The Official Saint John, NB Project Thread - Page 184

PostModernPrometheus · #**3661** Posted **Dec 7, 2008, 3:05 PM**

Saint John Community College To Receive 45 Million Dollars In Funding
December 05, 2008
By: News 88-9 staff

SAINT JOHN, N.B.- New Brunswick Premier Shawn Graham has given New Brunswickers a sneak peak as to what they can expect when his government delivers it's capital budget next Tuesday

The New Brunswick Community College in Saint John will recieve nearly 45 million dollars for upgrades and Edmunston's college will receive 35 million.

Graham believes these inanities will help the province deal with the spiralling economy. "In order to give New Brunswickers the educational opportunities they need, investments must be made in our community colleges and universities", Graham says.

Graham says the money will be invested over two years.

The $660-million capital budget will be released next Tuesday and includes 200 million more in it than it did last year.

link: http://www.news889.com/news/local/article.jsp?content=20081205_162638_18588

PostModernPrometheus · #**3662** Posted **Dec 7, 2008, 3:09 PM**

Last week, as posted on the link below...
even compared to last years significant increase in passengers (25%), the airport managed to post small gains (2.5%) for the first 10 months of 2007-8

I haven't heard any more recent talk re: infrastructure / expansion....

http://www.saintjohnairport.com/

PostModernPrometheus · #**3663** Posted **Dec 7, 2008, 3:11 PM**

A link to a story on the sjwaterfront.com site...looks like it may have been from the TJ?

Saint John leads the province in tourism

Growing cruise ship industry is a big reason why.

Diane Henry

The Saint John Port Authority's continuing efforts to attract new cruise lines to the city are paying off. Saint John has been chosen to host the Canada New England Cruise Symposium in June 2010.

Saint John is leading the province in tourism thanks in large part to the growing cruise ship industry. 2008 saw a record cruise season for the port with 79 vessels bringing more than 181,000 passengers and about 70,000 crew members to the community. This translates into an estimated $14 million direct spending in the city and the region, along with millions of dollars in fees for each passenger who arrives in port.

Port President and CEO Al Soppitt says they're looking to the city for financial support in hosting the three-day event for cruise-line executives, port authorities, tourism officials, media and industry from around the region.

"The symposium is a great opportunity to showcase the port and the city," Soppitt says.

The cruise ship industry has grown dramatically

*sic*

full link: http://www.sjwaterfront.com/saint_john_w...t_John_leads_the_province_in_tourism.htm

PostModernPrometheus · #**3664** Posted **Dec 7, 2008, 3:15 PM**

a link to another story on the sjwaterfront.com site.....bold emphases are my own...

Group seeks $9.6 M

BRUCE BARTLETT
TELEGRAPH-JOURNAL

SAINT JOHN - Saint John Waterfront Development, the organization behind Harbour Passage and other improvements drawing people into the city, presented its 2009 budget requests to common council Monday night.

Among the items sought in the capital budget are $1.5 million for Reversing Falls, $3.4 million for seawall repairs at the Coast Guard site and $2.8 million to purchase the site. The total capital request made to the city for 2009 totals $9.6 million

Michael Baldwin, the new general manager of the organization, made his first appearance in front of council.

"I am wondering if there is any idea of when we invest a dollar, if we know how much we get back?" asked Coun. Peter McGuire? "Because I look at Chesley Drive, I look at Long Wharf and I know it's a big investment, but I think over time we have got our money back."

Earlier estimates by the organization suggested that developments and the growth in the tax base in the waterfront area is $65 million and that with the projects in the works it could surpass $175 million.
"We are very confident that a significant payback is there," Baldwin said.

In the past, money for the development of the Coast Guard site has been in the regular city budget, but Saint John Waterfront Development is suggesting that it should take on the project. It is also requesting $600,000 for improvements to the boardwalk at Market Square, $715,000 for improvements to Pugsley Park and a possible connection to Tin Can Beach and $150,000 for the Marco Polo project.

As well as looking after development on the waterfront, the organization has an oversight function with the Market Square complex. As part of its $190,000 request for its 2009 operating budget, Saint John Waterfront Development wants to spend $50,000 on an audit of all the financial arrangements that govern Market Square, Baldwin said. It will assist the organization and the city to understand all the financial calculations and obligations surrounding the complex.

The parking garage at Market Square is projected to earn $1 million by the end of the year for the city, up from $961,000 in 2007, according to the budget documents presented to council.

*sic*

full link can be found at: http://www.sjwaterfront.com/saint_john_w...ewsroom/2008_11_25_Group_seeks_9.6_M.htm

PostModernPrometheus · #**3665** Posted **Dec 7, 2008, 3:26 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by mylesmalley

I think these were the numbers he was referring to. Based on the sept 07 and 08 employment figures from Statscan.

You're absolutely right about the T&T and TJ. If it's any consolation, we're all just as tired of their ridiculous boosterism as you guys are.

As for how the unemployment rate can go down, while job numbers decrease. The unemployment rate is based on the number of people working, divided by the number of people in the workforce. The UR can go down, even after job losses, if the number of people in the workforce decreases more. That can be based on a number of factors, like retirements, people no longer seeking employment, disability, etc.

I'm not saying that's the case here, but that's generally why.

myles - any idea if these kinds of numbers are adjusted for seasonal emplyoment (i guess that would include things like summer student employment as well??), or are 'raw' numbers?

mylesmalley · #**3666** Posted **Dec 7, 2008, 7:31 PM**

It's very hard to get a straight answer from the Statistics Canada website, however based on the table I'm linking below, I think the numbers I posted from Mat yesterday were adjusted for seasonal employment.

Labour force characteristics, unadjusted, by census metropolitan area (3 month moving average)
http://www40.statcan.gc.ca/l01/cst01/lfss04a-eng.htm

Based on that, the total number of people employed shrank, but the participation rate also dropped, which kept the unadjusted unemployment rate to roughly where it was at three months ago.

PartridgeIslandSJGal · #**3667** Posted **Dec 8, 2008, 4:57 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by PostModernPrometheus

I think the official gov't announcement is on Tues? It will be interesting to see what earmarks/strings are attached to this $$....if it's all infrastructure, over what timelines it will be spent, how much may be destined for scholarships, bursaries, hiring new teaching staff, etc, etc, etc.

That kind of heavy $$ funding into the local NBCC does raise some shades / possibilities of a move towards the 'polytechnical' concept thrown around not too long ago....

Speaking of Tuesday's announcement.. there is a major announcement planned at Ecole Millidgeville North School on Tuesday morning.
It involves the benefit to EMNS and to local district schools, includes district, government and industry representatives.
Is this the related education news we're waiting for?

I also noticed the new signage around Parkway Mall for the http://www.easterntrades.ca Eastern Trades training c/o CompuCollege

mylesmalley · #**3668** Posted **Dec 8, 2008, 5:59 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by PartridgeIslandSJGal

Speaking of Tuesday's announcement.. there is a major announcement planned at Ecole Millidgeville North School on Tuesday morning.
It involves the benefit to EMNS and to local district schools, includes district, government and industry representatives.
Is this the related education news we're waiting for?

I also noticed the new signage around Parkway Mall for the http://www.easterntrades.ca Eastern Trades training c/o CompuCollege

Welcome to the boards, PartridgeIslandSJGal!

random11 · #**3669** Posted **Dec 8, 2008, 9:32 PM**

Federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty will be in Saint John next Friday. One day visit - no word if he's bringing Christmas gifts. Pending the mini-unplanned vacation in Ottawa, it's anybody's guess as to what, if anything, he may announce.

kwajo · #**3670** Posted **Dec 8, 2008, 10:21 PM**

Well he's probably coming here because Saint John is one of the few places in the country that is poised to have a strong economic growth pattern in the next couple years and he'll probably credit the Conservative government for making it happen. I hope he's coming with cash bribes for votes, or an "economic stimulus package," cause at this point I'll take anything Saint John can get. Maybe he is making an announcement of Atlantic Gateway spending on the port?

Some articles in the TJ this morning that are of interest. One was about Percy Wilbur and Tucker Park, confirming my suspicions that he wants to develop 15-20 half-million dollar homes in the area. And another on the burying of utility lines in the Uptown, particularly Union St., and how much of it will not be accomplished any time soon (save for Princess St.).

excalibur · #**3671** Posted **Dec 9, 2008, 4:11 AM**

The 12.5 hectares of land that Percy Wilbur wants to buy from the taxpayer to develop priceless city owned Kennebecasis River waterfront property into high dollar homes is explained in the local print media as spinning it in his favour . Enough of the giving away of taxpayer jewels for private developer profit . We will no doubt be bombarded in the paper of stories of the dangers that lurk in the night there and it being a haven for no good and along comes our white knight to save it - and he will even pay for the improvements - TO THE CITY - slow down and think - let it be totally in the City hands for generations to come ; even if the City budget cannot afford upgrades at this time - in the truest sense- public access means public ownership ; thats the only way to preserve this beautiful gem for generations to come . Be suspicious of the spin and any self conducted polls that are sure to come - we ask that our elected represenatives please DO NOT WAVER - no sale should be the answer. And if MR. Wilbur wants to be the benevolent soul he is welcome to contribute to a city fund for upkeep and preservation - must someone profit on everything and have something in it for them to do any good?

nwalbert · #**3672** Posted **Dec 9, 2008, 1:37 PM**

should be interesting to see what Mr Flaherty has to say. Agreed that he is coming to Saint John due to its current growth and excellant economic position.

Let's hope that he does have some nice announcements for the city however, it would be nice to see Saint John get some favor from the government after being neglected for so many years.

thebrad · #**3673** Posted **Dec 9, 2008, 1:44 PM**

Flaherty is speaking to the SJ Board of Trade.

thebrad · #**3674** Posted **Dec 9, 2008, 1:45 PM**

Flaherty is speaking to the SJ Board of Trade. Tickets are available to the public and I believe it is a breakfast type deal.

PersonPlaceorThing · #**3675** Posted **Dec 9, 2008, 3:34 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by excalibur

The 12.5 hectares of land that Percy Wilbur wants to buy from the taxpayer to develop priceless city owned Kennebecasis River waterfront property into high dollar homes is explained in the local print media as spinning it in his favour . Enough of the giving away of taxpayer jewels for private developer profit . We will no doubt be bombarded in the paper of stories of the dangers that lurk in the night there and it being a haven for no good and along comes our white knight to save it - and he will even pay for the improvements - TO THE CITY - slow down and think - let it be totally in the City hands for generations to come ; even if the City budget cannot afford upgrades at this time - in the truest sense- public access means public ownership ; thats the only way to preserve this beautiful gem for generations to come . Be suspicious of the spin and any self conducted polls that are sure to come - we ask that our elected represenatives please DO NOT WAVER - no sale should be the answer. And if MR. Wilbur wants to be the benevolent soul he is welcome to contribute to a city fund for upkeep and preservation - must someone profit on everything and have something in it for them to do any good?

I think if private development of part of the park is the right solution, than a call for proposals would be more appropriate than just deciding "yes or no" on this sale. I find often times the city deals with each question too narrowly, and would do better to consider all options, not just those first presented.

SJResident · #**3676** Posted **Dec 9, 2008, 5:20 PM**

Flaherty will be in Saint John for pre-Budget consultations. I'm not sure if he will actually be announcing anything.

kwajo · #**3677** Posted **Dec 9, 2008, 5:38 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by PersonPlaceorThing

I think if private development of part of the park is the right solution, than a call for proposals would be more appropriate than just deciding "yes or no" on this sale. I find often times the city deals with each question too narrowly, and would do better to consider all options, not just those first presented.

This is a great point, and one that comes up quite often around the city. I think that it is a consequence of years of desperation within the city for any positive economic news, we just jump (or jump back) at the first sound of someone willing to spend money in this town. The reality is that almost all these situations should be dealt with in a more rational, balanced way that allows for more competition and opens more doors for outsiders to make investments in areas that would normally be cornered markets of local business.

Long Wharf and Tucker Park are excellent examples of this. If there is interest in the land, then we should open the discussion to look for further interest, not simply assume that development opportunities are always granted on a "finders keepers" mentality.

Joe · #**3678** Posted **Dec 9, 2008, 6:29 PM**

In editorial in the TJ this morning it talks about the utility poles on uptown streets and particularly on Union St. I have to agree with it. The poles have to go, at least as far as Carmarthan St. It looks so seedy, makes the whole area look like skid row.

kwajo · #**3679** Posted **Dec 9, 2008, 7:01 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe

In editorial in the TJ this morning it talks about the utility poles on uptown streets and particularly on Union St. I have to agree with it. The poles have to go, at least as far as Carmarthan St. It looks so seedy, makes the whole area look like skid row.

Wait, are you implying that the street that used to house Greasy Bill's Used Goods isn't skid row?

I think the utility poles should be buried too, but to me it isn't a top priority, especially on Union Street. Having a nice sidewalk isn't going to suddenly make the Iceberg or an empty gravel lot suddenly look like a gem (I realise that improvements to the road might eventually spur investment in the buildings along it, but you get my initial point). I think that streets like Prince William are much more pressing locales for these improvements, although I wouldn't complain if Union got done in the next few year.

excalibur · #**3680** Posted **Dec 9, 2008, 8:13 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by kwajo

This is a great point, and one that comes up quite often around the city. I think that it is a consequence of years of desperation within the city for any positive economic news, we just jump (or jump back) at the first sound of someone willing to spend money in this town. The reality is that almost all these situations should be dealt with in a more rational, balanced way that allows for more competition and opens more doors for outsiders to make investments in areas that would normally be cornered markets of local business.

Long Wharf and Tucker Park are excellent examples of this. If there is interest in the land, then we should open the discussion to look for further interest, not simply assume that development opportunities are always granted on a "finders keepers" mentality.

Long wharf has absolutely no comparison to the Tucker park plan - it is not anti- development or close minded to rush to develop everything . Public opinion will be molded and shaped by the local media on this issue through selective information being published. There are probably citizens in Saint john who have never even heard of the Tucker park beach - promote it and it will be used because it is truely a jewel.Check at the local land registry and it is interesting to see who owns the land which borders this site.