The Official Saint John, NB Project Thread

[michael_d40]

Originally Posted by Joe

August seems a little optimistic. How long has it taken to finish the cruiseship terminal? Is it even completed yet?

Yes, Terminal is finished. They moved their offices in there several weeks ago.

[Helladog]

Employment outlook bright

Jobs Manpower Inc. survey indicates a solid hiring climate for the second quarter of '09

Brett Bundale
Telegraph-Journal

Hiring in New Brunswick is outpacing the national average, with 25 per cent of employers planning to add staff in the second quarter of 2009, according to a survey released Tuesday.

The New Brunswick numbers beat the national average of 15 per cent of employers looking to hire, down 21 per cent from the same time last year and the lowest level in 15 years.

"Honestly I'm surprised to see such a positive outlook," said Mindy Stoltz, branch manager of Manpower's Saint John office.

"These numbers are stronger than what we anticipated," she said.

The Port City has seen an increase in construction jobs for the Canaport LNG terminal as well as mining-related jobs in Sussex, Stoltz said.

Currently there are 1,100 construction workers at Canaport LNG. The number of workers will likely increase in the spring and summer months, said spokeswoman Carolyn Van der Veen. But that number will dip back down in the fall, when only a few workers will be kept on to finish the third storage tank. The project is now 94 per cent complete and is on time to be finished in the first quarter of 2010.

In addition to construction, the most active sectors in the province looking to add employees to their rosters include public administration and government.

New Brunswick's three biggest cities will see few jobs cut in the second quarter. About six per cent of those surveyed in Moncton expect to cut jobs, three per cent in Saint John, and less than one per cent in Fredericton.

The net employment outlook for these cities, or the number of expected job gains minus the job losses, is 24 per cent for Saint John, 23 per cent for Fredericton and 20 per cent for Moncton, which includes numbers from the Bathurst region.

"Saint John's net employment outlook is a four percentage point increase from the same time last year," Stoltz said. "It is also a four percentage point increase from the previous quarter when the net employment outlook was 20 per cent. This indicates a solid hiring climate for the second quarter of 2009."

For Moncton the net employment outlook of 20 per cent is a 10 percentage point decrease from the same time last year when employers reported an outlook of 30 per cent.

But the silver lining is that this number is a 10 percentage point increase from the previous quarter, Stoltz said.

Fredericton's second quarter employment outlook of 23 per cent is a decrease from the 40 per cent reported at the same time last year."However, it is a seven percentage point increase from the previous quarter of 16 per cent," she said.

Meanwhile the net employment outlook for Atlantic Canada is 19 per cent - far stronger than the national average of six per cent.

The employment outlook was eight per cent for the West, three per cent for Quebec and one per cent of Ontario.

The survey indicated that overall the services, public administration and construction sectors are most likely to add staff in the coming quarter. But the outlooks for all three sectors have shrunk since the previous quarter.

The durable and non-durable goods manufacturing sectors are the weakest areas, reporting negative outlooks of nine and five per cent, respectively on a seasonally adjusted basis.

The Manpower survey was conducted between January 15 and January 28. More than 1,900 public and private employers were polled on their plans to hire, reduce or maintain workers.

The Canadian economy lost 129,000 jobs in January, the worst monthly performance in three decades, bringing the national unemployment rate to 7.2 per cent.

Another approximately 60,000 jobs will likely be lost in February, according to economists, which would bring the unemployment rate in Canada to roughly 7.3 per cent.

[Helladog]

Originally Posted by michael_d40

Just seen on tonights ctv news, they will be opening the new hotel this August.

Saw that on the 88.9 site, they're going to have to put their foot on the gas.

[kwajo]

Did anyone attend the SJ Waterfront Development session yesterday? I missed it, but from the photo in the TJ it looks like they had a lot of interesting architectural drawings of the Boardwalk and Coast Guard site.


-Photo Credit: Peter Walsh

By the same token, when can we expect the results of this action: "Pugsley Development Site:
The Saint John Port Authority has issued a request for proposals for the commercial development of a portion of Pugsley Terminal. This site is located between Duke Street and Princess Street and is adjacent to the Saint John Port Authority Cruise Terminal." Link

[thebrad]

That picture from the boardwalk development does not have the market square expansion done. The loading bay is supposed to disappear, is it not? Unless they just used current plans to illustrate the point of what they wanted to do.

[PersonPlaceorThing]

I came across two cool tools today. First is Propertize, a tool by a guy in Saint John that lets you search for assessment and tax information by street and displays this information in an easy to read form.

http://shawn.sytes.net/propertize/Default.aspx

Next, from that site, I found out that you can search the province's assessment records by address (you were required to know the Property Account Number in the past). On this site, any property sales that have occurred after January 1, 2009 have their prices posted online:

https://www.planet.snb.ca/ANONDB/anon002$.startup

[Helladog]

Saint John unemployment rate bucks the national trend

March 13, 2009 - 5:17 pm
By: News 88.9 Staff - Jeff Lansing

SAINT JOHN - The unemployment rate in Saint John is down 0.2-percent despite a national increase of 0.5-percent. Alberta's jobless rate climbed by a full percentage point, and that could benefit Saint John. Life on Your Terms is a web-based initiative promoting Saint John. Coordinator Sara Stashick says traffic on their web site has gone up since jobless rates started rising in Alberta. Stashick says, "We're seeing sort of an immediate reaction in that respect and otherwise how it's affected our team is that, we're really looking at some strategic planning for how we can do some outreach targeting these specific areas." Stashick says the city might become a target for people losing their jobs out west because the job market in Saint John is still strong. "A lot of them of course, went to the pending projects that are coming into the community. A lot of the preparatory work that's required in order to see those projects come to fulfillment. So there are specific skill sets that are specifically in demand." Stashick says the job losses in Alberta and Ontario present an opportunity for city's like Saint John, who are experiencing an economic upturn.

[Helladog]

The new hotel...



http://www.chateausaintjohn.ca/

[fundygal]

Originally Posted by Sabien

What is being built at the SJ Airport? I drove by Thursday and saw some big steel going up. It looks like it might be a large hanger or something.

The new structure at the Saint John Airport (on the site of the old Fundy Flying Club/Saint John Air Services) is a private hangar for the Irving aircraft. Their old hangar was torn down a few weeks ago.

[fundygal]

Originally Posted by PersonPlaceorThing

I came across two cool tools today. First is Propertize, a tool by a guy in Saint John that lets you search for assessment and tax information by street and displays this information in an easy to read form.

http://shawn.sytes.net/propertize/Default.aspx

Next, from that site, I found out that you can search the province's assessment records by address (you were required to know the Property Account Number in the past). On this site, any property sales that have occurred after January 1, 2009 have their prices posted online:

https://www.planet.snb.ca/ANONDB/anon002$.startup

Thank you for this !

[mylesmalley]

welcome ot the forums, Fundygal!

[Helladog]

Chateau Saint John...



Hangar at the airport...



Photos: Helladog

[SJTOKO]

Does anyone know what kind of aircraft the Irvings have? Jet's Heli's?

[kwajo]

Thinking of the new construction photos thread that Bedford made in the Atlantic forum, I'm getting really excited about the new law courts and Harbourfront Residences starting construction this Summer. It'll be nice to have all that construction activity Uptown, and hopefully those won't be the only projects to break ground (I'm still crossing my fingers that The Abbey gets financing).

[thebrad]

Two quickies...

1. Behind Musicstop, I have noticed they are dismantling the hill back there. Is it for any specific purpose?

2. I saw today that the Saint John Lexus signs have been taken down. Any ideas?

[kwajo]

Originally Posted by thebrad

Two quickies...

1. Behind Musicstop, I have noticed they are dismantling the hill back there. Is it for any specific purpose?

It's just ongoing quarry work by Debly most likely. He's running a great scheme whereby he is going to make money by continually demolishing the limestone hill as an operational quarry, then once the hill is levelled he's got prime development land to sell for commercial use. Double-dipping in profit is the way to go!

[PersonPlaceorThing]

Originally Posted by thebrad

1. Behind Musicstop, I have noticed they are dismantling the hill back there. Is it for any specific purpose?

I believe this is a gravel quarry. Though, once the rock is gone, there will be a lot of land.

[fundygal]

Answer to question about building torn down across from Lancaster Mall.....

City unveils Simms Corner design
Published Wednesday May 28th, 2008
C2
JOSH O'KANE
TELEGRAPH-JOURNAL

SAINT JOHN - The design is in place for a new Simms Corner, says the city's commissioner of municipal operations, but it will take provincial funding to get the ball rolling.

Paul Groody showed the final proposed design Tuesday night to the Saint John West Side Business Association.

The price tag of the project is $8.4 million, but could easily grow because of rising construction and supply costs, Groody said at the meeting.

By 2009, the project will have $4.2 million dedicated from the city, but "we need an equivalent contribution from the province to make it happen," Groody said.

He explained that if the city embraces the venture as a priority and lobbies the provincial government, the funding could be secured.

"Our recommendation to council will be that this is a high priority," said Groody.

The design that was chosen will see Bridge Road realigned to make a set of lights feasible at the Simms Corner intersection. Changes will be made along the entire corridor through Fairville Boulevard, including a realigning of the Lancaster Mall entrance closest to Simms Corner with Harding Street West. Lights will also be installed at that intersection when completed.

Some west side residents attending the meeting were concerned about the proposed design, which was selected from several shortlisted by the Terrain Group, which did the consultant engineering work for the project.

A roundabout was one design that was initially proposed, which was supported by some of the residents in attendance. Groody said the available space, combined with slope of Lancaster Avenue, made the roundabout model inefficient.

"From an engineering view, it isn't feasible," he said.

Mayor Ivan Court was in attendance, and explained to the concerned citizens that the city was trying to construct in the best interests of further development in the area.

"Businesses want easy access in and out," said the mayor.

"We need to make sure it's done right the first time," Groody said.

Construction for the first phase of the project, the realigning of the Lancaster Mall exit, could begin in 2009, if funding is available.

The cost of that phase is estimated to be $7,000. Groody said it has not been decided yet whether Harding Street will be a one- or two-way street.

[Helladog]

Developer withdraws condominium proposal


City Hall Five public hearings on tonight's council agenda
Reid Southwick
Telegraph-Journal

SAINT JOHN - A prominent real estate developer is stalling its plans to build two high-rise condominiums on Sandy Point Road after area residents said they are staunchly opposed to the development.

North Star Holdings Ltd., owned by the Darling family, has withdrawn its application with the city to rezone 1671 Sandy Point Rd. and build a pair of six-storey buildings at the site.

The city's planning department received a high number of telephone calls and letters opposing the development, while planning officials were concerned the condo project may not be suitable for the area, according a city staff report.

North Star agreed to withdraw its application and cancel a public hearing scheduled for today as it prepared to meet with planning staff and area residents to address their concerns.

Scott Darling, real estate agent for North Star, declined to comment on the specific concerns until he speaks with people who have them.

"The city is getting me copies of the letters and then we will contact all of the residents," Darling said.

"We definitely want to talk to people about this and we don't want them to think we want to jam anything they don't understand down their throats."

North Star proposes building two six-storey condo buildings, with 83 units in each one. In the company's application, Darling said there is a large demand for condo units in the area; the buildings would be placed to the rear of the property and in view of three neighbours.

Dick Powell, resident of 1687 Sandy Point Rd., said the development would dramatically change the character of his neighbourhood.

Existing residences along Sandy Point Road are single-family homes and Powell said he believed the area should maintain the same type of development.

"Traffic is already a problem and there are no sidewalks," Powell said. "And it would change the makeup of the area."

Powell pointed out the condos would overlook Rockwood Park and they might become an eyesore for pedestrians trying to enjoy a day in the wilderness. "If you're walking through Rockwood Park, do you want to see two large buildings?" he asked.

Although North Star has cancelled a public hearing scheduled for today, five others remain on the agenda:

* Donald Cullinan wants to build a single-unit, one-floor building that would be used as a law office on 1186 Loch Lomond Rd.

* The city wants to close Hospital Street.

* A numbered company wants to build a single-family home on 91 Ocean Dr., five feet closer to the street than the existing bylaw allows.

* First Stop Auto on 41 Adelaide St. wants to convert two existing bays into an auto shop.

* Troy Gallant wants the city to allow him to have a storage shed next to his home on 703 Highmeadow Dr.

This is a bad spot for six storey buildings...hey, Peel Plaza ia available for a single 12 storey building....

[Helladog]

From the inbox of Helladog:

March 16, 2009


Common Council Awards Harbour Clean-Up Contract


(Saint John, NB) Work will soon begin on the much anticipated Eastern Wastewater Treatment Facility, the pivotal component in the Saint John Harbour Clean-Up initiative. Council approved the contract award for the project at its March 16 meeting.

Pomerleau Inc. of Dartmouth, NS, will construct the facility at the tendered price of $51,805,878.30. The new Eastern Wastewater Treatment Facility, a 35,000 m3/day secondary-level conventional activated sludge treatment facility, will service the east and south central areas of the city.

“This is momentous for our citizens. Since 1990, The City of Saint John has made significant progress in wastewater service,” said His Worship Ivan Court, Mayor of Saint John. “Our partners, the Government of Canada and the Province of New Brunswick realize that Saint John Harbour Clean-Up is about good health, clean waterways and quality of life.”

“This is a major step forward in efforts to clean up Saint John Harbour,” said the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency). “It’s also a clear indication that, through partnership with the province and the City of Saint John, the Government of Canada is delivering on its commitment to improve community infrastructure, protect the environment and enhance quality of life in the area and region.”

It is expected that work will begin at the facility, located at Hazen Creek on the City’s Red Head Road, late April.

The City of Saint John wastewater treatment and collection systems are being enhanced to protect people and the natural environment, and to help sustain institutions and the economy.

"This is another positive step forward towards a clean harbour for Saint John and a self-sufficient New Brunswick," said the Honourable Shawn Graham, Premier of New Brunswick. "Ever since we took office, our government has supported this project which will be a major catalyst for economic development in Saint John's urban core and a significant step forward for the environmental health of New Brunswick. It's great to see excellent cooperation between all three levels of government in this most important project."

On March 16, 2007, funding approval for the Saint John Harbour Clean-Up Program was announced by the Government of Canada, the Province of New Brunswick and The City of Saint John. Each level of government committed $26.6 million for a total amount of $79.8 million. The Contribution Agreement for the Harbour Clean-Up Program was signed on September 17, 2008 and under Schedule B of the agreement it is identified that the Program is comprised of two major project components, the Eastern Wastewater Treatment Facility and a Wastewater Collection System. Design work on the Wastewater Collection System is continuing and completion of construction for the overall Wastewater Collection System is anticipated by 2012.

Aside from the proposed refinery and nuclear reactor(s), this and the one mile interchange represent alot of construction in infrastructure alone.