The Official Saint John, NB Project Thread

[Seely32]

Whats everyone's take on the new refinery???

It will definately be and intertesting time when it get's built

But how do all of you feel about it.

[Seely32]

From Rideau construction website
http://www.rideaucon.ca/index.html



New Canada Revenue Agency Building
Saint John, NB
Loch Lomond Villa - High Rise 1 Renovations

Saint John, New Brunswick




The Loch Lomond Villa High Rise 1 Renovation on the east side of the city is 6 levels of demolition and rebuild including replacing the exterior windows of level 2 & 3 and upgrading all mechanical and electrical systems. Loch Lomond Villa is part a seniors complex that contains a nursing home, hair care facility, and a seniors wellness centre.
One of the unique parts of this project is that the building is also being occupied by tenants at the same time the demolition and renovations are taking place. It consists of a major demolition and rebuild of the interior, including 1 & 2 bedroom apartments. Level 2 will also contain a new kitchen facility.

[Helladog]

oh right.. I remember now.. I was way off. lol.

Yeah, the Saint John Energy building is at the old Labatt Brewery site...I'll have to take some pics tomorrow...

Whats everyone's take on the new refinery???

I think it's a great opportunity for good paying jobs and the economy, though I'm aware of the potential bad environmental impact, not to mention the noise for the neighbours. I used to live out there (Red Head)and got out shortly after the announcement. I was also shocked to see the Mispec Beach skyline interrupted by storage tanks for the LNG project.

That said, I'm taking Power Engineering this fall and when I graduate, I'll likely find employment with Lepreau or the refinery and leave the string of crappy jobs behind...and stay in SJ.

[thefishingnut]

Originally Posted by Seely32

Whats everyone's take on the new refinery???

It will definately be and intertesting time when it get's built

But how do all of you feel about it.

North America needs more refinery capacity, and I'd prefer that it be built here so more money can be milled from the U.S. for refined product, rather than it being built in New Jersey. 3,000 permanent jobs in Saint John is a heck of a lot better than 3,000 permanent jobs in New Jersey. I've got to think that a new refinery would be built with the latest technology, and would run cleaner than anywhere else - in fact would probably be far in advance of environmental standards, so that a refit wouldn't be necessary for years.

The concept of the area being an Energy Hub I think is a good one, it builds on the existing workforce, and there are a pile of Maritimers who are likely to come to the area from out West. With any buildup of blue collar work, there is also a buildup of white collar work to supplement it, and I expect over time that the workforce for many of the energy technologies is going to be tending more for engineers than anyone else, and they're certainly highly trained, well paying positions.

I do hope that the Energy Hub principal starts taking into account some alternative energy sources, it would be great to see some wind energy being generated for example at Lepreau and Coleson Cove, tying into existing infrastructure. And if research into Tidal or Solar energy could also get mixed into the equation as part of the Energy Hub, then we've really got something going.

[Seely32]

Originally Posted by thefishingnut

North America needs more refinery capacity, and I'd prefer that it be built here so more money can be milled from the U.S. for refined product, rather than it being built in New Jersey. 3,000 permanent jobs in Saint John is a heck of a lot better than 3,000 permanent jobs in New Jersey. I've got to think that a new refinery would be built with the latest technology, and would run cleaner than anywhere else - in fact would probably be far in advance of environmental standards, so that a refit wouldn't be necessary for years.

The concept of the area being an Energy Hub I think is a good one, it builds on the existing workforce, and there are a pile of Maritimers who are likely to come to the area from out West. With any buildup of blue collar work, there is also a buildup of white collar work to supplement it, and I expect over time that the workforce for many of the energy technologies is going to be tending more for engineers than anyone else, and they're certainly highly trained, well paying positions.

I do hope that the Energy Hub principal starts taking into account some alternative energy sources, it would be great to see some wind energy being generated for example at Lepreau and Coleson Cove, tying into existing infrastructure. And if research into Tidal or Solar energy could also get mixed into the equation as part of the Energy Hub, then we've really got something going.

I second the idea of wind and tidal as part of the energy solutions I just want to see the emissions report and see how the refinery will effect our air quality. Being from new jersey the air sucked and there was 7 refineries in my town. People got sick, the town water supply was often polluted,there were multiple fires and people getting burned from explosisons that would litter the town with ash. I know the pros and cons of industry and there effects on the immediate area first hand. The construction part will revitalize our city and create a whole new workforce but 10 years down the road thats when we would see the real effects. The Reactors I have less problems with, its relativly safe and clean for our enviroment(minus the waste). North American refining capacity is needed just because of how dependant our society is on oil and natural resources. If someone is going to make money why not us, true, but doesnt mean its competely beneficial to our society.

anyway lets start the boom sooner I want to see the city pumping.

[brandenp]

[saint John's Retail Continues To Grow]
Aug09/07/5:44pm

Saint John's Retail Growth Is Among The Highest In The Country. Even In New Brunswick, The Retail Council Of Canada Says Saint John's Chain Store Growth Is Far Greater Than That Of Moncton And Fredericton. Vice President Of National Affairs, Derrick Nighbor (n-eye-bore) Tells Chsj News Big Investments In The Saint John Area Are Boosting The Retail Market.

The Latest Statistics Canada Data Shows That Saint John Is Number Five In Canada For Fastest Growing Urban Markets In Canada--with Over Two Per Cent Growth In Chain Store Locations.

[Helladog]

Originally Posted by brandenp

[saint John's Retail Continues To Grow]
Aug09/07/5:44pm

Saint John's Retail Growth Is Among The Highest In The Country. Even In New Brunswick, The Retail Council Of Canada Says Saint John's Chain Store Growth Is Far Greater Than That Of Moncton And Fredericton. Vice President Of National Affairs, Derrick Nighbor (n-eye-bore) Tells Chsj News Big Investments In The Saint John Area Are Boosting The Retail Market.

The Latest Statistics Canada Data Shows That Saint John Is Number Five In Canada For Fastest Growing Urban Markets In Canada--with Over Two Per Cent Growth In Chain Store Locations.

Sounds good...looks like we're playing catch up.

[Seely32]

Originally Posted by brandenp

[saint John's Retail Continues To Grow]
Aug09/07/5:44pm

Saint John's Retail Growth Is Among The Highest In The Country. Even In New Brunswick, The Retail Council Of Canada Says Saint John's Chain Store Growth Is Far Greater Than That Of Moncton And Fredericton. Vice President Of National Affairs, Derrick Nighbor (n-eye-bore) Tells Chsj News Big Investments In The Saint John Area Are Boosting The Retail Market.

The Latest Statistics Canada Data Shows That Saint John Is Number Five In Canada For Fastest Growing Urban Markets In Canada--with Over Two Per Cent Growth In Chain Store Locations.

Whats being built across from winners. Kinda of behind boston pizza there is a foundation there it looks like for multple stores and there is enough space for a parking lot.

Speaking of malls what should happen to the Parkway wall to get it up to par with the surrounding area. It sticks out like a sore thumb??

[kwajo]

To Seely32:

1. That's a hotel, I forget which chain but it's mentioned earlier in this thread (I think it's Best Western). Their construction is disturbingly close to Major's Brook, which is a concern, both of the well-being of the stream, but also for the hotel (the stream floods in heavy rains, and the trailer park still discharges some sewerage into that stream right across from where the hotel is being constructed)

2. Not sure what will happen with Parkway, but it just recently has acquired new ownership who are apparently very interested in restoring the mall's image, so maybe it will start to improve soon.


To Everyone

Also, I got an invitation today to an announcement of Road Infrastructure
on Monday with the Premier & Mayor up at the new East Point Shopping Centre. Not sure what the announcement is exactly, but I think they're announcing Phase 2 of that development on the hill.
2.

[Seely32]

Originally Posted by kwajo

To Seely32:

1. That's a hotel, I forget which chain but it's mentioned earlier in this thread (I think it's Best Western). Their construction is disturbingly close to Major's Brook, which is a concern, both of the well-being of the stream, but also for the hotel (the stream floods in heavy rains, and the trailer park still discharges some sewerage into that stream right across from where the hotel is being constructed)

2. Not sure what will happen with Parkway, but it just recently has acquired new ownership who are apparently very interested in restoring the mall's image, so maybe it will start to improve soon.


To Everyone

Also, I got an invitation today to an announcement of Road Infrastructure
on Monday with the Premier & Mayor up at the new East Point Shopping Centre. Not sure what the announcement is exactly, but I think they're announcing Phase 2 of that development on the hill.
2.

The foundation seems rather small It cant be that large, but otherwise i would have like to have seen that built somewhere ese in the city.

Also keep us in touch on what you hear, thanks in ahead.

[Downtown Bolivar]

Heard yesterday on the radio while getting my teeth cleaned at the dentist office that St. John is having its best construction season in 10 years. In the first half of 2007 there were permits issued for $78 million dollars of new construction. This is more than all the new construction from the year 2000-2006. Also heard that the city is having talks with a Toronto developer who would like to build a condo highrise with tennis courts and a pool somewhere in the city. I got all this from the 4:00pm edition of the Maritime News Network. No mention of this in today's paper though. Anyone heard anything about this possible new development?

[Seely32]

I heard of the highrises simply by word of mouth supposedly it was in the paper but I dont know. BUt I have heard the same rumor as you.

[Seely32]

Ellerdale



Hampton Inn




SAint John Energy




14 million dollar project on the westside




Saint John

[kwajo]

Originally Posted by Downtown Bolivar

Also heard that the city is having talks with a Toronto developer who would like to build a condo highrise with tennis courts and a pool somewhere in the city.

I'm all for it, as long as it isn't in the East Side, in which case I would curse Toronto even more than usual

[brandenp]

Originally Posted by Seely32

I heard of the highrises simply by word of mouth supposedly it was in the paper but I dont know. BUt I have heard the same rumor as you.

Yes it was in the paper 2 months ago.

[brandenp]

Originally Posted by Seely32

The foundation seems rather small It cant be that large, but otherwise i would have like to have seen that built somewhere ese in the city.

Also keep us in touch on what you hear, thanks in ahead.

Yes, its a best western, The footprint is a bit small, but i think its sposed to be a bit taller than the Hampton Inn they are constructing, now, if im not mistaken.

[Helladog]

[Seely32]

I live a block away from that project I watch the progress on that daily. It will fit in to the neighborhood pretty well. I live on Princess in a brownstone. I am really looking forward to next year when they begin to work on the street. Putting the power lines underground as well as fixing the street.

[Seely32]

New Highway 1 exit strategy
Transportation Off-ramp at Ashburn Lake Road for eastbound traffic to be announced today

Bruce Bartlett
Telegraph-Journal
Published Monday August 13th, 2007
Appeared on page C1
SAINT JOHN - Construction of a new exit ramp from Highway 1 to help ease traffic flow to the city's expanding East Side shopping area will be announced today.

The new ramp will allow eastbound traffic to leave the highway at Ashburn Lake Road, connecting with Rothesay Avenue and the recently opened Retail Drive.

Premier Shawn Graham will be joined by Transportation Minister Denis Landry, Suppy and Services Minister Roly MacIntyre and Saint John Mayor Norm McFarlane for the announcement.

Today's announcement "is a great example of how strategic investments in our highway infrastructure can make such an important difference to our economy and help us to achieve our goal of a fully self-sufficient province," Graham says.

McFarlane and MacIntyre have been working to get the new exit placed higher on the provincial agenda for more than six months as a way to deal with increased traffic headed for the shopping area, favoured by box stores and malls.

Officials expect the ramp and necessary connections to Ashburn Lake Road will be built during this construction season.

"My department will issue a tender call for the new ramp this month, and equipment will be on the ground very soon," said Landry.

The Transportation Department's work will be co-ordinated with improvements the city also has to make to Ashburn Lake Road.

"I am very pleased that Premier Graham and his government have recognized the importance of retail development and transportation improvements for Saint John," said McFarlane.

"Improving highway access to our primary shopping district will make shopping more convenient for our citizens and it will help our community to attract more new retailers."

The new exit ramp will also take a lot of traffic off Westmorland Road and Rothesay Avenue, enhancing access to the East Side shopping area, said the mayor.

For a number of years there has been a private exit from the highway leading to Strescon, a manfacturer of concrete products, but the work announced today will create a public exit. Drivers heading east can already access Highway 1 from Ashburn Lake Road, but this will be improved as well.

The city plans to eventually line up Ashburn Road and Retail Drive at Rothesay Avenue, but that won't be completed this year, said McFarlane.

The work announced today will cost around $1 million, a relatively low cost for highway construction, but will have a big impact on the city, including saving wear and tear on other city streets, said McFarlane.

Work is also continuing on the One Mile House interchange from the highway, but it is a much bigger project, involving purchases of a number of properties and construction of an overpass, so it will not be completed for a few more years.

It will take truck traffic directly from the Saint John Throughway to Bayside Drive toward the East Side industrial parks and off the Lower Cove Loop and causeway.

Construction on the One Mile project, which received a funding commitment from the federal government in June, will begin next year

It's expected to cost $43.5 million and take four years with costs split evenly between the federal and provincial governments.

[Downtown Bolivar]

^^^Saw that in the paper today. These two new exits will take a lot of traffic off of city streets. It will also make access to the East Side much quicker from the west side. I think one unintended effect this project will have though is that it will make Saint John seem smaller--everything will be 10 minutes away from any point in the city. The Saint John portion of my family still waxes nostalgic about take Rothsay Ave. everywhere and how it took an hour to get to Hampton (where other family is).

Got some really nice shots of Dipper Harbour the other day which I will post if I ever learn how when I get back home. Also went sailing on Grand Bay around Kenebecasis Island. Great stuff--beautiful--I've enjoyed NB this year more than I ever have.