptown Energy
Saint John, NB – June 24, 2025 — Uptown Saint John’s Brunswick Square Shopping Centre continues its revitalization with the arrival of two exciting new ventures helmed by local entrepreneur Jason Gomke.

Gomke’s Foggy City Takeout is set to occupy the former McDonald’s space in the lower-level food court. The fast-food takeaway aims to fill a niche in the uptown dining scene, offering classic diner-style dishes—think juicy burgers, fries, poutine and fish and chips—at affordable prices tailored to both working professionals and high school students.

“It’s too good a time to pass up,” said commercial REALTOR® Stephanie Turner, citing Irving Oil’s recent announcement that all “Home Office” employees are required to return to the uptown office building starting in September. “We expect a surge in foot traffic with the return of office workers, students and cruise ship passengers in the fall,” Turner added.

Meanwhile, on the pedway level, the former Laura Secord shop is being transformed into Foggy City Sweets and Souvenirs. This new retail venture will offer scooped ice cream, grab-and-go snacks, and a line of branded merchandise including Foggy City collectibles.

Revitalization Through Small Business

Brunswick Square has seen quieter days in recent years. Gomke’s dual-pronged approach—combining affordable casual eats with a fun retail twist—seems designed to reinvigorate the shopping centre’s atmosphere and appeal.

“It’s all about bringing life back into uptown—more reasons to visit, stay, shop, and savour,” Gomke explained. With renovations set to begin in the coming weeks, both outlets are expected to welcome their first customers later this summer.

Hiring Underway

Hiring for both locations is already underway. Local candidates are encouraged to apply for positions ranging from kitchen staff and food service roles at Foggy City Takeout, to front-of-house and retail associates at Foggy City Sweets and Souvenirs. For information on job openings and/or to apply: email [email protected]

Stephanie Turner and Brock Turner of Cushman & Wakefield Atlantic represent the landlord, Ravelin Properties".

https://sjcommercialre.com/2025/06/24/ne...brunswick-square-reviving-uptown-energy/

[bingun]

They were digging a big hole in the vacant lot opposite the Cathedral today, which had previously been the site of a tent village and homeless encampment.

I want to say they had something planned for that space, or am I misremembering?

[DyAm00394]

The same new leasing team for Brunswick Square is also now in charge of leasing stalls in the City Market. There are 3 stalls available for new food vendors.

Also on the page is a mention of some changes coming to the City Market.

https://sjcommercialre.com/city-market-stalls/

"Exciting changes are coming soon, bringing a fresh experience.

Some of the market’s long-standing tenants will soon be relocating within, while others are expanding their offerings.

The iconic “Hooper Clock” will soon take its place in the center of the market

A new layout is being introduced to improve flow and comfort with the market moving from a 3 aisle layout to a 2 aisle layout resulting in 1 row of new lower profile stalls down the center. This thoughtful reconfiguration will not only enhance circulation but also make room for a new seating area that will double as a stage for performances and events. The space is being designed with flexibility in mind, allowing it to adapt seamlessly to a variety of uses — from daily commerce to evening concerts, pop-up events, and cultural showcases.

While these changes take place, 3 spaces are available now for new food vendors. There’s a buzz of anticipation about what’s to come. The Saint John City Market is poised for the future. With a new high-rise residential development under construction next door, there’s no better time to secure your spot! Contact Stephanie Turner or Brock Turner to discuss your ideas"