The Official Saint John, NB Project Thread

[DyAm00394]

Local news article on the new recreation facility: https://yoursaintjohn.ca/saint-john-moves-ahead-with-49m-multi-use-facility-on-east-side/

Site prep will begin this fall with construction starting next year. Full completion scheduled for 2029.

[bingun]

Originally Posted by DyAm00394

Local news article on the new recreation facility: https://yoursaintjohn.ca/saint-john-moves-ahead-with-49m-multi-use-facility-on-east-side/

Site prep will begin this fall with construction starting next year. Full completion scheduled for 2029.

He said residents should expect early site preparation this fall and full construction to begin next year.

The construction contract has already been tendered, and the organization is preparing for a capital campaign that includes reconnecting with past donors.

From looking at the drawing, the rinks will be on the large empty space to the right of the field house, and the new library will be built directly in front of the current entrance and daycare.

Huge win for the city, even if it isn't the ideal location for some residents. If this could be combined with some other new development on the East Side, like residential at the mall or further development at East Point, it could be fantastic.

What do we think the future of the adjacent Exhibition Park could be in the next few decades? Some similarities to the situation up in Fredericton.

[bingun]

I can't remember if there is a thread for Grand Bay, so I will post it here, but it's a great video from Atlas on the development of Colonel Nase Boulevard. Not something most folks drive past regularly, so it has gone under the radar.

I assume there is a third building coming, but I can't remember. Great to see some density in that direction instead of KV getting everything.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1055610693710463

[bridgeoftea]

Originally Posted by bingun

From looking at the drawing, the rinks will be on the large empty space to the right of the field house, and the new library will be built directly in front of the current entrance and daycare.

Huge win for the city, even if it isn't the ideal location for some residents. If this could be combined with some other new development on the East Side, like residential at the mall or further development at East Point, it could be fantastic.

What do we think the future of the adjacent Exhibition Park could be in the next few decades? Some similarities to the situation up in Fredericton.

I would counter that this is the best location for this type of facility. I would prefer if it was maybe closer to uptown but think of the amount of tournaments that happen at the field house already. You've got 2 + the Hyatt House for hotel options within a 5 minute drive or less. A mall, grocery stores and tons of food options for people to grab a bit between games etc.

I am curious to see what the rest of the exhibition park becomes. Do we think the Saint John Exhibition is still around in 5 or 10 or 20 years from now?
It's the same "rides and games" as the ones that come in June. There is what 1 barn of animals and that's about it?

What I'd do is fully convert the old track into a nice cricket field. There's clearly a demand for it, a nice field would be appreciated.
Would a "east point" bus terminal fit somewhere on the property for any bus exchanges? Maybe something a little nicer than the one at the west side.

Could you turn the old barns into residential complexes? I really hope they don't just make a huge parking lot in the space of the barns for the 2 new rinks / library.

[RaginRonic]

Originally Posted by bingun

From looking at the drawing, the rinks will be on the large empty space to the right of the field house, and the new library will be built directly in front of the current entrance and daycare.

Huge win for the city, even if it isn't the ideal location for some residents. If this could be combined with some other new development on the East Side, like residential at the mall or further development at East Point, it could be fantastic.

What do we think the future of the adjacent Exhibition Park could be in the next few decades? Some similarities to the situation up in Fredericton.

When it comes to the 2 arena surfaces for hockey, I would retain the names of Hurley and Gorman when it would come to naming them. Give the Gorman name to Sheet A and the Hurley name to Sheet B. Good idea?

[bingun]

Originally Posted by bridgeoftea

I would counter that this is the best location for this type of facility. I would prefer if it was maybe closer to uptown but think of the amount of tournaments that happen at the field house already. You've got 2 + the Hyatt House for hotel options within a 5 minute drive or less. A mall, grocery stores and tons of food options for people to grab a bit between games etc.

I am curious to see what the rest of the exhibition park becomes. Do we think the Saint John Exhibition is still around in 5 or 10 or 20 years from now?
It's the same "rides and games" as the ones that come in June. There is what 1 barn of animals and that's about it?

What I'd do is fully convert the old track into a nice cricket field. There's clearly a demand for it, a nice field would be appreciated.
Would a "east point" bus terminal fit somewhere on the property for any bus exchanges? Maybe something a little nicer than the one at the west side.

Could you turn the old barns into residential complexes? I really hope they don't just make a huge parking lot in the space of the barns for the 2 new rinks / library.

Don't get me wrong, I do think it is a good location for the city as a whole, but with how spread out Saint John is, west siders are bound to feel slighted, especially with the current Belyea project.

There is plenty of parking as is; even on days where they have a big track meet, I have never seen it full. Perhaps if they had a track meet and a huge hockey tournament, it might get close, and they can always spill over into the parking behind McDonald's.

Below is the latest from Google Earth.

[cdnguys]

Many reasons there, but main one is that it will be sharing heating / HVAC and other infrastructure with field house saving both construction and monthly costs

[bingun]

Address: 90 Douglas Avenue

PIDs: 55190680

Application Details: The City of Saint John has received an application to rezone the property located at 90 Douglas Avenue from the Community Facility (CFN) Zone to the General Commercial (CG) Zone to facilitate the redevelopment of the existing vacant former church building into ten short-term accommodation units and a caretaker’s suite.

PAC Meeting: Tuesday, August 18, 2026

Public Hearing (Rezoning): Monday, September 21, 2026

[bingun]

AllNB has a new article this morning -

Indian Seed Oil Specialist Plan Saint John Factory

[CharlotteSJ]

Originally Posted by bingun

Don't get me wrong, I do think it is a good location for the city as a whole, but with how spread out Saint John is, west siders are bound to feel slighted, especially with the current Belyea project.

The west side already shut down a proposed two-rink ball hockey facility, of which went to the east side and is in operation.
The east side is growing and is fluid for development for residential/commercial/industrial.
The west side seems stagnant in development and loves to remember the good 'ol Lancaster days. Even Irving had challenges in getting their new Pulp Mill project going.

[EnvisionSaintJohn]

I wouldn’t say ”The West Side” shut down that ball hockey facility. Rather , I’d say the city and company caved to some very vocal opponents that lived near where it was proposed.

There’s lot of room on the West Side for a multi ice surface rink. Barry Ogden was maybe the only person on council that would bring that up too… I hope the new council cares more about rinks (including outdoor rinks) than than last council!

[cdnguys]

Originally Posted by bingun

AllNB has a new article this morning -

Indian Seed Oil Specialist Plan Saint John Factory

Any info from it, or behind paywall ?

[DyAm00394]

Originally Posted by cdnguys

Any info from it, or behind paywall ?

AllNewBrunswick is unfortunately a paywalled news source. Hopefully someone with access can provide some info.

[cdnguys]

[bingun]

Originally Posted by cdnguys

Great catch!

Secure a position within one of Saint John’s most strategic commercial development sites. Located at the entrance to the Saint John Airport, this opportunity is anchored by strong daily traffic, direct airport access, and confirmed national co-tenancy, including a national coffee chain and a major fuel service station planned within the same plaza.

The primary leasing opportunity is within the Local Services Zone, a high-visibility area designed to serve airport visitors, commuters, and the growing surrounding residential population. A ±2,700 SF end-cap unit is now available in the planned plaza, which will also feature a national coffee chain and major fuel service station, offering an immediate opportunity for a quick-service restaurant, grab-and-go food concept, or high-demand community service user. The site benefits from strong brand recognition, prominent corner visibility, and exposure at the gateway to the airport.

Beyond the immediate QSR opportunity, additional build-to-suit sites are available within the Local Services Zone. These flexible sites are well-suited for businesses that support everyday needs, including retail, convenience, childcare, medical, dental, wellness, fitness, veterinary, and other service-based uses. With continued residential growth in nearby Forest Hills, Lakewood Heights, and Glen Falls, the area offers a strong customer base for community-focused operators.

Future development opportunities are also contemplated throughout the broader airport lands, including the Airport Amenities Zone and future logistics park development area. These areas are intended to support longer-term airport-related uses such as hotels, short-stay accommodations, food and beverage, professional services, ground transportation, logistics, distribution, and traveller-focused amenities.

With 24/7 airport operations, dual runways, proximity to Downtown Saint John and the Port of Saint John, and access to key Maritime and cross-border markets, Saint John Airport offers a rare opportunity for businesses seeking visibility, accessibility, and long-term growth potential.

[bingun]

Envision Saint John has an RFP out for a Waterfront Development and Experience Plan.

The map is interesting, including both the Lantic Sugar site and the recently cleared Saint John Energy site and parking lot on Smythe Street.

The output of this could guide the future of those sites.

Envision Saint John, in partnership with the City of Saint John, Port Saint John, and Fundy Harbour Group (the "Project Sponsors"), is seeking proposals from qualified consultants to prepare a Waterfront Development and Experience Plan. Proposals may be submitted by a single consulting firm or by a consultant team comprised of multiple firms.

The Waterfront Development and Experience Plan will establish a coordinated and investment-ready framework to:
- Accelerate economic development, job creation and strategic investment
- Enhance tourism and visitor experience, including cruise visitors
- Leverage Saint John's arts and cultural assets and events
- Leverage the growing interest in outdoor and active experiences
- Position the waterfront as Saint John's premier opportunity for economic growth, tourism development, placemaking, investment attraction, and population attraction.
- Identify and prioritize the waterfront's unique assets, public spaces, cultural resources, and development opportunities to catalyze investment, tourism growth, and exceptional experiences for residents and visitors.
- Align infrastructure, land use, programming, and capital investment within municipal and regional plans (see Appendix A - Key Inputs)
The Plan shall establish a long-term vision with a planning horizon to 2050, supported by short-term (0-2 years), medium-term (3-10 years), and long-term (11-24 years) implementation priorities.

[EnvisionSaintJohn]

Originally Posted by bingun

envision saint john has an rfp out for a waterfront development and experience plan.

The map is interesting, including both the lantic sugar site and the recently cleared saint john energy site and parking lot on smythe street.

The output of this could guide the future of those sites.

This RFP is certainly relevant to the future Lafford project. Also interesting to see the Fundy Harbour Group is sponsoring this project… perhaps they have some future plans beyond the Fundy Quay project?



Here the future land use plans for the area around Tin Can Beach / Former Sugar refinery according to the city’s website, where they envision it as part of the primary centre:



Finally, some pictures of the area around the Sugar Refinery pre demolition:








I’m not sure if the port is interested in expanding their container operations to lower cove, but it sure seems the lower cove terminal could be put toward much more profitable uses, and there’s ample room along Charlotte street for mixed use and residential developments.

[bingun]

An image I saw circulating on Facebook of the new tiny home community up behind the East Side Sobeys.

The size of the construction vehicles in the back makes this feel huge.