The Official Saint John, NB Project Thread

[nwalbert]

Originally Posted by mylesmalley

It's good to see property values rising in Saint John. But bear in mind that having such high prices is not necessarily a good thing. It's certainly a seller's market, but that could discourage less wealthy people from buying. As well, it could cause home builders to flood the market with new construction, which could force prices down pretty quickly too. Such a big increase in value could also be the result of a bubble formed out of speculation on some of the big projects in the works.

If you believe in fundamental economics than a rise in value is directly related to a rise in demand or a decrease in supply. Since we know that the supply has in fact increased then we know that the demand for housing in Saint John has significantly increased. There are a number of other indicators to support this, but will keep it simple.

Some of the increased could be attributed to speculation on the mega projects that are coming however lets keep in mind that these numbers represent properties which are sold meaning that both the buyer and the seller believed in the speculation. At this point it is very likely that these projects will move forward and thus the speculation is turning into reality in the market.

Declining prices in Moncton indicate either an increase in supply or a decrease in demand. It appears to me that Moncton is overbuilt at the moment, but that is simply the indication I get and there are no facts behind that other than the fact that it appears the population is growing. Hopefully if its overbuilding the supply can eventually be used and the market corrects itself. Consistently dropping housing prices is not a good thing.

[nwalbert]

I have been attempting to follow the series in the TJ lately comparing major metrics for each of the major cities. Last night's edition had an article around the Debt that each city is currently carrying and I was pleasantly surprised to see that Saint John has very little debt. This certainly bodes well for the future when you combine that with the fact that our population is set to make significant strides over the next ten years yielding a much higher tax base.

The TJ did not seem to think that debt was significant, but to me this is one of the most critical numbers when looking at the health of the city for the long term.

[random11]

The 2009 Cruise schedule has been posted here:

http://www.cruisesaintjohn.com/media/cruiseschedule.asp

Total passengers in 2009 is currently estimated at 171,200. Last year, the estimate was 187,680. So, it's down a bit but still by far the second best year on record for traffic.

[michael_d40]

Originally Posted by random11

The 2009 Cruise schedule has been posted here:

http://www.cruisesaintjohn.com/media/cruiseschedule.asp

Total passengers in 2009 is currently estimated at 171,200. Last year, the estimate was 187,680. So, it's down a bit but still by far the second best year on record for traffic.

Actually it was just released today this year will be the record year... Sweet!!

[More Cruise Ships are Coming]

10:52:48:

It's now officially another banner year for cruise business at the local port -- the Port Authority says Carnival Cruise Lines has added 6-more calls to its schedule for the "Carnival Triumph." The additional calls will bring the passenger total for this season to over 192-thousand exceeding last year's record of 183-thousand passengers.

The "Carnival Triumph" will call on the port 26-times during this cruise season.

[kwajo]

Originally Posted by michael_d40

Actually it was just released today this year will be the record year... Sweet!!

[More Cruise Ships are Coming]

10:52:48:

It's now officially another banner year for cruise business at the local port -- the Port Authority says Carnival Cruise Lines has added 6-more calls to its schedule for the "Carnival Triumph." The additional calls will bring the passenger total for this season to over 192-thousand exceeding last year's record of 183-thousand passengers.

The "Carnival Triumph" will call on the port 26-times during this cruise season.

Well my bout with cruise-ship-passenger-arrival-numbers-derived depression didn't last very long, thanks!

[kwajo]

The recent post about Blue Rock Court inspired me to post this photo of the area from ~1910:

[random11]

Speaking of Cruise ships and such - I took note in the Harper budget that money was set aside for developing (further) the St. Lawrence Seaway for Cruise Business. This of course was on the mind of the local Port - to secure funding for added berths in our harbour but it looks like we lost out in the budget. The Port spent their time going after Greg Thompson and I don't know why Rodney Weston was never mentioned in the articles I read. The Port has a very strong case (had) for seeking additional monies (and of course we lost the Queen Mary this year simply because there was no room). I may have missed something in the budget release but it appeared that no additional funding is coming to SJ for cruise business.

[random11]

ooops .. I see the Queen Mary is coming September 6th and November 2nd - but I know I read that she was turned away from additional dates re: lack of docking berths.

[kwajo]

Originally Posted by random11

ooops .. I see the Queen Mary is coming September 6th and November 2nd - but I know I read that she was turned away from additional dates re: lack of docking berths.

Don't worry, you weren't the only one confused by this, I wondered the same thing.


Anyway, has anyone heard anything about a group in the South End who have tried to arrange meetings with Co-op to set up an actual grocery store somewhere in the area?

[kwajo]

Originally Posted by random11

Speaking of Cruise ships and such - I took note in the Harper budget that money was set aside for developing (further) the St. Lawrence Seaway for Cruise Business. This of course was on the mind of the local Port - to secure funding for added berths in our harbour but it looks like we lost out in the budget. The Port spent their time going after Greg Thompson and I don't know why Rodney Weston was never mentioned in the articles I read. The Port has a very strong case (had) for seeking additional monies (and of course we lost the Queen Mary this year simply because there was no room). I may have missed something in the budget release but it appeared that no additional funding is coming to SJ for cruise business.

Port official hopeful
Published Thursday January 29th, 2009


Infrastructure Campbell optimistic(about getting funding equal to Quebec's
C4
SANDRA DAVIS
Telegraph-Journal

SAINT JOHN - Given that Quebec received another $24 million for cruise infrastructure in this week's federal budget, Stephen Campbell is optimistic that Saint John can't be far behind - especially since the city will shatter its record for cruise ship passengers this season for the second year in a row.

"It's proof that the federal government sees clearly the economic value of the cruise industry, otherwise they wouldn't be pumping this money into the St. Lawrence," said Campbell, chairman of the Saint John Port Authority's board of directors.

While it's great news that Saint John will get six additional visits by the Carnival Cruise Line vessel the Carnival Triumph, pushing passenger numbers into the 200,000 range, Campbell said accommodating the ships can be a juggling act.

"It really brings to the forefront the urgent need for infrastructure investment in the Port of Saint John to facilitate this wonderful economic generator," Campbell said.

"We're at capacity and we did have an incident this year in not being able to accommodate the Queen Mary 2," he said.

The QM2 is the largest ocean liner in the world.

"My message to government folks is, 'Let's not let that happen again.' "

The port is reaching its maximum wharf capacity and is appealing to the federal government for money to double the size of one of its wharves. The price tag for the expansion would be in the range of $35 million to $40 million.

Quebec's $24-million infusion is in addition to $156 million the federal government has contributed to create cruise facilities at six ports on the St. Lawrence River.

Saint John's anticipated passenger numbers are double those that went through the entire St. Lawrence last year, Campbell said.

"Having said that, if there's a case for it in the St. Lawrence, there is certainly an overwhelming case for equal consideration in Saint John," he said.

"We're hoping that we will receive equal consideration in one of these funding envelopes."

Saint John is the fourth-largest port in Canada, bigger than all the St. Lawrence ports combined; last year, 183,000 passengers went through the Port of Saint John.

The Carnival Triumph will be the first vessel to call on the new cruise terminal at Pugsley wharf, the first of 26 visits she will make during this cruise season.

The Triumph weighs in at slightly 100,000 gross registered tons and has a capacity of 3,200 passengers and 1,100 crew.

[PersonPlaceorThing]

Originally Posted by kwajo

Anyway, has anyone heard anything about a group in the South End who have tried to arrange meetings with Co-op to set up an actual grocery store somewhere in the area?

They have a facebook group at: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=42534009661

[michael_d40]

Looks like Bulk Barn and Dollarama are leaving Lancaster Mall, and moving across from new sobeys. Urban Planet should be open in Lancaster in another month or two. As well I seen they are opening a Staples across from the new Sobeys as well. Very cool. Here are the prints for the new area. http://www.plaza.ca/portfolio/New_Brunsw...%20Plaza%20portfolio%20Jan%2026%2009.pdf

[thebrad]

does #2 future mean a future shop also?

[michael_d40]

Originally Posted by thebrad

does #2 future mean a future shop also?

Not sure, I seen that to. Lets hope though

[kwajo]

I wondered that too, but assumed it meant that it was a future development or development phase.

Thanks for posting the prints!

[michael_d40]

Ever realize how hard it is to turn Left to retail drive from westmorland? I did. So i emailed east point, This was my response.... Think I should call?

Mr. ___,



Thank you for your note that you sent to our Brian Harris pertaining to trying to turn left from Westmorland Road onto Retail Drive.

Could you please give me a call at your convenience to discuss this item as we have been trying to get the City on this also as they are responsible for all street light operations.



Regards,



Rod Adams

East Point Inc

[Helladog]

Originally Posted by michael_d40

Ever realize how hard it is to turn Left to retail drive from westmorland? I did. So i emailed east point, This was my response.... Think I should call?

Mr. ___,



Thank you for your note that you sent to our Brian Harris pertaining to trying to turn left from Westmorland Road onto Retail Drive.

Could you please give me a call at your convenience to discuss this item as we have been trying to get the City on this also as they are responsible for all street light operations.



Regards,



Rod Adams

East Point Inc

Not if you want your garbage picked up.

[Helladog]

Some news on the new courthouse...

Justice N.B. issues call for private developers interested in building, owning, operating facility

SANDRA DAVIS
Telegraph-Journal

SAINT JOHN - The province is moving forward on its plan to build the city's new courthouse.

On Friday, an ad published in the Telegraph-Journal called for expressions of interest from the private sector to develop the 13,536-square-metre (150,400-square-foot) facility on the site of the former YMCA-YWCA on Hazen Avenue now known as the Peel Plaza development.

"We're anxious to get going," Supply and Services Minister Ed Doherty said.

"It's a lovely area up there. It's going to generate work for Saint Johners and it's going to have huge economic spinoffs."

The exact cost of the courthouse won't be known until the private partner is decided, Doherty said, but Premier Shawn Graham told the Telegraph-Journal editorial board on Friday that it is expected to cost $55 million.

"This is a critical piece of investment in downtown Saint John," Graham said. "This will be one of the largest government investments in building infrastructure downtown in a long period of time."

Graham pointed to the "great success" with Moncton's $50-million courthouse project and said he sees no reason why Saint John's should be any different.

"The Citigroup was a successful proponent of the project in Moncton and even in these times with the economic downturn, we were able to put together the financial resources to bring the project across the finish line," he said.

"I'm confident that we're going to have a good uptake on this project as well."

In addition to the courthouse, Peel Plaza will see a police headquarters built on Union Street, between Hazen Avenue and Wellington Row, and a parking garage between Sewell and Carleton streets.

The city is responsible for the construction of both the police station, estimated to be between $23 million and $25 million, and the parking complex. Earlier this month, municipal politicians also moved a step closer to selecting a public-private partnership model to fund the police headquarters and parking garage by endorsing a plan that outlines a process to select the best players in the industry.

The public-private initiative to build the courthouse will include construction, financing, operation and maintenance.

The call for expressions of interest - the first step - has gone out right across the country.

"We are seeking private developers capable of building, owning, operating and maintaining the Saint John courthouse, which will be leased back to the province," Doherty said.

"By engaging the private sector in this important project, we are ensuring the best value for money for the taxpayers of New Brunswick, and creating opportunities for developers."

A maintenance schedule is important to ensure the building is kept up, he said.

"Universities and governments do not have a great track record of maintaining their buildings and this guarantees that the building will be well maintained," he said.

The call is being advertised on the New Brunswick Opportunities Network and in provincial newspapers. Submissions must be received by March 6.

They will be evaluated and a second-stage request for proposals issued around April 1 from selected proponents, from which a private-sector partner will be chosen.

Those submissions will include design and financing details.

Doherty is certain the city's new police headquarters should be built close to the new courthouse.

"The legal community has had a great deal of input into this," he said. "They're the people that use the facilities and deal with these matters every day and it's been their recommendation. Due diligence has been done in terms of the design, by a consultative process."

Meanwhile, he is not sure what will become of the historic Sydney Street Courthouse but one thing is certain: it will be a courthouse no more.

"That decision hasn't been made but it's important that we protect our heritage. As a government, we will be doing everything to preserve that."

The new energy-efficient courthouse will house 13 courtrooms and a barristers' lounge, as well as office space for the judiciary, court services, public prosecutions, sheriff services, public safety and policing.

Construction is expected to begin in the summer of 2009, with completion by early 2011.

With files from Reid Southwick

[Helladog]

Published Wednesday January 28th, 2009
Telegraph-Journal

SAINT JOHN - The owner of a new hotel under construction on the site of the former St. Paul's (Valley) Church will hold a press conference sometime the middle of next month to provide an update.


Kâté LeBlanc/Telegraph-Journal
The new hotel currently under construction on Winter Street in the north end where St. Paul's (Valley) Church used to be is scheduled to open in the summer.

Prominent Moncton-area businessman Bernard Cyr declined to be interviewed recently but said details will be forthcoming in February.

The 112-room hotel, tentatively dubbed Chateau Saint John, is located at 369 Rockland Rd. and is expected to open next summer.

It is the most recent addition to the city's new hotel offerings - the Hampton Inn and Best Western both opened last year on the east side.

Cyr is well-known in Moncton business circles as the owner of the luxurious Chateau Moncton that overlooks the Petitcodiac River in the city's downtown and the owner and franchisor of the Dooly's Group, which owns and operates more than 75 billiards facilities in seven provinces.

If the Saint John hotel follows the example Cyr has set with the Chateau Moncton, patrons can expect rooms that are 30 to 40 per cent larger than standard hotel rooms, plus in-room coffee and high-speed Internet in every room.

The new hotel will bring the city's total number of rooms to 1,869 rooms.

[kwajo]

They've got a lot of work to do if they expect that hotel to open in the Summer