The Official Saint John, NB Project Thread

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by GregHickman

What would you prefer to be called? Paramedics?

Indeed I'm sure that is what they would prefer (or perhaps EMT's).

I feel for the paramedics of the world. They provide a vital service, frequently under quite adverse (even dangerous) situations and they have a skill set that often means more in terms of patient survival than anyone else in the health care team, yet they make literally tens of thousands of dollars less in a year than most nurses.

This unfortunate paradigm is a holdover from the days when "ambulance drivers" were just glorified chauffeurs who provided a "scoop and run" service, transporting patients as quickly as possible to the ER before the work of life saving actually started. Nowadays, the patient is stabilized in the field and life saving procedures continue during transport with the EMT in continuous communication with the ERP at the hospital.

Patients now arrive at the ER in much better shape than they used to, often extending the "golden hour" and much improving the critical outcomes.

EMT recognition and compensation has to improve. As a fellow healthcare professional i appreciate their efforts immensely.

[Justin6463]

Paramedic is indeed preferred Greg We have more training and a larger skill set than EMT's and have a bigger window for clinical thinking in the field. But were getting into semantics here and I'm greatful for the appreciation.

[Southpaw78]

Some thought provoking articles in the Telegraph this week on Saint John's uptown density and the lessening poverty rate.

http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/city/article/1468497

http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/city/article/1468284

[ErickMontreal]

Farren pushes city to fund upgrades to convention centre

Rick Mantle - News Staff Jan 04, 2012 13:27:59 PM

SAINT JOHN - Common Councillor Bill Farren does not want to see the Saint John Trade and Convention Centre negleted any longer.

Farren put forth a motion at last night's council meeting, looking for funding for convention centre upgrades.

Farren wants the city to agree to finance improvements to the centre, if the federal and provincial governments agree to cost-share their portions of the funding over a two-to-four-year period.

Farren says the city has had hockey rinks fall down because they were ignored, and says he does not want to see that happen to the Trade and Convention Centre.

Councillor Peter Maguire agrees it needs repairs but says the city's top priority is clean drinking water.

The matter was referred to the city's budget deliberations.

Mayor looks to major jobs announcement in 2012

News staff Alison Morash Jan 03, 2012 05:41:13 AM
SAINT JOHN, N.B.- Saint John's Mayor is very optimistic about the new year.

If you asked him, Mayor Ivan Court would be one of the first to say that 2011 was a roller coaster year.

Saint John triumphed at the Memorial Cup but was also plagued with a pension crisis.

That aside, Mayor Court says he looks forward to 2012 and a major announcement within the next three months that will create jobs in the city. "We compare it to the project that's happening in Halifax", says Court. " It's one that's high paying jobs and will be good news for the citizens of Saint John

The first Common Council meeting of the year will take place tonight at 5:45 at City Hall.

Saint John road toll idea earns mixed reviews

CBC News
Posted: Jan 5, 2012 7:10 AM AT
Last Updated: Jan 5, 2012 10:07 AM AT

Coun. Gary Sullivan said a commuter tax could encourage more people to use public transit and discourage people from moving out of Saint John. (CBC)Coun. Gary Sullivan said a commuter tax could encourage more people to use public transit and discourage people from moving out of Saint John. (CBC)

A Saint John councillor’s proposal to impose a road toll for commuters is getting a rough ride from politicians and drivers from outside the city.

Coun. Donnie Snook raised the idea of the commuter toll on Tuesday saying it would raise much-needed revenue for the city and could help offset cuts to services, such as public transit.

The idea isn't original as many cities have toll highways.

New York tried to introduce a toll on commuters, but the so-called congestion tax was struck down by the state legislature.

John Petro, a policy analyst with the Drum Major Institute for Public Policy in New York, said he believes the tolls would have been a good thing for New York and its underfunded transit system.

"[The tolls would] raise revenue, help reduce congestion and that would make travel speeds for those that absolutely have to drive actually much quicker,” Petro said.

Petro said opponents labelled the $8 toll an attack on working people from the outside boroughs and that killed it in the minds of state politicians.
Mixed reviews

So far, Snook's idea of a congestion tax has received mixed reviews.

The idea has been endorsed by some of his council colleagues, including Coun. Gary Sullivan, who said the policy could encourage more people to use public transit and discourage people from moving outside of the city.

"I'm a firm believer that if you use it, you should be paying for it," Sullivan said.

However, the reaction from people living outside the city has been negative. Rothesay Mayor Bill Bishop called the proposal “ludicrous”.

Doreen MacDonald, a Quispamsis resident, said she thinks the toll idea is a bad one.

"People who work here already buy their lunch, they buy their groceries, they buy their clothing,” MacDonald said.

Saint John politicians have been critical in the past of paying for services that are being used by people who don't live in the city.

The city is also facing a tough financial situation. Saint John has a pension deficit that is estimated at $163 million.

The city’s financial troubles are forcing Saint John politicians to discuss raising taxes or cutting services.

[pjleger]

Anyone know when the St. Hubert Express is scheduled to be opened? And who the franchisee is? Anyone hear anymore about the St. Hubert in Rothesay?

[mylesmalley]

Quite the teaser from the mayor. Any thoughts on what it could be?

[Wolkenkratzerliebhab]

Originally Posted by mylesmalley

Quite the teaser from the mayor. Any thoughts on what it could be?

I have no idea, but I've heard rumors that the 2nd refinery may be about to restart? If that's the case, then expect a real estate boom in the city, at least that's what I'm hoping? It could also be one of those rumored chemical plants, or Irving's electric power generating station, but what ever it is, I can't wait to find out!

[JHikka]

Originally Posted by mylesmalley

Quite the teaser from the mayor. Any thoughts on what it could be?

I'm under the assumption that it's the new Billion-dollar Chinese investment in Sussex which utilizes the Port in Saint John. I'd be very surprised if it was a 2nd refinery.

We're also speaking about things that Mayor Court says, so bring out the grains of salt.

[sjuser23]

Telegraph Journal, Jan 6, 2011, artiucle by Sandra Davis

Developers making room for more retail at East Point

Growth Better-than-expected Christmas sales make east side complex's retailers optimistic



SANDRA DAviS

TELEGRAPH-JOURNAL

SAINT JOHN - The East Point shopping complex is poised to nearly double in size as the remaining rock is blasted away to make room for more retail, service providers, and hospitality venues.

With more than 37,161 square metres (400,000 square feet) of shopping available now, the east side development will encompass more than 65,000 square metres (700,000 square feet) when all is said and done, says developer Troy Northrup.

"Our goal was to develop a New Brunswick premiere shopping destination, to be different than what's been built in the province, and I think we've certainly established that,"he said.

"When completed, it will be the largest shopping centre in New Brunswick." Furthermore, sales this Christmas surpassed what was expected.

"It's early for all the numbers to come in, but I have talked to a few key retailers, and the sales well exceeded forecasts,"he said.

Along with Tweed and Hickory, last fall East Point welcomed Pseudio, Tip Top Tailors, Mr. Big & Tall and TD, along with Sally Beauty, which Northrup describes as the largest cosmetics company in the world. That's in addition to at least 15 other established retailers and serviceproviders, including Costco and Home Depot.

In addition to the East Point complex, the east side is getting a new development at the intersection of McAllister Drive and Westmorland Road, which will include BMO Bank of Montreal and St-Hubert, which specializes in rotisserie chicken. A sign at the site says the bank will open Jan. 30.

The developer of that two-and-a-halfhectare tract of land is Cobalt Properties, said senior city planner Mark Reade, adding that there is room for a third building between the bank and St-Hubert.

A Target store is expected to open in Mc-Allister Place mall in 2013, which will be the American retailer's only New Brunswick store in a 105-location Canadian expansion. Lancaster Mall has spent $14 million in renovations, and Brunswick Square is set to complete a facelift in the spring.

The city centre is also booming with newcomers, including The Freak Lunchbox, The Urban Shoe Myth, Danielle's Desserts Cake Shop and Bakery, Je Suis Prest Boutique and Silver Daisy Designs.

"It tells me that 2011 was a good year from a retail perspective," said Board of Trade president Imelda Gilman.

"We've seen a lot of growth in the last couple of years all over the city."

[Taeolas]

I think someone's working off of outdated information with respect to Target; Target has announced that at least one store in Moncton and the Uptown Centre Zellers in Freddy will become Targets as well; though I can't recall off hand now if they'll be turned over in 2013 or not. (Considering the Freddy's store's sign shorted out around Christmas, they may start the Freddy renos sooner than later. )

[nwalbert]

Originally Posted by Taeolas

I think someone's working off of outdated information with respect to Target; Target has announced that at least one store in Moncton and the Uptown Centre Zellers in Freddy will become Targets as well; though I can't recall off hand now if they'll be turned over in 2013 or not. (Considering the Freddy's store's sign shorted out around Christmas, they may start the Freddy renos sooner than later. )

Other NB cities will see Target stores open, but Saint John will be the first market they enter in NB, hence when it opens it will be the only NB Target.

[nwalbert]

Originally Posted by GregHickman

I'm under the assumption that it's the new Billion-dollar Chinese investment in Sussex which utilizes the Port in Saint John. I'd be very surprised if it was a 2nd refinery.

We're also speaking about things that Mayor Court says, so bring out the grains of salt.

Hard to disagree with your thoughts around the Mayor.

That being said, this is a pretty bold and specific statement to make. The only thing that would be on the same scale as the Halifax project would be a second refinery. Although I continue to hear very strong rumors around this, I fail to see a situation where Mayor Court would have any inside information on an Irving project.

As you suggest, this more than likely has something to do wit the port. Either way, even if its a half truth, this is clearly tremendous news for the city.

I can tell you that uptown property values are very high right now despite a weak real estate market across the city. Investment properties are going for top dollar right now so it would not shock me if something significant was afoot.

[Taeolas]

Originally Posted by nwalbert

Other NB cities will see Target stores open, but Saint John will be the first market they enter in NB, hence when it opens it will be the only NB Target.

We'll know within a few months I'm sure; but as far as I know, Saint John was the first ANNOUNCED Target store; followed soon after by the announcement for the Freddy and Moncton stores purchased in the second wave of lease purchases. But there's been no word yet on the order the stores will be changed over, or if they will try to do a simulatenous change over or anything that I can find through some quick googling.

[nwalbert]

Originally Posted by sjuser23

SANDRA DAviS

TELEGRAPH-JOURNAL

SAINT JOHN - The East Point shopping complex is poised to nearly double in size as the remaining rock is blasted away to make room for more retail, service providers, and hospitality venues.

With more than 37,161 square metres (400,000 square feet) of shopping available now, the east side development will encompass more than 65,000 square metres (700,000 square feet) when all is said and done, says developer Troy Northrup.

"Our goal was to develop a New Brunswick premiere shopping destination, to be different than what's been built in the province, and I think we've certainly established that,"he said.

"When completed, it will be the largest shopping centre in New Brunswick." Furthermore, sales this Christmas surpassed what was expected.

"It's early for all the numbers to come in, but I have talked to a few key retailers, and the sales well exceeded forecasts,"he said.

Along with Tweed and Hickory, last fall East Point welcomed Pseudio, Tip Top Tailors, Mr. Big & Tall and TD, along with Sally Beauty, which Northrup describes as the largest cosmetics company in the world. That's in addition to at least 15 other established retailers and serviceproviders, including Costco and Home Depot.

In addition to the East Point complex, the east side is getting a new development at the intersection of McAllister Drive and Westmorland Road, which will include BMO Bank of Montreal and St-Hubert, which specializes in rotisserie chicken. A sign at the site says the bank will open Jan. 30.

The developer of that two-and-a-halfhectare tract of land is Cobalt Properties, said senior city planner Mark Reade, adding that there is room for a third building between the bank and St-Hubert.

A Target store is expected to open in Mc-Allister Place mall in 2013, which will be the American retailer's only New Brunswick store in a 105-location Canadian expansion. Lancaster Mall has spent $14 million in renovations, and Brunswick Square is set to complete a facelift in the spring.

The city centre is also booming with newcomers, including The Freak Lunchbox, The Urban Shoe Myth, Danielle's Desserts Cake Shop and Bakery, Je Suis Prest Boutique and Silver Daisy Designs.

"It tells me that 2011 was a good year from a retail perspective," said Board of Trade president Imelda Gilman.

"We've seen a lot of growth in the last couple of years all over the city."

Clearly great to see East Point continuing to be successful but to me the boom of new uptown retailers is the more significant news here.

Saint John has a downtown core that other cities would die for and we are finally starting to capitalize on that. After a few decades of ho-hum attitudes, the new generation is really taking action in this city. All of the new uptown retailers are under 40 years of age.

Exciting times!

[philster]

Thank you for Posting the Entire Articles from the Telegraph, I went to Read the Greater Saint John City Section online today and was redirected to a link to Sign up page where I have to pay

I usually read the paper @ Work, however being off on holidays it was nice to read that section online.

[mylesmalley]

I'd be careful about posting full articles. If BN is so keen to restrict access, we wouldn't want Skyscraper Page to get in any trouble.

[RR Drummer]

Originally Posted by GregHickman

I'm under the assumption that it's the new Billion-dollar Chinese investment in Sussex which utilizes the Port in Saint John. I'd be very surprised if it was a 2nd refinery.

We're also speaking about things that Mayor Court says, so bring out the grains of salt.

Lots of good comments. I would agree that a 2nd refinery would be the news many would wish for including myself, however the likelihood is slim. I would love to be wrong about that since we know that a 2nd refinery is on most everyones wishlist. I would expect it to be something to do with the Port of Saint John. I will stay tuned in the months to come.

Concerning the retail developments and success it is so good to hear of how far we've come in the last 10 years. Uptown is simply nothing short of fantastic with a great vibe and energy never seen before in Uptown Saint John. The East side of Saint John has proven to be the epicenter of retail development. East Point stands as a tremendous monument of what can be done with the right plan. And as mentioned there is still plenty of room left to further expand on what if currently offered. A nice upgrade to McAllister Place makes it look fresh and current. I expect more additions and expansions like the Corner of Westmorland/McAllister in the future. The Target store will be much anticipated and watched by other retailers. I can only dream of an Ikea and Super Walmart.....

As for a road tax/toll, can't see it happenning. I won't say I agree or disagree. As a city resident living in the East Side it would not impact me. I do know that I would not want to be working for the City of Saint John. With the whole pension deficit fiasco, they must come up with ways to make or save money. A tough order to follow. There has been many a wrong decision made over the years in regards to our City's finances/developments but lets not focus on the bad, let's instead praise up the good things, talk about what is working, and through a process of brainstorming and planning, develop ways we can improve Saint John's bottom line and make it even more attractive for residents, visitors, and investors alike.

Remember when a glass that is at half.......it's up to you to decide if you view it as half full or half empty, or just half.

[JHikka]

Rumour of the day is that the last day or operation for the Aquarius is going to be someday in February and then they will be closing down. I was under the impression that Wal-Mart had bought the Co-Op property and were looking into the adjoining Aquarius property before they decided on moving into the Zellers location at Lancaster Mall. If that is the case then why is the Aquarius closing if Wal-Mart isn't moving onto the property anymore? Who could be looking into that location on Fairville Boluevard?

Along with this, the corner lot next to the new Lawtons on the corner of Fairville and Catherwood (which has been empty since the Lawtons replaced the old Sobeys) is apparently being looked at by a prospective restaurant. Whether this is fast food or an actual restaurant i'm unsure. Along with this, the Blockbuster location at Lancaster Mall is currently sitting empty, so it will be interesting to see what happens with that.

[nwalbert]

Originally Posted by GregHickman

Rumour of the day is that the last day or operation for the Aquarius is going to be someday in February and then they will be closing down. I was under the impression that Wal-Mart had bought the Co-Op property and were looking into the adjoining Aquarius property before they decided on moving into the Zellers location at Lancaster Mall. If that is the case then why is the Aquarius closing if Wal-Mart isn't moving onto the property anymore? Who could be looking into that location on Fairville Boluevard?

Along with this, the corner lot next to the new Lawtons on the corner of Fairville and Catherwood (which has been empty since the Lawtons replaced the old Sobeys) is apparently being looked at by a prospective restaurant. Whether this is fast food or an actual restaurant i'm unsure. Along with this, the Blockbuster location at Lancaster Mall is currently sitting empty, so it will be interesting to see what happens with that.

Aquarius is not a rumor, it is fact. The Aquarius, the old CarQuest lot, and the old Co-Cop Lot have all been sold. Something very significant is going in there retail wise.

Wal-Mart will open in the old Zellers building.

The lot near the Lawtons is fast food. They went through some citizen concerns on the drive-thru about six months back. Not sure which chain however.

I have heard nothing on the old Blockbuster building.

[michael_d40]

Originally Posted by nwalbert

Aquarius is not a rumor, it is fact. The Aquarius, the old CarQuest lot, and the old Co-Cop Lot have all been sold. Something very significant is going in there retail wise.

Wal-Mart will open in the old Zellers building.

The lot near the Lawtons is fast food. They went through some citizen concerns on the drive-thru about six months back. Not sure which chain however.

I have heard nothing on the old Blockbuster building.

http://www.counselcorp.com/components/co...DFs/52912a7c1fc77b75bc23e170ebae92f9.pdf

Another Boston Pizza.