The Official Saint John, NB Project Thread

[PersonPlaceorThing]

I checked out the new NBCC building on Grandview Avenue on Friday. The steel is up and I'm impressed with the size.

I'm not sure what the parking situation is on campus, but the building is taking up a lot of spaces.

It's great to see both the college and university getting some upgrades lately.

[RaginRonic]

I was chatting with a friend online and he told me that the Zellers Select store in Lansdowne Place will close it's doors for good on Saturday, July 20.

Can someone here confirm that report?

[philster]

That makes somewhat makes sense, as they have been having closing out sales for over a month now. Last I had heard, the Salvation Army Store was to move into the location, as they have closed up shop in Parkway Mall.

http://news.country94.ca/2010/05/thrift-store-close-to-finding-new-home.html

[JHikka]

Originally Posted by RaginRonic

I was chatting with a friend online and he told me that the Zellers Select store in Lansdowne Place will close it's doors for good on Saturday, July 20.

Can someone here confirm that report?

They've been selling the light fixtures in there, so I think it's safe to say they're done. That place has been cursed since Sears moved out.

Last I heard Giant Tiger was interested in moving into that location, but that hasn't been backed up by any paperwork.

[philster]

Originally Posted by GregHickman

They've been selling the light fixtures in there, so I think it's safe to say they're done. That place has been cursed since Sears moved out.

Last I heard Giant Tiger was interested in moving into that location, but that hasn't been backed up by any paperwork.

I recall hearing something on the radio around the same time that the Salvation Army had made comments, that reps from Giant Tiger were quashing rumors of a move stating that their current location suits their needs and the community. Then again around here...who knows!

[Helladog]

Originally Posted by philster

I recall hearing something on the radio around the same time that the Salvation Army had made comments, that reps from Giant Tiger were quashing rumors of a move stating that their current location suits their needs and the community. Then again around here...who knows!

2nd location maybe...

[kwajo]

Losing Giant Tiger would be a big blow to Uptown/South End residents

[JHikka]

I have a feeling that, if they went for two locations, they would both be viable.

There's certainly enough people around to support them.

[PersonPlaceorThing]

Originally Posted by kwajo

Losing Giant Tiger would be a big blow to Uptown/South End residents

I do try to support local corner stores (especially ones with interesting or unique food), but Giant Tiger is definately the best place for a lot of grocery items in the central city.

I've walked from my place in the south end to the Rothesay Ave Superstore a few times and to the north end Sobeys, but far prefer the quick trip to GT Boutique.

I had heard a while back that the GT in Prince Edward Square was one of the most successful per square foot. I can't see them moving and messing with that.

A second store might work though.

[Taeolas]

Considering Fredericton is supporting 2 + 1 in Oromocto, it seems a no brainer that Saint John could support more than 1 store.

[ErickMontreal]

Areva exec is N.B.-bound
Published Wednesday July 7th, 2010
Energy: Province keeping quiet, but CEO of French firm will be in Port City Thursday along with premier, NB Power boss

A1
JODY NABUURS
TELEGRAPH-JOURNAL


The Liberal government will make an "important" energy announcement later this week amid talks with French nuclear giant Areva to build a second nuclear reactor.
Conservative energy critic Paul Robichaud speaks with reporters at the Press Gallery in Fredericton on Tuesday. The Tories are raising questions about the timing of the announcement of talks with nuclear giant Areva - just a few weeks before the Sept. 27 election.

Although Energy Minister Jack Keir is not revealing details, the Telegraph-Journal has learned that Jacques Besnainou, the CEO of Areva Inc. in the United States, will be in Saint John on Thursday to make an energy announcement with Keir, Premier Shawn Graham, and NB Power president Gatan Thomas.

Keir told the Telegraph-Journal over the weekend that the province was close to signing a letter of intent on an energy park in the province that would include a second nuclear reactor.

He said the energy park could create up to 8,500 jobs in southern New Brunswick, at least 3,000 of them involving construction.

He said long-term operation and maintenance of the energy park itself - which could include biomass, solar and wind power as well as a nuclear reactor - would probably mean work for between 550 and 700 people on a full-time basis. Other employment would come through demand for local equipment and services.

"The clean energy park that Areva is talking about is a lot more than just building a reactor - it's about building industry long-term," Keir said.

But while a deal has yet to be concluded, the Opposition Progressive Conservatives made it clear Tuesday they think the plan is nothing but "window dressing" for the Sept. 27 election.

"What they are trying to do is ... window dressing six weeks before an election to ... convince New Brunswickers that they should forget about their mistakes for the last four years and ... convince the voters they have a vision," Tory energy critic Paul Robichaud told reporters.

Keir said talks with Areva have nothing to do with political showboating and everything to do with pouncing on a potential economic opportunity that could bring billions of dollars to the province.

He said the near-election timing of a proposed deal is simply a coincidence.

"I'm not going to apologize for the timing," he said.

Keir also dismissed the Tories' claims that the Liberals had been holding secret talks with Areva since the winter, saying that he wanted to wait until the opportunity for a Lepreau 2 was imminent before bringing it to the public.

"Do you know what would happen if you announced everything beforehand? There'd be other provinces and other jurisdictions trying to poach them on you before you even had a chance to talk to them," Keir said.

"As soon as we found out there was opportunity, we let New Brunswickers know."

But Robichaud said it's clear the Liberals have "learned nothing" from the failed NB Power deal.

"We thought this government would have learned a very good lesson with their idea of trying to sell NB Power to Hydro-Qubec but unfortunately it's obvious they have learned nothing."

If a letter of intent is signed between the government and the multinational firm, a lot of details will have to be ironed out.

"Just because you sign a letter of intent doesn't mean you've got shovels in the ground," Keir said.

Areva will have to put a business case together and find investors for the project, which, Keir said, will easily cost billions of dollars, and neither the province nor NB Power are interested in taking an equity position.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Port renews call for funding
Published Wednesday July 7th, 2010
Shipping: Upgrades needed to keep cruise ships coming: Saint John Port

Authority president
B1


SAINT JOHN - Major upgrades to the port worth $18.6 million are needed if Saint John wants to keep cruise ships docking in the harbour, said Stephen Campbell, president of the Port Authority.

Campbell renewed his call for funding at the announcement Tuesday that tenders have been issued for renovations at the Rodney Container Terminal.

The Port Authority proposal has provincial and federal governments together contributing $9.3 million with the port supplying the same amount.

Cruise ships are getting bigger and larger berths are needed to accommodate the massive vessels, he said, adding "we are going to have to start turning away cruise ships as early as next year."

An active proposal has been put forward to extend the piers using anchored pillars that would lengthen both the Pugsley C and the Long Wharf Terminals allowing larger ships a stable base to tie up to.

The average ship used to hold 3,500 passengers but now carries 5,500, Campbell said, "We don't have the luxury of time."

The Port Authority is in active talks with both levels of government to secure the funds, Campbell said.

He reiterated the need for upgrades at an announcement that the Saint John Port authority will be soon signing contracts for refurbishments to the Rodney terminal.

The terminal is the only one of its kind in Saint John and the hope is the investment will attract a second container line in the near future, said Campbell.

The $1.4 million upgrade to decking and pile supports for the pier is a joint project between the provincial government and the Saint John Port Authority, Ed Doherty, minister of Supply and Services, told the crowd. Both parties will pay $700,000 of the cost.

Gordon Cole, general manager for Tropical Shipping of Canada, said the work is overdue and more is needed.

"If you can't go down a certain road or you have to avoid pot holes productivity suffers," he said.

And there are still areas that need repair. The large orange crane at Rodney terminal is 30 years old and the rail line leading to the port needs work, he said.

A container line that ships worldwide has not operated out of Saint John for almost 30 years, forcing exporters to ship by truck or rail to ports in Montreal or Halifax. Campbell said. "It's a key deficiency in our logistics chain," he said.

Campbell said Saint John investment in the Port would boost local economies.

"You can't name any major exporting country that hasn't plowed money into shipping," he said adding that the United States has invested heavily in their ports.

He said the Saint John Port Authority is always in talks with container shipping companies but would not confirm a eminent deal with any one company.

Cole said he welcomes future upgrades but wants to see an equal playing field.

"Tropical Shipping has been here for nine years and hopes any improvements or funding is for everyone at the Port," he said.

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Saint John employment prospects up: study
Published Tuesday July 6th, 2010

Saint John's near-term employment prospects are up according to a Conference Board of Canada study. The Metro Help-Wanted Index looked at the number of online employment ads in major Canadian cities. The monthly report attempts to predict future job gains. Economists also measured labour market tightness or the ratio of job postings to people who are unemployed. Labour market tightness measures the chance an individual has of finding a job. In Saint John there are 2.6 people looking for work for every job advertised. Toronto, Hamilton, Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton, St. John's and Abbotsford were among those cities with optimistic job prospects. Halifax, Quebec, Montreal, Ottawa, Oshawa, Vancouver and Victoria all saw the odds of finding employment decrease. Across Canada help wanted ads increased 6.2 per cent while labour tightness rose slightly to three.

[philster]

Saw on the CBC News at 6 for New Brunswick, that there is new Burger restaurant slated to open at the formers Reggie's Location on Germain Street in October called "Relish"

Due to the success of the location in Fredericton the Owners have given Saint John a franchise and Moncton as well.

More info about the restaurant over here:
http://www.relishme.ca/

The Co-founder is hoping that after a few "Local Franchise" trials he can spread it across the country.

[JHikka]

Anybody from Fredericton-area have any input on Relish? I can't see it emulating the kind of service that Reggie's had, which I am reminiscing over already, but i'm curious to see what they'll bring to the plate, so-to-say.

[OliverD]

Originally Posted by GregHickman

Anybody from Fredericton-area have any input on Relish? I can't see it emulating the kind of service that Reggie's had, which I am reminiscing over already, but i'm curious to see what they'll bring to the plate, so-to-say.

I've only had it once, but the food was excellent. Definitely one of the best burgers I've ever had. The biggest issue with the Fredericton location is the size of the place. It's very small, and I think they were trying to cater to the takeout crowd so seating is very limited. It's also a bit pricey for takeout food.

And this may bug me more than it would others, but I HATE the fact that they ask for your name when you order and then call out "We relish <insert name>!" when your food is ready. Way too cheesy for me.

[cl812]

Originally Posted by OliverD

I've only had it once, but the food was excellent. Definitely one of the best burgers I've ever had. The biggest issue with the Fredericton location is the size of the place. It's very small, and I think they were trying to cater to the takeout crowd so seating is very limited. It's also a bit pricey for takeout food.

And this may bug me more than it would others, but I HATE the fact that they ask for your name when you order and then call out "We relish <insert name>!" when your food is ready. Way too cheesy for me.

I agree the food is awesome, but the name thing is kind of annoying. I guess the location in Oromocto (at the Days Inn) is much larger and serves alcohol. From the article today in the Gleaner it sounds as though the Saint John location will be similar in size to the location in Oromocto.

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Gourmet burger joint owners relishing success
Published Friday July 9th, 2010
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By HEATHER MCLAUGHLIN
[email protected]

Two local entrepreneurs are poised to take the next leap forward with their gourmet burger business.

Relish Gourmet Burgers has sold two franchises that will see eateries open in Saint John and Moncton.

Founded by Fredericton chef Ray Henry and entrepreneur Rivers Corbett, the duo introduced the capital city to gourmet hamburgers with exotic toppings in January at 328 King St.

"Business is going great and well beyond our expectations, but we never ever take it for granted and work hard every day to make sure our burger fans are getting the experience they deserve," Corbett said.

The popularity of the product isn't a total surprise since Henry and Corbett did their homework, but it's still pleasant to see their hard work pay off, Corbett said.

"I have never experienced anything like this before and I am having the time of my life as an entrepreneur. In a way, I'm pleasantly surprised, but then, with the great team we have, it's not a total surprise," he said.

The first location wasn't licensed to sell alcohol and had limited seating, so many of the hamburgers, fries, coleslaw and pop being dished up were being snatched by the lunchtime crowd in the city's downtown.

In March, the duo took over the kitchen at the Day's Inn in Oromocto to open their second company-owned store. There, the entrepreneurs have a larger space with more spots for people to sit and wash down their AAA beef burgers with the beer or wine sold there.

Corbett said the Saint John and Moncton outlets will be a hybrid between the King Street concept in Fredericton and the Oromocto location.

"The menu will mainly come from Fredericton with the exception that Saint John will have milkshakes. From a seating perspective, it will mirror Oromocto with more seats and more space," Corbett said.

Neither of the new franchises will sell liquor, he said.

The cost of a franchise is $25,000. Included in that is the training, recipes, a list of approved vendors and an equipment list.

"It's meant to be a team of full support to launch and then achieve daily success," Corbett said.

Selling two franchises in 2010 has been part of their startup goal, but Corbett said they understand the risks of growing too quickly.

"You can lose focus on the foundation of the system and it all begins to crumble," he said.

"We plan to learn from this experience, solidify the foundation more, and then grow even faster next year with the knowledge we get this year."

Corbett said they live by Sobeys store founder Frank Sobey's philosophy that if you aren't growing, you are dying.

Corbett said the goal is to have the Saint John franchise in operation by Sept. 1, and the Moncton location open by the end of 2010.

[Kablooie!!]

Originally Posted by kwajo

I'd rather have a pedestrian ferry and encourage more residential growth in the lower West side.

This would be great. I'm a little surprised nobody's done it already, at least in the summer months. It would pick up extra revenue from tourism as well as the regular commuters.

[Freddypop]

Originally Posted by GregHickman

Anybody from Fredericton-area have any input on Relish? I can't see it emulating the kind of service that Reggie's had, which I am reminiscing over already, but i'm curious to see what they'll bring to the plate, so-to-say.

Best burger joint I've ever been in. Food and service is consistently excellent. Enjoy Saint John!!

[JHikka]

Originally Posted by Kablooie!!

This would be great. I'm a little surprised nobody's done it already, at least in the summer months. It would pick up extra revenue from tourism as well as the regular commuters.

They try to do it with the Reversing Falls tour boat, but that works mostly as a tour boat, of course.

[ErickMontreal]

Lowest bid to build new police HQ is $20.6 million

Published Friday July 9th, 2010
C1


SAINT JOHN - Common council is preparing for a vote on a new police station uptown after the city received five qualified bids for the project, with the lowest bidder — construction costs at $20.6 million.

Mayor Ivan Court says the companies bidding on the proposed police headquarters sharpened their pencils.

Mayor Ivan Court said all bids are lower than expected, something he attributed to a competitive bidding process. He said city officials will review the bids before council votes on the project during a special meeting on Tuesday.

"We had six companies bidding on this and each one of them sharpened their pencils, and we're very pleased with the numbers they have," Court said, later adding that one company had been disqualified because of an error in its tender documents.

"There will be a presentation made to council and they will have an opportunity in an open session to vote on which direction they want to go."

According to qualified bids, the project would cost from a low of $20.6 million to a high of about $23.2 million.

Council had previously decided to issue traditional tenders instead of going with a public-private partnership. A so-called P3 would have involved businesses building and owning the headquarters for a few decades before handing the keys back to the city.

The politicians also opted to vote on each component of Peel Plaza separately. After the politicians vote on a police station, the city would issue tenders for underground infrastructure, followed by a parking garage and finally the public space.

Court said the five qualified bids came in lower than a P3 option, although he would not disclose the P3 costs or the city's estimate for a public tender until council debates the project openly.

The common clerk's office and a couple council members said they could not confirm the mayor's assertion that the vote will be held on Tuesday.

Deputy Mayor Stephen Chase said he has no plans to support a new police station when the vote takes place. He said while the bids are lower than estimates, the difference isn't substantial, and even the lowest bid would make the project too expensive.

"I'm also concerned about cost overruns," Chase said. "Just a 10 per cent cost overrun, which is typical on traditional city contracts, will do away with any percentage savings from the bid that came in lower."

In addition, Chase said if a majority of council approves the police station, the politicians will likely have no choice but to approve the remaining projects, regardless of the price tags.

"Once you commit to the police station, you are committed to the other two. If the plaza and parking garage come in over budget, then you're stuck with that," he said.

"While this may seem like fairly good news for those who support Peel Plaza, I still suggest an air of caution for celebrating too much this return of tenders."

Court, a major proponent of a new police station, said the city's police force has been waiting too long for new digs. He said the proposed headquarters is a modern building that's "no Taj Mahal and fits the basic needs of the police force in the present and into the future."

Although one of the owners of City Hall has asked to make a formal pitch before council to keep the police force at the uptown office tower, Court said the force needs its own building.

"For the security of the officers, the security of the prisoners and the security of law-abiding citizens, you need a proper facility."

[nwalbert]

The whole Peel Plaza thing really is a shame. We are supposed to believe that all six bidders were late two weeks ago and miraculously all got their bids done in the two week extension. Realistically they all came in at the $35-$50M mark it will really cost to build this thing and were told to come back with numbers the public would accept and we will deal with overruns lately.

I had really felt like the city was making a lot of steps forward but the approval of this project, and in my mind there is zero doubt that it will be approved, will be the final stroke for me. I will be placing my newly built house on the market and moving to Grand Bay.

I love the mayors quotes. Mr court, how many officers, public, etc.. have been injured transferring prisoners the 5-6 blocks away that the courthouse is today? Zero! But, yes for safety we cant have them being transported a half block. This man's intelligence level is ridiculous.