The Official Saint John, NB Project Thread

[bingun]

Originally Posted by darkharbour

Harbour Passage planning open house coming soon for the future link up to Rockwood Park:

Drop by our public information session to explore the conceptual design, including refreshed streetscapes, enhanced active transportation connections, and proposed roadway improvements along Broad Street, Crown Street, and Mount Pleasant Avenue.

🔎 Meet the project team
🗺️ Review concept plans
💡 Share your ideas and feedback
📅 Thursday, February 12, 2026
⏰ 3:00 – 7:00 p.m.
📍 Trinity Anglican Church, 115 Charlotte Street

Awesome, I will try to attend this and take some pictures.

[adamuptownsj]

In case anyone's interested, re: the Harbour Passage extension, I put together a brief for the city's 2021 RFP for the Strategic Real Estate Capital Reserve Fund. It was a conceptual stopgap for future Harbour Passage extension from Crown & Pitt to Crown & Union. Pleased to see they're finally tackling this, but a little apprehensive of what it'll do to the Crown Street overpass.

COURTENAY BAY LINEAR PARK

IIRC the city is extending the passage from Carmarthen to Wentworth over this summer while rebuilding that block of Broad, and has approved lengthening it as far as Pitt.

[DyAm00394]

This evening was a special council meeting held virtually. This meeting was regarding a new bridge housing project.

- Starting April 1st 2026, the province is taking over the responsibility of running the green zones from the city. 12 Neighbours will remain as the operators of green zones.

- 14 bridge housing micro suites will be constructed. Will have essential amenities like a bed, kitchenette, bathroom, closet, communal spaces and on-site staff support. This will be an expansion onto the Thorne Avenue green zone.

[bingun]

Originally Posted by adamuptownsj

In case anyone's interested, re: the Harbour Passage extension, I put together a brief for the city's 2021 RFP for the Strategic Real Estate Capital Reserve Fund. It was a conceptual stopgap for future Harbour Passage extension from Crown & Pitt to Crown & Union. Pleased to see they're finally tackling this, but a little apprehensive of what it'll do to the Crown Street overpass.

COURTENAY BAY LINEAR PARK

IIRC the city is extending the passage from Carmarthen to Wentworth over this summer while rebuilding that block of Broad, and has approved lengthening it as far as Pitt.

I don't think 95% of the city is aware that they extended it from Sydney to Carmarthen this past year. Those two additional blocks are a good stepping stone toward Rockwood Park, but I don't think they'll see much short-term use, as they're not a destination for anyone.

I have honestly never paid attention to that thin slice of land that you've suggested as a linear park, but it is an interesting idea, certainly more creative than just painting the existing sidewalk on Crown Street red. They'd likely need earthworks or relandscaping to ensure a trail that won't shift or erode.

Do you know if that substation is still in use or required? I don't think I even notice it when I drive across the causeway.

[adamuptownsj]

Originally Posted by bingun

I don't think 95% of the city is aware that they extended it from Sydney to Carmarthen this past year. Those two additional blocks are a good stepping stone toward Rockwood Park, but I don't think they'll see much short-term use, as they're not a destination for anyone.

I have honestly never paid attention to that thin slice of land that you've suggested as a linear park, but it is an interesting idea, certainly more creative than just painting the existing sidewalk on Crown Street red. They'd likely need earthworks or relandscaping to ensure a trail that won't shift or erode.

Do you know if that substation is still in use or required? I don't think I even notice it when I drive across the causeway.

I created the doc in 2021, I didn't bother updating it since.

The slice of land is extremely steep, so Crown would have to be somewhat narrowed to accommodate a path, at least north of Mecklenburg.

Substation is long gone. Replaced, along with Smythe, by Paradise Row.

[darkharbour]

Originally Posted by bingun

I don't think 95% of the city is aware that they extended it from Sydney to Carmarthen this past year. Those two additional blocks are a good stepping stone toward Rockwood Park, but I don't think they'll see much short-term use, as they're not a destination for anyone.

I have honestly never paid attention to that thin slice of land that you've suggested as a linear park, but it is an interesting idea, certainly more creative than just painting the existing sidewalk on Crown Street red. They'd likely need earthworks or relandscaping to ensure a trail that won't shift or erode.

Do you know if that substation is still in use or required? I don't think I even notice it when I drive across the causeway.

I'm a big fan of the new extension that was completed in 2025, in particular because it sets the stage for the new school and community hub by providing better crosswalks, more trees/landscaping, safer road design, etc.

There are a lot of things also going on south of Broad St right now, between the Lafford development potential, rumours of SNB moving down there, the new apartment building that is almost done on Broadview, etc., so having a better connection to the rest of the peninsula is going to be increasingly important moving forward.

[adamuptownsj]

Sydney Street from Broad to St James is getting a full reconstruction next year too. Charlotte from Broad to Vulcan is getting raised for storm sewer work. Plus, they're considering opening up Germain on to Lower Cove Loop. There's some kind of commercial development planned on the wedge of land between Ross, Lower Cove, and Charlotte, too.

It's probably easier to extend 'uptown' south along Charlotte than north past Union. Lots of presumably clean-ish brownfield and recent successful infill/repurposing. The Lafford project would be an incredible anchor at the south end of this. I wonder if Graybar/Select Printing/Global Conventions would find themselves relocating to either an industrial park or a commercial corridor if their land values spike here. Between these three businesses, that's over 100,000 square feet of land.

[bridgeoftea]

Originally Posted by adamuptownsj

Sydney Street from Broad to St James is getting a full reconstruction next year too. Charlotte from Broad to Vulcan is getting raised for storm sewer work. Plus, they're considering opening up Germain on to Lower Cove Loop. There's some kind of commercial development planned on the wedge of land between Ross, Lower Cove, and Charlotte, too.

It's probably easier to extend 'uptown' south along Charlotte than north past Union. Lots of presumably clean-ish brownfield and recent successful infill/repurposing. The Lafford project would be an incredible anchor at the south end of this. I wonder if Graybar/Select Printing/Global Conventions would find themselves relocating to either an industrial park or a commercial corridor if their land values spike here. Between these three businesses, that's over 100,000 square feet of land.

That whole block of St. James, Charlotte, Ross, Germain could be a great spot to reimagine that whole square block. Especially with the school getting built there too.

[bingun]

Originally Posted by darkharbour

I'm a big fan of the new extension that was completed in 2025, in particular because it sets the stage for the new school and community hub by providing better crosswalks, more trees/landscaping, safer road design, etc.

There are a lot of things also going on south of Broad St right now, between the Lafford development potential, rumours of SNB moving down there, the new apartment building that is almost done on Broadview, etc., so having a better connection to the rest of the peninsula is going to be increasingly important moving forward.

I am also a big fan; I don't want to give the impression that I am not. It is definitely a facelift for that area.

You are right that there is a lot of potential in the area, but my point is that we aren't quite there yet, and in the short term, some of these new sections along Broad probably won't see much foot traffic. Most people won't go past Tin Can Beach.

However, I would rather they make incremental improvements than have to throw millions at it all in one year when it's actually needed.

[adamuptownsj]

Originally Posted by bridgeoftea

That whole block of St. James, Charlotte, Ross, Germain could be a great spot to reimagine that whole square block. Especially with the school getting built there too.

Victor Train owns the eastern two thirds of this block. No clue if he intends to sit on it like certain other landowners or if he has plans.

Years ago, Acre had a cool mixed use proposal for southwestern corner lot. Can't find it now.

I believe the two apartment buildings on the northwest corner are affordable housing.

---

Back to the subject of the Harbour Passage extension, they're definitely going to build it on the inside of Crown as opposed to the water side, likely crossing Broad at Pitt. I can smell it. 9 road crossings to Union instead of 2 (King E and Elliott) plus the potash entrance.

Sure the improvements to Broad are nice, but the passage should have paralleled the train tracks from Tin Can Beach to at least the South End sports fields instead of just being a red sidewalk interrupted by driveways.

Not trying to be ultra negative, this will be really cool and a big improvement, but let's hope I'm wrong next week.

[bingun]

Originally Posted by adamuptownsj

Victor Train owns the eastern two thirds of this block. No clue if he intends to sit on it like certain other landowners or if he has plans.

Years ago, Acre had a cool mixed use proposal for southwestern corner lot. Can't find it now.

I believe the two apartment buildings on the northwest corner are affordable housing.

---

Back to the subject of the Harbour Passage extension, they're definitely going to build it on the inside of Crown as opposed to the water side, likely crossing Broad at Pitt. I can smell it. 9 road crossings to Union instead of 2 (King E and Elliott) plus the potash entrance.

Sure the improvements to Broad are nice, but the passage should have paralleled the train tracks from Tin Can Beach to at least the South End sports fields instead of just being a red sidewalk interrupted by driveways.

Not trying to be ultra negative, this will be really cool and a big improvement, but let's hope I'm wrong next week.

I agree, and while I understand it would be simpler and cheaper to create it internally, it would diminish its usability. I jog down Harbour Passage in the warmer months, and one of the most appealing parts about it is that there are no or very few street crossings or driveways that you have to worry about.

Off the top of my head, starting at Tin Can Beach, you only have to cross Charlotte, which is quiet down that end, a few driveways for the cruise terminals, which are very quiet, the parking lot opposite Princess Street, and the entrance to Long Wharf. You can 'switch off' without constantly checking for vehicles. The same concept applies to those riding a bike or to those with their children or dogs.

Having to cross King St East or Duke will be far less appealing.

[adamuptownsj]

Crown is only about 35' wide between Mecklenburg and Leinster, where it widens again to accommodate two northbound lanes. Realistically one of these lanes could be removed at least as far as Elliott Row without interfering with traffic. I drive up Crown heading north at all times of the day and there's no need of the first 600' of turning lane.

It's really the middle stretch that my linear park concept covered that would need significant slope work. There's always the option to build from Wentworth to Mecklenburg and kick the can on this section with a set of pedestrian activated lights at each end. Or see if NBSR/Canpotex will sponsor it.

I really am looking forward to seeing the Union to Rockwood plans. I hope they replace the crumbling asphalt sidewalk from Mt Pleasant to Sandy Point along Arrow Walk/Hawthorne, too. Or dare I say, as far as Parks St? Probably won't happen until Hawthorne gets a rebuild, but it's in awful shape.

[darkharbour]

Originally Posted by adamuptownsj

Victor Train owns the eastern two thirds of this block. No clue if he intends to sit on it like certain other landowners or if he has plans.

Years ago, Acre had a cool mixed use proposal for southwestern corner lot. Can't find it now.

I believe the two apartment buildings on the northwest corner are affordable housing.

---

Back to the subject of the Harbour Passage extension, they're definitely going to build it on the inside of Crown as opposed to the water side, likely crossing Broad at Pitt. I can smell it. 9 road crossings to Union instead of 2 (King E and Elliott) plus the potash entrance.

Sure the improvements to Broad are nice, but the passage should have paralleled the train tracks from Tin Can Beach to at least the South End sports fields instead of just being a red sidewalk interrupted by driveways.

Not trying to be ultra negative, this will be really cool and a big improvement, but let's hope I'm wrong next week.

You mean this Acre project?



That was Craig Wilcox' proposal that he pulled the plug on because of frustrations with the City (or so he claimed): https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-bruns...ity-hall-for-run-down-building-1.2999591

[bingun]

There is a second public meeting about Harbour Passage, but they don't appear to have advertised it. It is on Tuesday lol.

After careful consideration and extensive discussions with City staff regarding the location of the trail, Glenn Group has developed a preliminary design for the extension of Harbour Passage, from Riverview Drive to Riverview Avenue. A Public Information Session has been set for the following date and time to allow residents and businesses an opportunity to view the preliminary design and 3D renderings, ask questions and give their feedback.

The following Public Information Session will be held in a drop-in format:
Carleton-Kirk United Church
Tuesday, February 10th, 2026
2:00 – 4:00 pm and 6:00 – 8:00 pm
1 Carleton-Kirk Place, Saint John, NB

[cdnguys]

[EnvisionSaintJohn]

Looks pretty good from that angle. Btw, does anyone know what’s on the top two floors of the Uptown Bank of Montreal building?

[cdnguys]

[DyAm00394]

A new listing from Brunswick Brokers for the property located at the corner of Commerce Drive and Loch Lomond Road.

"Brunswick Brokers is happy to present a retail or mixed use opportunity on the corner of Loch Lomond and Commerce Drive in East Saint. The site consist of two PID's ideal for quick service retail, retail strip plaza, or industrial retail. Directly across from a soon to be constructed 200,000 sf Uhaul facility, the site benefits from a lot of vehicle traffic daily going to and from McAllister Mall Area, East Saint John, and Uptown. Owners are prepared to discuss options for tenants looking for exposure in this busy growth area".

https://www.bbrokers.ca/property/commerce-drive-saint-john-nb/

[bingun]

I am glad to see the storage facility across the street mentioned. I was wondering whether that was still happening. This could be some nice infill to the area and a natural expansion of the commercial zone out east.

[DyAm00394]

The plans for the Harbour Passage extension to Rockwood Park.

(These photos were posted on Facebook by Barry Ogden):