The Official Saint John, NB Project Thread - Page 494

Walk then Run · #**9861** Posted **Sep 20, 2014, 8:16 PM**

I believe it was this past Thursday or Friday that Mayor Norton was being interviewed about the resurgence of the Partridge Island project. I heard it on CBC on my way to work that morning. City council wants to take the 2004 plans and update them (what ever that means).

I really hope that this takes shape and all three levels of government help make this a reality. There is to be a study on making the breakwater from the mainland to the island accessible by light vehicles.

swish · #**9862** Posted **Sep 24, 2014, 4:32 AM**

I certainly look forward to this ambitious plan as I too have heard the story on CBC Radio and I will gladly show my nephew and extended family all around this fine historic city especially if and when Partridge Island opens.

kwajo · #**9863** Posted **Sep 24, 2014, 3:20 PM**

There is a public consultation about the Partridge Island at the Diamond Jubilee Terminal, 2nd Floor, Sept. 29, 3-5 & 7-9 PM

Not sure how they will overcome the biggest hurdle from the 2004 plans, the breakwater. I sat on the design/oversight committee for breakwater access and it was a nightmare in terms of finding a solution that was anywhere near affordable/sustainable economically.

flwright · #**9864** Posted **Sep 24, 2014, 10:38 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by kwajo

There is a public consultation about the Partridge Island at the Diamond Jubilee Terminal, 2nd Floor, Sept. 29, 3-5 & 7-9 PM

Not sure how they will overcome the biggest hurdle from the 2004 plans, the breakwater. I sat on the design/oversight committee for breakwater access and it was a nightmare in terms of finding a solution that was anywhere near affordable/sustainable economically.

...and not to mention overcoming the life threatening aspect of waves overtaking the breakwater and sweeping people (and any infrastructure built thereupon) into the ocean.

Walk then Run · #**9865** Posted **Sep 24, 2014, 11:08 PM**

All good points. Maybe a ferry type of service would work in this instance. One docking set up along Market Slip and another to the West side (possibly by Reversing Falls). During the voyage an MC could be describing the harbour and point out significant areas while on their way to Partridge Island. It would be somewhat unique...just like our city

kwajo · #**9866** Posted **Sep 25, 2014, 11:58 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by flwright

...and not to mention overcoming the life threatening aspect of waves overtaking the breakwater and sweeping people (and any infrastructure built thereupon) into the ocean.

That was part of the trouble, because simply topping it with gravel and paving it didn't give enough elevation to offer safe passage (plus it showed in the models that it would require maintenance in just a few years due to the impact of the ocean). In order to make it safe you have to build a raised platform the whole way across, which given the wave action would have to essentially be a brand new wharf that is 1.1 km long. There are a few in-between options, all with varying degrees of safety and longevity.

I personally like the idea of boat access, as mentioned by Walk_Then_Run, but the trouble then I suppose would be what the costs would be to keep the service running sustainably. Partridge Island may be famous locally, but it is somewhat obscure on a larger scale, and it would require a very steady stream of visitors to pay for it. Tourist attractions that rely on large infrastructure investments are a tricky business. Take the Fundy Trail for example, it is losing money despite being one of the most scenic parts of Atlantic Canada, and the reason is the massive infrastructure costs of building and maintaining a road of that size.

MonctonRad · #**9867** Posted **Sep 25, 2014, 12:21 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by kwajo

Take the Fundy Trail for example, it is losing money despite being one of the most scenic parts of Atlantic Canada, and the reason is the massive infrastructure costs of building and maintaining a road of that size.

I think the problem with the Fundy Trail is that it is currently a "road to nowhere". Once you get to the end, you have to backtrack to get out.

Once the roadway is completed to Fundy Park, it will likely be marketed as the "scenic route" from Saint John to Moncton and tourist traffic should increase accordingly.

Walk then Run · #**9868** Posted **Sep 26, 2014, 12:03 AM**

The boat idea would be a small craft 10 to 20 people. The idea existed in the 80`s. Check out this website for more info about Partridge Island, it mentions the boat ride:

http://www.newirelandnb.ca/Irish-Trail-Quarantine-Stations/Partridge-Island.html

This city oozes with history to the point that we should be doing everything we can to show of its stories. Parks Canada or Heritage Canada needs to be persuaded politically for this project to really take off.

JHikka · #**9869** Posted **Sep 27, 2014, 6:45 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

I think the problem with the Fundy Trail is that it is currently a "road to nowhere". Once you get to the end, you have to backtrack to get out.

Once the roadway is completed to Fundy Park, it will likely be marketed as the "scenic route" from Saint John to Moncton and tourist traffic should increase accordingly.

One of the issues with Fundy Trail is it simply isn't marketed. I had no idea it even existed until you posted about it here a year or two ago.

Fischbob · #**9870** Posted **Oct 1, 2014, 9:13 PM**

Found on Twitter - the new YMCA and apartment building going up on Churchill Boulevard, September 26th.

Source

curious · #**9871** Posted **Oct 2, 2014, 11:53 PM**

How is the economy fairing in SJ? Uptown looked very deserted last time I was home. Restaurants were empty, king st. was empty, at it was 7pm on Friday. Sad really

UptownJeff · #**9872** Posted **Oct 3, 2014, 1:41 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by curious

How is the economy fairing in SJ? Uptown looked very deserted last time I was home. Restaurants were empty, king st. was empty, at it was 7pm on Friday. Sad really

Actually, we live uptown and we've found it very busy. We tend to go out for dinner on weekends and it is usually tough to get seating.

nwalbert · #**9873** Posted **Oct 3, 2014, 7:13 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by UptownJeff

Actually, we live uptown and we've found it very busy. We tend to go out for dinner on weekends and it is usually tough to get seating.

I agree, Uptown is busier than any time I can remember since I have lived here.

Interestingly 7PM on a Friday is probably one of the most quiet times of the week. There is always that lull between 5:30-6 and 8-9 when folks come back out.

I can't speak for the economy as I am not up to date on the latest statistics, but anecdotally Uptown seems to be fairing very well.

KnoxfordGuy · #**9874** Posted **Oct 3, 2014, 7:22 PM**

Yeah, whenever I'm in SJ in the evening there seems to be life uptown! Don't be so hard on the ole girl curious :p

Walk then Run · #**9875** Posted **Oct 5, 2014, 6:52 PM**

The city or JDI are starting to do something along the northern side of Simms Corner where the now former Simms warehouse stood. Anyone have any insight?

There are multiple wooden barricades 20-30 feet beyond either side of the bus stop.

Ire Narissis · #**9876** Posted **Oct 6, 2014, 3:03 PM**

My initial guess is that they're just replacing the old guardrail... but I'd love for it to be something bigger!

Wolkenkratzerliebhab · #**9877** Posted **Oct 7, 2014, 12:46 AM**

One of Britain's top comedians, James Mullinger, has permanently to Saint John, which he loved for 14-years. He has worked with Tom Cruise, Robin Williams, Jerry Seinfeld, and many other famous people. Cool!

http://www.thesuburban.com/article.php?id=3301&title=James-Mullinger’s-Canadian-Dream

JHikka · #**9878** Posted **Oct 7, 2014, 2:41 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walk then Run

The city or JDI are starting to do something along the northern side of Simms Corner where the now former Simms warehouse stood. Anyone have any insight?

I recall Irving saying that the reason they were tearing down the Simms building was to expand operations of the pulp mill.

As for what the structure is, if any, i'm not sure.

Whaler · #**9879** Posted **Oct 7, 2014, 12:33 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by JHikka

I recall Irving saying that the reason they were tearing down the Simms building was to expand operations of the pulp mill.

As for what the structure is, if any, i'm not sure.

That was years ago. Our mayor at the time pissed off the Irvings and they built the diaper and box plant in Moncton instead.

No plans right now.

kwajo · #**9880** Posted **Oct 7, 2014, 1:15 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by UptownJeff

Actually, we live uptown and we've found it very busy. We tend to go out for dinner on weekends and it is usually tough to get seating.

Same here, we live Uptown and have found it more vibrant in the past year or two than it has been pretty much ever. With the new residential renovations in a couple buildings on Canterbury and a new gastropub opening on Grannan, it feels like things are really picking up around here.