[Saint John, NB] Kennebecasis Valley Developments

[bingun]

N.B. government spending $6M on community complex in Rothesay

https://www.ctvnews.ca/atlantic/new-brun...ing-6m-on-community-complex-in-rothesay/

A substantial contribution to the project. The article is pretty light, but I am wondering if this is still planned to be completed by 2028 and how much more funding they need.

[bingun]

I can't recall whether I missed this or forgot, but there is a public hearing for a two-building development on Chapel Road/Holland Drive, expanding an already approved single-building development to the north.

For those less familiar, this is behind the Sobey's on Hampton Road. The diagram suggests they don't want to extend Chapel Road into Holland Drive, though I am not sure I agree.

Another visually stunning Spitfire design .

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE: 15-17 Chapel Road Rezoning

https://www.rothesay.ca/public-hearing-notice-15-17-chapel-road-rezoning/

In accordance with Section 111 of the Community Planning Act, SNB 2017, c 19 and amendments thereto, PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that the town of Rothesay intends to consider an amendment to By-law 2-10, “Rothesay Zoning By-law” to consider the rezoning of 15-17 Chapel Road (PIDs 00065094 & 00056614) from Single Family Residential – Standard [R1B] to Multi-Unit Residential (R4).

[bingun]

Originally Posted by bingun

I can't recall whether I missed this or forgot, but there is a public hearing for a two-building development on Chapel Road/Holland Drive, expanding an already approved single-building development to the north.

For those less familiar, this is behind the Sobey's on Hampton Road. The diagram suggests they don't want to extend Chapel Road into Holland Drive, though I am not sure I agree.

Another visually stunning Spitfire design .

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE: 15-17 Chapel Road Rezoning

https://www.rothesay.ca/public-hearing-notice-15-17-chapel-road-rezoning/

Tax revenue from apartment buildings will benefit all: engineer

https://tj.news/saint-john-south/tax-revenue-from-apartment-buildings-will-benefit-all-engineer

Jacob Kilpatrick, of Engineering by Houghton, told the meeting that building “small density” makes sense for Rothesay, especially in light of the expected tax windfall he says will benefit the whole town.

“Rothesay has a great identity as a vibrant community, but it is difficult to maintain excellent services when the town is restricted in terms of its income based on property taxes,” he said. “A development like this, yes it increases traffic and can cause some potential issues, but the annual property tax base that this will generate is $350,000 per year… (It) really helps to allow town staff to deploy those funds to make the entire town better for everyone.”

That amount could represent one-third of the town’s annual snow and ice removal and over 100 per cent of the town’s water supply for the fire protection budget, according to his presentation. The development would also include three kilometres of new concrete sidewalk, two km of street asphalt resurfacing and 500 metres of new water mains.

The planned start date for the first of the two additional buildings, according to town planning director Marke Reade, would be in the fall of this year, with the second building breaking ground in spring 2027, if approved. Speaking about the benefits to the town, Reade said once all three buildings are completed, they would include units designated as affordable suites.

“The development agreement also contains provisions for affordable housing that we have adopted, a provision for nine affordable two-bedroom apartments on a 20-year term…” he said. “These units would have similar finishes to (other units) and there is language in there around (tying) the monthly rental rate to 30 per cent of median income, and there is language in there to make sure these requirements are followed.”

Council next meets on Feb. 9, when members are expected to vote on first and second readings of the rezoning application.

[bingun]

The above development is going to council on Monday I believe. From the public hearing, there were some additional renders. Also, you can see the progress on the adjacent development. Those images appear to be from September/October, so there has likely been significant progress since then.

There is also an 18-unit being proposed for 79 Donlyn Drive. I will check back later to see if there is a site plan or render.

[EnvisionSaintJohn]

Originally Posted by cdnguys

Some cities in Canada may be growing at a faster clip, but they’ll never have this geography and beauty.

and some people try and claim that Saint John's section of the Kennebecasis Valley isn't really part of "KV" 🙄

You'd be hard pressed to find a better suburban view than this in many other Canadian cities.

[bingun]

Quite a few updates from KV over the last few weeks.


The 'Holland Hill' development on Chapel Road, which I showed above, was approved by Rothesay Council (1st and 2nd reading). This is for two 48-unit apartment buildings.


The proposed development for 213 Hampton Road was approved by Quispamsis council (1st and 2nd reading). This one is for three buildings and 150 units.

Hampton Road development moves forward after public hearing

https://tj.news/saint-john-south/hampton-road-development-moves-forward-after-public-hearing


Also, a lady presented to Quispamsis council a plan to build a new multipurpose training arena, including two new ice surfaces. This wouldn't be a public facility but a privately owned one.

I am not sure if this is a serious plan or if she's delusional.

Town resident pitches building new training arena with two ice surfaces

https://tj.news/saint-john-south/town-re...new-training-arena-with-two-ice-surfaces

Vieten’s proposal includes two ice surfaces for training, about two-thirds the size of an NHL rink and one multipurpose arena of the same size, with additional areas for a yoga room or a gym, as well as spectator seating and a small food and beverage area.

She told council that she sees it as being open all year long.

As well as fundraising on her own for the project, she said, revenues could come from ice rentals to minor hockey, schools or other leagues, as well as tournaments and seasonal events, training programs and camps, sponsorship and rink board advertising and a pro shop. She’d also like to include a restaurant and a smoothie bar.

[bingun]

Quispamsis is in the early stages of considering adding highway access from Millennium Drive.

[magee_b]

Originally Posted by bingun

Good catch on this, I hadn't checked the Quispamsis council agendas recently. I've included some more information and additional images below.

Fencing is going up and equipment seems to be arriving for the ground work for this.

Groundwork has also been underway for a few weeks for the Elmtree Hill apartments development further up the road at 258 Hampton Rd.

[bingun]

I went back into Rothesay's Council Agendas, and they have the building permit information in there.

There was a building permit for interior renovations at 77 Marr Road for >$2M, which aligns with chatter about the Shoppers Drug Mart going in there. I don't know what shape that is in after being vacant for so long, but $2M is no joke, big investment!

[bingun]

I rounded off the long weekend in KV and snapped a few pictures while I was there.

Future Wendy's



New Shoppers Drug Mart (by Staples/Dollarama/Superstore)



Holland Hills Development (48 Units)



213 Hampton Road (150 Units)

[bingun]

AllNB has an article out this morning, I don't think this was in doubt at this stage but a more formal confirmation. It will be surprising if they keep the existing store too but 'Expansion' makes it sound like they will.

Shoppers Drug Mart Confirms Rothesay Expansion

[bingun]

39 Millennium Drive, which is a large undeveloped lot just off the highway exit in Quispamsis, is showing as under contract ($2M asking price).

https://www.collierscanada.com/en-ca/pro...rive-quispamsis-new-brunswick/can2017681

Located at a high-traffic intersection just off the highway and directly adjacent to Tim Hortons and McDonald’s, the property offers exceptional exposure and steady daily traffic. With prominent frontage and flexible Highway Commercial zoning, it is ideally suited for a wide range of development possibilities.


This site is perfectly positioned for a large-scale mixed-use project incorporating retail, quick-service restaurants, a hotel, multi-unit residential with commercial space on the ground floor, and more.

[bingun]

This is probably the best place for it, but Hampton is looking into encouraging some kind of accommodation/hotel development within the municipality. They're willing to divest public lands and offer incentives to support this. Existing B&Bs have closed, leaving nowhere for folks visiting the summit center for sporting events to stay. Early days, but something to keep an eye on.

[bingun]

Firehouse Subs is coming to Quispamsis at 175 Hampton Road, Unit 111. Source is Quispamsis PAC for next week.

[EnvisionSaintJohn]

Originally Posted by bingun

This is probably the best place for it, but Hampton is looking into encouraging some kind of accommodation/hotel development within the municipality. They're willing to divest public lands and offer incentives to support this. Existing B&Bs have closed, leaving nowhere for folks visiting the summit center for sporting events to stay. Early days, but something to keep an eye on.

Is Hampton not part of the Kennebecasis Valley? I thought all communities along the Kennebecasis were considered part of “KV”.

[darkharbour]

Originally Posted by EnvisionSaintJohn

Is Hampton not part of the Kennebecasis Valley? I thought all communities along the Kennebecasis were considered part of “KV”.

Not as far as I’ve ever known growing up in the area. KV is just Quispamsis And Rothesay, Hampton is a more distinct and historic town.

[bingun]

Originally Posted by EnvisionSaintJohn

Is Hampton not part of the Kennebecasis Valley? I thought all communities along the Kennebecasis were considered part of “KV”.

Technically, Sussex is in the Kennebecasis Valley, but you wouldn't catch anybody calling it KV. For me, it probably ends up at Darlings Island/Nauwigewauk, and Hampton is distinct.


The 'Bottle Poet,' which is some kind of wine bar, is heading to 1 Gondola Point Road. It fits Rothesay, but I will be curious to see if it survives.


Further confirmation about Firehouse Subs from the TJ. I was surprised to read there is only one in Moncton and Fredericton. If you haven't been, they are great; I find them much better quality and taste than something like Subway.

Firehouse Subs eyes Quispamsis for new restaurant

https://tj.news/saint-john-south/firehouse-subs-coming-to-quispamsis

The committee approved the restaurant as a discretionary use Tuesday night for Unit 111 at the Quispamsis Town Centre, 175 Hampton Rd.

According to a staff report, the approximately 148-square-metre restaurant will offer takeout and delivery, with no sit-down dining. Proposed hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.

There are currently four locations in New Brunswick, including two in Saint John, one in Moncton and one in Fredericton.

[bingun]

Colliers is advertising land off the Gondola Point Arterial for a major commercial development. Conceptual at this stage, with all lots available, but something to keep an eye on.

https://www.collierscanada.com/en-ca/pro...sis-new-brunswick/can2021492#RelatedDocs

[magee_b]

Originally Posted by bingun

Colliers is advertising land off the Gondola Point Arterial for a major commercial development. Conceptual at this stage, with all lots available, but something to keep an eye on.

Good find. Seems like a prime spot for a smaller-format grocery store given that the arterial is a very busy commuter route and a lot of new residential development in Quispamsis is happening further up the road. I know Foodland is not too far away off of Millennium, but it's rather hidden and rundown.

The nearby former driving range area (where Smoking Pig is located) also seems like it would be a prime location for either commercial / mixed residential development or even as an place for some additional sports fields.

The cleared corner lot across from Daly's has been in the rumour mill for various fast-food restaurants for as long as I can remember, but obviously nothing ever comes of it.

[bingun]

Originally Posted by bingun

39 Millennium Drive, which is a large undeveloped lot just off the highway exit in Quispamsis, is showing as under contract ($2M asking price).

https://www.collierscanada.com/en-ca/pro...rive-quispamsis-new-brunswick/can2017681

Now this one is starting to get interesting.

There is a special PAC meeting next Monday. SmartCentres wants several variances to build a 13,229-square-metre (roughly 142,000 square feet) single-story building with 500+ parking stalls, four loading docks, and a 'seasonal sales area'.

https://media-001-ca.cdn.govstack.com/qu...ificationmap_mailoutpkg_2026_09_15-1.pdf

This smells like Walmart. They're back for another attempt? I can't be Kent or Canadian Tire, and I can't see it being a grocery store. My other guess would be Home Depot.