[Fischbob]

I'm too lazy to post an article, but congrats to Saint John for becoming North America's first UNESCO Geo-Park!

Awesome news! I worked in the geology department this summer at the NBM and this was certainly the biggest project we were involved with. Great to hear it's come to fruition!


Geopark certified by UNESCO
Published Tuesday October 5th, 2010
Rocks: Local official says designation will help area create new product to attract tourists
C1
Reid Southwick
Telegraph-Journal

SAINT JOHN - Southwestern New Brunswick is home to the first certified geopark in North America, a designation that will shed more light on a billion years of history found in the region's bedrock.

The certification, handed down by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), means that historical sites will enjoy greater protection.

And people from the area and abroad can learn more about stories buried deep inside the rock, creating a new form of tourism that's expected to be a major boon for the region.

"This is a world stage designation," said Gail Bremner, executive director of the Stonehammer Geopark. "It will help us create new tourism product that will attract a different kind of traveller."

Officials with the Global Geoparks Network, a UNESCO program, announced during an annual conference in Greece on Sunday that Stonehammer Geopark will join 76 other parks in 23 countries across the globe.

A geopark is an area that showcases geological features of global importance. UNESCO created the designation program to protect and enhance the value of old landscapes, while educating people about what lies beneath their feet.

Southwestern New Brunswick's geological heritage includes rich fossil beds that have been studied by researchers for almost 200 years.

The Stonehammer Geopark encompasses 2,500 square kilometres of land, stretching from Lepreau Falls to Norton. Historic sites can be found in Rockwood Park, Dominion Park, the Hampton Lighthouse River Centre and the Fundy Trail, among others.

And from the Harbour Passage lookout on Saint John's Reversing Falls, visitors can see rocks dating back a billion years that were formed in the southern hemisphere before attaching themselves to North America.

The certification means that interpretation centres will be built and signs will go up in a number of geological hot spots across the region that will educate people about the great history behind the bedrock.

"As well, for me, being involved in this project for the last three years, I have been inspired by the community pride that this project has evoked," Bremner said.

In August, two evaluators from the Global Geopark Network touched down in Saint John to visit the region's historical sites.

They started their trip aboard a helicopter to take in an aerial view of the 10 sites that were then proposed to become part of the geopark.

They later took a guided hiking tour at the Irving Nature Park, kayaked at Dominion Beach and visited sites in St. Martins and Norton.

The evaluators, Claudia Eckhardt of Germany and Patrick McKeever of Northern Ireland, clearly liked what they saw because their reports led to the historical designation Greater Saint John now carries.

http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/city/article/1248332

[Helladog]

Sandra Davis
Telegraph-Journal

SAINT JOHN - Now that the Canada Games Stadium has been refurbished, there is nothing standing in the way of the city's hosting a regular-season Canadian Football League game, says the chairman of the Leisure Services Advisory Board.

http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=599560&size=500x0
Kâté Braydon/Telegraph-Journal

With the city's Canada Games Stadium newly upgraded with $6 million worth of renovations, Barry Ogden, chairman of the city's Leisure Services Advisory Board, says Saint John can play host to a CFL regular-season game just like Moncton did two weeks ago.

"I've been meeting with people quietly, with companies and football people who have been involved in the past," said Barry Ogden, who is also president of UNBSJ's Seawolves Football Club.

"I'm getting very positive feedback that we could do it."

Two weeks ago, Moncton hosted a regular-season CFL game that, by all accounts, couldn't have gone better. That game marked the CFL's first regular-season contest in Atlantic Canada.

Back in the 1980s, Saint John hosted a CFL exhibition game.

"I found out from the CFL what they are looking for and went up to Moncton and saw a lot of the great things they did," Ogden said, adding that the CFL is talking about gaining an Atlantic presence.

"We can do the same thing here."

The $6-million Canada Games Stadium renovation includes a reconstruction of the land to create a bowl effect, refurbished stands, new dressing rooms, high-quality artificial turf, and a new track.

Ogden has already sent a letter to Mayor Ivan Court and common council that has been forwarded to the fledgling Saint John Destination Marketing Inc.

He has even contacted the CFL and told the league to expect a pitch.

Saint John Destination Marketing Inc. executive director Ross Jefferson says a regular-season CFL game is one of many major events the city is interested in pursuing.

"We would love to present Saint John as a possibility for one of the next games," he said.

"We're just putting our list together.

"We have a great football community here that would be supportive. We know that it is something we could handle in this community and we know it would be well attended."

Ogden has dreams of a CFL game being part of a major downtown festival, as Moncton hosted, and of having spectators bused from the uptown to the stadium.

"A package has to be put together," Ogden said.

"I could see us having a game in Moncton and Saint John.

"We have a huge football community that's growing and we have the stadium and the experience of doing it in the past.

"Some like-minded people have to get together.

"We can do this," Ogden said.

"The will is there in the community and our history is there. I'd like to hear from people if they want to get involved."

Anyone who would like to get involved in helping the city make a pitch for a CFL game should contact Ogden at 658-5911.

[JHikka]

CFL preseason game? I don't see why; we won't be getting a team any time soon. It would seem rather fruitless for Saint John to host games when Moncton is going to be getting them regularly sometime in the future.

[mylesmalley]

I've never been to the Canada Games Stadium. Is there much room to add temporary seating?

[JHikka]

I've never been to the Canada Games Stadium. Is there much room to add temporary seating?

Possibly at the ends, but on the sides no. I would be highly impressed if they could get it up to 15,000. I'll grab some pictures of the field refurb next time i'm out there!

[Freddypop]

CFL preseason game? I don't see why; we won't be getting a team any time soon. It would seem rather fruitless for Saint John to host games when Moncton is going to be getting them regularly sometime in the future.

I agree. Could have the teams practice for a few days at the stadium prior to the scheduled game in Moncton. I know that they were in PEI doing such prior to the Moncton game. Good for PR and would help enhance NB as a place for the next CFL expansion

[Joe]

Who cares if we were to get a team or not, I would love to go to a game there. It could easily handle the additional seating neeeded. It's held two CFL exhibition games, both sellouts, it was great. Selling 20,000 seats for a real game, no problem. Why not go for it?

[kwajo]

I've never been to the Canada Games Stadium. Is there much room to add temporary seating?
Yes it does have lots of room for temporary seating; for the Canada Games it held 20,000 and it sold-out with around 15,000 for both CFL games in the 80s.

[JHikka]

Yes it does have lots of room for temporary seating; for the Canada Games it held 20,000 and it sold-out with around 15,000 for both CFL games in the 80s.

Fair enough, but this CFL thing just seems like another one of those 'Well Moncton has one, so can we!' situations.

[kwajo]

Fair enough, but this CFL thing just seems like another one of those 'Well Moncton has one, so can we!' situations.
Oh I agree, and given that I don't even like american/canadian football, I don't care whether we host a game or not, I just felt like clarifying that the stadium is at least of a comparable size in some ways. Personally I think we should be putting our resources into creating unique festivals and events that cities like Moncton couldn't even dream of hosting, such as ones that take advantage of our harbour (ie. Tall Ship Festivals, etc.), or our urban core. Maybe it's time Saint John became the host of a globally-recognized yachting regatta every year or something along those lines - that would also put some pressure to increase the small craft berthing in the harbour, which is virtually non-existant right now and would go great with new harbourfront condo developments like on the reclaimed Coast Guard site.

[MonctonRad]

Oh I agree, and given that I don't even like american/canadian football, I don't care whether we host a game or not, I just felt like clarifying that the stadium is at least of a comparable size in some ways. Personally I think we should be putting our resources into creating unique festivals and events that cities like Moncton couldn't even dream of hosting, such as ones that take advantage of our harbour (ie. Tall Ship Festivals, etc.), or our urban core. Maybe it's time Saint John became the host of a globally-recognized yachting regatta every year or something along those lines - that would also put some pressure to increase the small craft berthing in the harbour, which is virtually non-existant right now and would go great with new harbourfront condo developments like on the reclaimed Coast Guard site.

I really don't want to get into another Saint John vs. Moncton debate but I would agree with these sentiments. Saint John has certain attributes that Moncton can not compete with and these are the sort of things that Saint John should be trying to capitalize on. The harbour is certainly one of them.

I think every Maritime city should play towards their own innate strengths. :)

[kwajo]

I really don't want to get into another Saint John vs. Moncton debate but I would agree with these sentiments. Saint John has certain attributes that Moncton can not compete with and these are the sort of things that Saint John should be trying to capitalize on. The harbour is certainly one of them.

I think every Maritime city should play towards their own innate strengths. :)
I agree, and that's the point I was trying to make; instead of competing with each other for the same pool of tourists/government money/whatever it is, the different New Brunswick cities should complement each other by focusing on strengths and then growing and nurturing them. Saint John has a huge list of attributes - such as the harbour, river systems, industrial backbone, urban core, historic building stock, geology, etc. - that no one else in the province has anything close to. Why try to be like Moncton when Moncton is doing such a great job of it? We should be striving to be a better Saint John and give the province a couple great cities that it can promote to the world, offering something for everyone.

[JHikka]

Personally I think we should be putting our resources into creating unique festivals and events that cities like Moncton couldn't even dream of hosting, such as ones that take advantage of our harbour (ie. Tall Ship Festivals, etc.), or our urban core. Maybe it's time Saint John became the host of a globally-recognized yachting regatta every year or something along those lines - that would also put some pressure to increase the small craft berthing in the harbour, which is virtually non-existant right now and would go great with new harbourfront condo developments like on the reclaimed Coast Guard site.

Agreed. On your point of small-craft berthing in the harbour: As a small craft boat user, I suppose I have some say in the matter.

There is in fact no berthing in the harbour for small craft. Market Slip is generally either full with tourists or locals practically having sex on the dock, and quite frankly I don't enjoy the idea of tying my boat up under a place where homeless people and others hang out. There have been half-million dollar boats having to tie up there, and it's not a wonderful situation. This of course wouldn't be an issue if Reversing Falls didn't exist, but it does, so...what do we do about it?

Firstly, we need to capitalize on what we have. Harbour passage now exists along Chesley Drive: Would it be difficult to build a docking area along the Saint John river on the Chesley Drive side, between Ocean Steel & the Coast Guard Base? This would be optimal I believe.

With more docking for Smaller-ish vessels, Tall Ships would also be a possibility. The reason they go to Halifax is that it is a main port, but also because the Ships can actually berth and be boarded by tourists and interested parties. The last time the Bluenose came here it had to dock at Pugsley, before the renovation with the Cruise Ship terminal: Classy.

In regards to festivals, we used to have a festival which took advantage of our culture, and it was called Festival By the Sea. The only problem was that they decided to take it away from the Sea and throw it in Harbour Station. I remember going to see events at the foot of King street all of the time for that and I thought it was a wonderful idea. Perhaps we need some sort of revival for FbtS?

I also think we need to do something in regards to the former Lantic Sugar refinery site if anything is to be accomplished. There is a ton of space out there for improving our harbour for small vessels and large vessels as well, and we're letting it just sit there.

[PersonPlaceorThing]

I think that a small craft facility would benefit from some sort of security. I would think that somehow in some budget a security guard for signing in and out of the dock would make people feel more secure about leaving their boat to grab a meal or stay the night in uptown SJ.

I think Salty Jam is doing an okay job of rebuilding the waterfront/uptown music festival scene. Also, if the SJ 225 concert site at La Tour could become a regular spot for outdoor shows, we could really take advantage of the waterfront for cultural experiences.

[JHikka]

I think that a small craft facility would benefit from some sort of security. I would think that somehow in some budget a security guard for signing in and out of the dock would make people feel more secure about leaving their boat to grab a meal or stay the night in uptown SJ.

Any reasonable harbour or port has this. It's not something difficult to do.

Hey, maybe that's something for Harbour Bridge Authority people to do. :tup:

[magee_b]

East Coast Airways has announced it will start service to five communities in the Maritime provinces on Nov. 1.

The new airline is targeting what it calls under-served cities in the three provinces: Charlottetown, Halifax, Yarmouth, N.S., and Sydney, N.S., and Saint John, N.B.

Jay Hasson, the president of operations, said the airline, which is based in Halifax, will use small turboprop planes that can carry 19 passengers. When the service expands, bigger planes will be added.

"We'll be utilizing about five airplanes to service all the cities," Hasson said. "We have daily non-stops and then we will add more airplanes in 2011 for a total of between 17 and 20 aircraft."

Hasson said schedules are designed for the convenience of business customers.

"We've got schedules that will get you out in the morning, not too early, but it'll get you home for suppertime," he said. "We run several times a day to most of our cities."


Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/new-brunswick/story/2010/10/18/pei-east-coast-airways-584.html#ixzz12knCR9UP

Their website notes plans to add service to the Northeastern US as well.
http://eastcoastairways.com/

[theshark]

Nice to see that the smaller airports will not be forgotten. I always found that St-john was underserved. Hope all the best for this new airline!

[JHikka]

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1163/5108939678_5915a7ba4d_b.jpg

Photo by myself.

[michael_d40]

A couple pictures of the East Point entrance near Costco and TD


http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa178/shipley07/EP2.jpg

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa178/shipley07/EP1.jpg

[Sabien]

Did you know that Saint John has the largest drydock in Canada? or that the highway that goes through the city is the TransCanada highway that goes straight from Halifax to the US border?

Those were the two worst examples of what I heard the other day. I was sitting drinking a coffee and reading the paper up on Fort Howe when one of many taxis with cruise ship passengers drove up. They got out and proceeded to enlighten their clients with these lovely little gems of knowledge.

The city should publish a little handbook of trivia for these people! Even if only to improve tourist experiences, not to mention the fact that some of these visitors just might know the difference and how does that make us look as a whole.

I would have laughed but it was too sad...

[dhottawa729]

Harbourfront Condos - any progress lately? Haven't been able to access the webcam, so does anyone have any recent photos?

[michael_d40]

I cant view it in Firefox but it works on IE.

[Helladog]

Harbourfront Condos - any progress lately? Haven't been able to access the webcam, so does anyone have any recent photos?


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v203/Obsceneeyedog/SJConstruction/HR.jpg

Source: Harbourfront Webcam

[MonctonRad]

:previous:

Interesting almost sepia like colouration to this webcam image......it almost looks like one of those colourized postcards from the turn of the previous century.

[JHikka]

Framing has gone up for the new Commons building on campus at UNSBJ. It's a lot taller than I expected :naughty:

Will get pics of it tomorrow.

[Southpaw78]

Relish in the old Reggie's location opening Monday...

http://www.relishme.ca/the-menu/saint-john

[ErickMontreal]

$30-Million Expansion Proposed for Saint John Metal Recycling Facility
American Iron & Metal to create northeast recycling hub for global export

http://www.sjmetalrecycle.com/images/site.png

Oct. 7, 2010, SAINT JOHN, N.B. – American Iron & Metal (AIM), a global leader in metal recycling, manufacturing and environmental services, announced today the proposal of a $30-million expansion to its West Saint John metal sorting and transfer facility.

The project would mean the installation of a state-of-the-art, self-contained metal shredder that would establish Saint John as its new regional hub for processing valuable metals derived from items such as end-of-life vehicles, household appliances and selected steel shapes from throughout Atlantic Canada and northeastern United States.

"For us there’s no better location than right here in Saint John," said Herbert Black, President and CEO, AIM. "Since becoming part of this community eight years ago, we've seen how the city's drive, talent and infrastructure have come together to create world-class opportunities. With its strategic location and second-to-none transportation system, we see the city as an important part of our continued growth. We look forward to working with the Saint John community to make this project an environmental success story for southwestern New Brunswick."

Upon receiving the necessary permits, the project could break ground this fall and be operational by spring 2011, paving the way for one of the most efficient recycling facilities of its kind in the world, capable of processing up to 250,000 MT (metric tonnes) of recyclable metals per year. This expansion to AIM’s metal recycling facility in West Saint John will add 23 direct jobs and 20 spin-off jobs that translate to over $1.8 million in annual salaries and wages. The project will also contribute $44 million per year to the local economy in both direct and indirect benefits (i.e. investments in equipment, operations and marketing) as well as $1.1 million per year in property and income tax revenue for various levels of government.

AIM has operated a metal transfer facility at this location since 2002. The purpose of the installation of a shredder is to construct a facility for receiving, shredding and shipping scrap metal and heavy-steel. The main source of raw material would be cars crushed off site and delivered to the terminal. Ferrous metals would also be received from local scrap merchants. This recycling process consists of shredding the metal in the on-site shredder. The scrap metal and non-ferrous metal would then be loaded aboard ships and sold around the world to help make products like car parts, aircrafts, pipes, electronic wires and more.

"We’re actively looking for ways to diversify and strengthen the business mix at the Port of Saint John, and this expansion is another example of how we are achieving this goal," said Jim Quinn, President and CEO, Saint John Port Authority. "Upon moving forward, the project will increase man-hours for port labour, increase ship traffic and further build our reputation as a gateway of national significance."

The realization of the project represents a great asset to the City of Saint-John. It is a substantial long-term investment in the Port that will contribute $443 million to the local economy over the next 10 years through investments in equipment and operations, as well as $18.9 million in salaries and wages and $11.2 million in direct government benefits (i.e. property and income taxes).

As part of the EIA process, the public has until Oct. 27, 2010 to provide feedback. For information about the project and to provide feedback, members of the public are invited to visit www.sjmetalrecycle.com.

About American Iron & Metal

Based in Montreal, AIM is a global leader in metal recycling, manufacturing and environmental services with a reputation for quality, efficiency, and innovation. Boasting over $1.5 billion in sales worldwide in 2008 across all business units, AIM has recycling operations in 19 locations across North America. The company first expanded to New Brunswick in 2002 when it opened a small metal sorting and transfer facility in West Saint John on Saint John Port Authority land. AIM is also a leading provider of solder, paste and fluxes for technology, automotive, industrial (plumbing), medical and jewelry industries.

[Southpaw78]

Britt's Pub has open on Princess Street. Love what the Prince William/Princess/Canterbury area is becoming....

http://liveuptownsj.com/2010/11/10/britts-pub-opens-on-princess-street/

[Southpaw78]

Just heard last night the Bargain Shop is closing uptown...Any word on what the plans are for this space? If any?

[flwright]

Lawyer Rod Gillis had purchased the old Woolworth's building (the Bargain Shop) and the former Birk's building (Uzone) a number of years ago with the intention of completely restoring them and adding condos or apartments in the upper floors. I don't know whatever happened to those plans but maybe now is the time to revitalize them?

[JHikka]

Just heard last night the Bargain Shop is closing uptown...Any word on what the plans are for this space? If any?

No word, but imagine what it could have been had the church not denied the IMAX. ;)

[JHikka]

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1321/5167779760_0e2b1bb7db_z.jpg

UNBSJ Commons Building

Photograph by myself.

[Southpaw78]

Lawyer Rod Gillis had purchased the old Woolworth's building (the Bargain Shop) and the former Birk's building (Uzone) a number of years ago with the intention of completely restoring them and adding condos or apartments in the upper floors. I don't know whatever happened to those plans but maybe now is the time to revitalize them?

That would be great if that were to happen...I wonder though if they are just going out of business or their lease is up and the owner hasn't given them the option to renew.

[thefishingnut]

Just heard last night the Bargain Shop is closing uptown...Any word on what the plans are for this space? If any?

For what it's worth, the lower level is available for lease, so perhaps it's just a lease expiry that is going on.

[Wrightguy0]

that would be nice to see, except the old Birks store has only one real floor, he floors above are all dummies, unless someone were to pay to expand the floors and add the space for condos

[phishy]

That would be great if that were to happen...I wonder though if they are just going out of business or their lease is up and the owner hasn't given them the option to renew.

Heard from the manager that the lease was not able to be negotiated. Business was doing very well, but the lease was the big issue. Not sure what will go in there, but it is a big space!

[JHikka]

Heard from the manager that the lease was not able to be negotiated. Business was doing very well, but the lease was the big issue.

The lease was not willing to be negotiated or there was no agreement made?

[ErickMontreal]

My girlfriend told me that NB Liquor was looking for space Uptown couple months ago, therefore, notwithstanding their (NB Liquor) needs in terms of square feet, I think, without a shadow of a doubt, that it would be a significant opportunity to revamp the whole corner.

[kwajo]

My girlfriend told me that NB Liquor was looking for space Uptown couple months ago, therefore, notwithstanding their (NB Liquor) needs in terms of square feet, I think, without a shadow of a doubt, that it would be a significant opportunity to revamp the whole corner.
Revamp it with a liquor store? I don't think that's much of a step up from the Bargain Shop.

Anyway, I'm kind of sad that it's closing, as someone living Uptown, as much as I hated having such a crap store in such a prominent location, it was actually super handy to have it and Giant Tiger within walking distance, because it gave options to pick up things on weekday nights when everything else is closed Uptown.

[Southpaw78]

Revamp it with a liquor store? I don't think that's much of a step up from the Bargain Shop.

Anyway, I'm kind of sad that it's closing, as someone living Uptown, as much as I hated having such a crap store in such a prominent location, it was actually super handy to have it and Giant Tiger within walking distance, because it gave options to pick up things on weekday nights when everything else is closed Uptown.

I always thought it might be a good location for an upper quality anchor store like The Bay or some other high retail that would entice people to stay uptown.

[ErickMontreal]

Revamp it with a liquor store? I don't think that's much of a step up from the Bargain Shop.

I know, I know but at the end of the day it would force the owner to ged rid of the tacky feel of it.

Of course, we all wish for Second Cup, trendy shops or prominent restaurants and institutions but with hindsight, I learned to lower my expectations when it comes down to Saint John.

[ErickMontreal]

Saint John YM-YWCA Working To Secure North End Building

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_DwG2WG2QbOk/TOFqIlMHZeI/AAAAAAAAG4A/Pyie2ZXkbWY/s1600/YMCA.jpg

Negotiations continue between the Saint John Y's board of directors and the owners of the old Zellers in the North end.

CEO and Executive Director Pat Davis tells CHSJ News once they secure ownership, the renovate/rebuild process will begin.

She says they are looking at between 65-70,000 square feet and some of the rooms will be built as multi-purpose spaces providing access for everyone.
Davis adds they have upcoming meetings with the federal and provincial government on funding and a captil campaign will be rolled out on the project.


That's what I meant by lowering my expectations...

[Joe]

New, modern YMCA's being built in other cities and here they want to retrofit an old department store, way to go, that will really entice people to join.:rolleyes:

[dhottawa729]

Saint John YM-YWCA Working To Secure North End Building


I really think the YMCA should remain uptown. A new, modern complex that is centrally-located would entice younger people to live uptown. It should be located in the highest-density area of the city so that more people can access it by foot or public transportation, especially for those who can't afford a car or a pricey private gym membership.

[JHikka]

...with hindsight, I learned to lower my expectations when it comes down to Saint John.

All too true.

There was a liquor store on King a few years back. Didn't that close because it was being robbed frequently? Or was it just a deal with the leasing?

Either way, having a bargain shop on a prominent corner between City Market, King's Square and King street looked pretty bad as far as I was concerned. The only way it can get worse is if the building sits empty.

[ErickMontreal]

The only way it can get worse is if the building sits empty.

I concur with you, it would be the worst-case scenario, I guess we will see what's going to happen in a forseesable future.

____________________________________________________

Tuesday, November 16, 2010
West Side Company Hiring Hundreds (300)

Posted by CHSJ News at 12:00 PM


http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DwG2WG2QbOk/TOKqbDRBcoI/AAAAAAAAG40/EKM8qvN2nAs/s1600/Atelka.jpg

A West-Side company has been given the green light to begin the process of hiring close to three hundred people.

The Atelka Contact Center at the end of the Manawagonish Road has recently made a major purchase of another out-sourcing company in Atlantic Canada.

Operations Manager Trina Forrest tells CHSJ News, this is wonderful boost for the local economy.

Atelka is a technical support company and Forrest says in a perfect world, they hope to have all of the new staff in place by the end of January.

[ErickMontreal]

According to the Saint John Waterfront Development, the Coast Guard project is still alive :

http://www.saintjohn.ca/site/media/SaintJohn/SJWD-Vol1No2-FINAL%20%282%29.pdf

[Joe]

Good to hear the Coast Guard site is still alive. On another note, heard there will be a new hotel for the uptown.

[Wrightguy0]

^^^ well, then 300 people are in for disappointment, most of the old staff were either laid off, or quit that place. every one of my coworkers there had some issue with the job, the equipment, management, my advice would be to avoid that place like the plague.

how a company that can't even keep 150 people staffed, or all of it's computers working, or even keep it's building's electrical system in decent shape can afford to buy out another company is beyond me

[nwalbert]

I know that we all wanted the YMCA to build a shiny new building uptown but I have to think that from their perspective the old Zeller's building makes too much sense. It is in the middle of arguably the most at-risk neighborhood in the city and I am guessing the price is probably reasonable. The building is large, has plenty of parking and is easy to access. If I was looking out for the best interest of the YMCA it would be hard to turn down.

[nwalbert]

I read in the paper last week that the Millrats have already sold an average of 1700 seats per game which is well beyond expectations. I think if the team is competitive in the league it could be a big success.

Based on Fredericton's basketball heritage I could see them getting a team next year and maybe even Moncton eventually and develop an Atlantic division with Halifax.

[JHikka]

I know that we all wanted the YMCA to build a shiny new building uptown but I have to think that from their perspective the old Zeller's building makes too much sense. It is in the middle of arguably the most at-risk neighborhood in the city and I am guessing the price is probably reasonable. The building is large, has plenty of parking and is easy to access. If I was looking out for the best interest of the YMCA it would be hard to turn down.

I love the idea of the YMCA going into the old Zellars. One small tiff is that there won't be a pool on the Zellars location if they do decide to build there.

Other than that, I see absolutely no problem with them going there.

[Southpaw78]

I know that we all wanted the YMCA to build a shiny new building uptown but I have to think that from their perspective the old Zeller's building makes too much sense. It is in the middle of arguably the most at-risk neighborhood in the city and I am guessing the price is probably reasonable. The building is large, has plenty of parking and is easy to access. If I was looking out for the best interest of the YMCA it would be hard to turn down.

I would have to agree with this...And besides it's better than leaving than leaving the huge monstrosity of a building abandoned.

[ErickMontreal]

Harbourfront Residences at Three Sisters updated their website, they also added some nice pictures.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs288.snc4/40741_444802552403_10961272403_5356104_4512922_n.jpg


http://www.urbanlivingcondos.com/blog/images/threeharbours-logo.gif
http://www.harbourfrontnb.com/

[kwajo]

Progress on the Harbourfront Residences, with the new Fortress of Vengeance steel also visible in the distance

http://i51.tinypic.com/f1b6fl.jpg

[Helladog]

How bout a grocery store for the Bargain Giant spot? It would be nice if the Coop listened to requests for a store uptown.

[nwalbert]

I would think that a grocery store would be successful in that location although I would personally be worried about the effect that it might have on the City Market. I know a lot of people who work uptown stop into the Market before heading home to grab fresh veggies, etc.. for dinner that night.

IMax would be ideal but I don't suspect we will see one of those anytime soon, and if we did it would be part of East Point.

On that point, does anyone know what the land at East Point is currently being cleared for? It looks like another major big box retailer.

Joe, what is the rumour about a new uptown hotel?

[Whaler]

I heard this week that the AQ has been sold.
What is the latest on the new Kent store on the West side?
Also heard a new Super store coming to the west.

Jump in if you know anything?

[JHikka]

On that point, does anyone know what the land at East Point is currently being cleared for? It looks like another major big box retailer.

Visit their site. They have a master plan of everything that's going up on that hill.


Also heard a new Super store coming to the west.

This makes zero sense to me. Superstore recently converted their Westside store to a No Frills because, let's be honest, they were getting destroyed by the combination of both a new Sobey's and Costco. From what i've heard, there's a general dislike of No Frills. A new Superstore so soon would be mind boggling.

From what i've also heard, there's word the Millidgeville Superstore will be converted into a No Frills as well. Is Costco destroying all of the other grocery stores this bad?

[nwalbert]

I would guess that the Millidgeville rumor is based on the construction that has been going on at the store the last two months, but that is actually an upgrade to the existing store and an expansion of the clothing department. I am pretty confident that rumor is false. I go to that store on almost a daily basis and it is very busy.

It would be surprising to see a new Superstore on the West side. The new Canadian Tire is open and I believe construction has started on the new liquor store but a Superstore seems unlikely. Does anyone know if the Marks Work Warehouse has been started yet?

The AQ had been for sale for quite a while so not surprising it sold. If you ask people at the Kent's store on the East side they will tell you one is being built on the West side across from the new Lawton's, so seems like it should begin soon.

[JHikka]

...and I believe construction has started on the new liquor store...

Where is this new Liquor store being built? :ahhh:

Also, there's construction work going on next to the Scotiabank on Main Street, the NBCC construction is continuing, as is Commons at UNBSJ. Harbourfront condos is continuing, they were pouring concrete when I drove by this afternoon.

Did the Fortress of Vengeance get taller today or is it just me?

[michael_d40]

I would guess that the Millidgeville rumor is based on the construction that has been going on at the store the last two months, but that is actually an upgrade to the existing store and an expansion of the clothing department. I am pretty confident that rumor is false. I go to that store on almost a daily basis and it is very busy.

It would be surprising to see a new Superstore on the West side. The new Canadian Tire is open and I believe construction has started on the new liquor store but a Superstore seems unlikely. Does anyone know if the Marks Work Warehouse has been started yet?

The AQ had been for sale for quite a while so not surprising it sold. If you ask people at the Kent's store on the East side they will tell you one is being built on the West side across from the new Lawton's, so seems like it should begin soon.


The Marks Is inside the new Canadian Tire and the Liquor Store is across the parking lot from Sobeys. It's been fenced off and a lot of digging going on for a couple weeks now.

[nwalbert]

Did the Fortress of Vengeance get taller today or is it just me?


I don't know about today but this week it seemed larger to me. I am surprised how large its going to be. As much as I am against Peel Plaza this entire project is massive and going to add a lot to that area of the city.

[flwright]

. . .there's construction work going on next to the Scotiabank on Main Street. . .

This is set to be a small apartment building approved by PAC last year

[kwajo]

I don't know about today but this week it seemed larger to me. I am surprised how large its going to be.
I agree, it's much more massive than I pictured, especially from certain angles below the hill, it just seems to go on forever. Given its massive scale, they'd better be cladding it in something tasteful, because if not it's going to be a huge eyesore.

[JHikka]

This is set to be a small apartment building approved by PAC last year

-_-

Decent retail development opportunity wasted I suppose.

[michael_d40]

-_-

Decent retail development opportunity wasted I suppose.


Jeez Greg... Pessimistic much?

Retail is going on the street level. That info was in an old PAC document last year.

[JHikka]

Pessimistic much?

In frank honesty, Pessimism and Saint John go hand-in-hand, no?

[kwajo]

Thinking of apartment buildings in the North End, I'm surprised no-one ever mentions the one that went up a couple years ago on Adelaide across from Dykeman's hardware. I think it's one of the best in-fill projects the city has seen in a while - it's tastefully designed, decent materials and added density to a neighbourhood that desperately needed new building stock. If this new building on Main Street can be of similar quality, but add retail on the streetfront, I'm actually pretty optimistic that it could be a fantastic part of the North End!

[michael_d40]

In frank honesty, Pessimism and Saint John go hand-in-hand, no?


For miserable people like you... Perhaps. Me.. Not so.

[JHikka]

Thinking of apartment buildings in the North End, I'm surprised no-one ever mentions the one that went up a couple years ago on Adelaide across from Dykeman's hardware. I think it's one of the best in-fill projects the city has seen in a while - it's tastefully designed, decent materials and added density to a neighbourhood that desperately needed new building stock. If this new building on Main Street can be of similar quality, but add retail on the streetfront, I'm actually pretty optimistic that it could be a fantastic part of the North End!

It could have been as high as nine stories, but height restrictions kept it to only four. IN addition, there have been a couple of homes on Adelaide cleaned up on that side, and the street in itself is looking a lot better than it has in many years. We have some better people moving in, at least in the Adelaide area, and that always helps.

For miserable people like you... Perhaps. Me.. Not so.

If it makes you feel any better by thinking that i'm miserable, then by all means. In truth, Saint John has compiled a plentiful list of lost opportunities. Kwajo's(?) story (in another thread) of the IMAX possibly going uptown but being turned down by th Anglican Church is a perfect example of this. Another would be having a continuously unprofitable pulp mill sitting on one of the most valuable pieces of land in the city.

In regards to Saint John, I try to keep my hopes in a more realisitic area, rather than shooting them up towards the sky. In which case, when the city does decide to do whatever it is they want to do, those sky-high expectations are not shot down in an exuberant, exciting way.

I know what to expect from Saint John, and it generally gives it to me in spades.

[kwajo]

Wow really, 9 storey's? I had never heard that one, I can't imagine how nice that would have been in that part of the city.

[JHikka]

Wow really, 9 storey's? I had never heard that one, I can't imagine how nice that would have been in that part of the city.

Yeah. They wanted it to be nine or ten stories originally, from what I heard, but the City quashed them because that would have ruined the 'skyline' of the Old North End.

I dislike the name Old North End so, so much.

[kwajo]

:haha: Yeah the skyline is such a beauty the way it is now....

I agree on the "Old", but how else are community groups going to make cool acronyms like O.N.E. Change? :P

[JHikka]

I agree on the "Old", but how else are community groups going to make cool acronyms like O.N.E. Change? :P

I agree, I love the name of ONE Change, but that doesn't change my opinion on the 'Old'.

Also, the construction on Main Street is: Floor Fashions is expanding their warehouse, so the bottom of the structure will be FF Warehouse and the top will be 'An apartment complex of 22 bedrooms'.

So, as long as the tenants aren't doing things that cause fires at 5AM, should be good to go.

[PersonPlaceorThing]

Another would be having a continuously unprofitable pulp mill sitting on one of the most valuable pieces of land in the city.


I think there are plenty of other brownfield projects that would have occured by now if there is such demand for industrial site development. The Coast Guard site and Lantic Sugar come to mind. But like Lantic Sugar, I'm sure the environmental clean up cost of doing anything at the paper mill site would be prohibitive.

[kwajo]

I think there are plenty of other brownfield projects that would have occured by now if there is such demand for industrial site development. The Coast Guard site and Lantic Sugar come to mind. But like Lantic Sugar, I'm sure the environmental clean up cost of doing anything at the paper mill site would be prohibitive.
Yeah, there's been a mill of one form or another on that site for over 250 years, there's no way it isn't contaminated in ways we don't even realize yet.

[mylesmalley]

That's always the problem with brownfield redevelopment schemes. I expect if you looked coast to coast, the majority of successful plans only went ahead with substantial support from government. Unless the plot in question is worth it's weight in platinum and can be purchased for next to nothing, what private developer is going to want to sink in the piles of money needed to remediate contaminated land.

I can't speak to Saint John, but I'm familiar with three other sites in NB. The former CN Shops in Moncton have required piles of work. The driving force behind that was the municipal government. The former landfill along the Petitcodiac is completely useless to development, so the city put a trail system over it. The former train station in Fredericton is being converted by a provincial government agency into a liquor store, after it sat empty for years because the Irvings didn't want to put the money into cleaning it up.

[JHikka]

...because the Irvings didn't want to put the money into cleaning it up.

Which would more or less be the same situation in Saint John.

I merely mentioned that mill because it sits on top of Reversing Falls, and I love hearing people's remarks on it. :rolleyes:

[ErickMontreal]

http://www.cookstownoutletmall.ca/stores/34/34_logo.jpg

Olsen Europe will open their first store in New-Brunswick, they will set up shop in Brunswick Square.

http://www.olsenfashion.com/ca/en/
http://www.brunswicksquare.ca/

[JHikka]

CBC is saying that a deal on the Harbour Bridge is coming soon, which would eliminate the tolls.

All I can say is that i'll actually start using the bridge once the tolls are removed.

[michael_d40]

CBC is saying that a deal on the Harbour Bridge is coming soon, which would eliminate the tolls.

All I can say is that i'll actually start using the bridge once the tolls are removed.


I think the tolls should stay on.

1.) The province cant afford to add this debt on the already excessive debt
2.) The toll booths act as a traffic calming measure
and
3.) Why should the ENTIRE province pay for this bridge? It's a user pay system now and should be kept that way. In fact the tolls should be 75cents 1 dollar like in Halifax. The highway between Fredericton/Moncton should go back to being tolls as well. Again user pays. Not the entire province.

[JHikka]

I think the tolls should stay on.

1.) The province cant afford to add this debt on the already excessive debt
2.) The toll booths act as a traffic calming measure
and
3.) Why should the ENTIRE province pay for this bridge? It's a user pay system now and should be kept that way. In fact the tolls should be 75cents 1 dollar like in Halifax. The highway between Fredericton/Moncton should go back to being tolls as well. Again user pays. Not the entire province.

The Harbour Bridge authority has a debt in or around 22 Million. I can almost guarantee you the revenue made from the tolls don't even pay the wages for the employees of the Authority itself. Why does the Authority exist?

The Tolls are 75 cents already for cars who have any sort of advertisement on them (IE Local business van, auto-75 cents). I wouldn't believe that raising the crossing-cost of something is going to alleviate any of the debt problems at all. Unless you're driving from outside of the city and are already on the highway, it's not difficult to take the Reversing Falls bridge, which costs nothing to cross.

See, there's a difference between Fred/Moncton tolls and the Harbour Bridge toll. That highway is the only significant link between the two. The bridges in Halifax save a thirty minute drive through Bedford. If i'm driving from East to West, there's nothing stopping me from taking the Somerset exit, driving along Hilyard, Chesley, and across the Reversing Falls Bridge. As someone who lives North, I have never had to use the Harbour Bridge, and having to pay to cross a bridge I don't need to cross gives me even less reason to use it in the first place.

If there are going to be tolls, they should be on the highway between Saint John and the Valley. We can talk about traffic calming there all we want.

[PersonPlaceorThing]

Why should the ENTIRE province pay for this bridge?

The "Altantic Gateway" is meant to be of regional benefit. It seems odd that Saint John citizens have to pay a per use fee for getting around town, when this money is helping pay for infrastructure that is supposed to benefit the entire region.

[GUB]

The Harbour Bridge authority has a debt in or around 22 Million. I can almost guarantee you the revenue made from the tolls don't even pay the wages for the employees of the Authority itself. Why does the Authority exist?

The Tolls are 75 cents already for cars who have any sort of advertisement on them (IE Local business van, auto-75 cents). I wouldn't believe that raising the crossing-cost of something is going to alleviate any of the debt problems at all. Unless you're driving from outside of the city and are already on the highway, it's not difficult to take the Reversing Falls bridge, which costs nothing to cross.

See, there's a difference between Fred/Moncton tolls and the Harbour Bridge toll. That highway is the only significant link between the two. The bridges in Halifax save a thirty minute drive through Bedford. If i'm driving from East to West, there's nothing stopping me from taking the Somerset exit, driving along Hilyard, Chesley, and across the Reversing Falls Bridge. As someone who lives North, I have never had to use the Harbour Bridge, and having to pay to cross a bridge I don't need to cross gives me even less reason to use it in the first place.

If there are going to be tolls, they should be on the highway between Saint John and the Valley. We can talk about traffic calming there all we want.

Don't ge me wrong here, fewer cars on the road is always beneficial, but I think a toll between the Valley and Saint John is a very bad idea. If we really want to see Saint John stagnate, add a toll on the Mackay Highway.

[ErickMontreal]

:: Harbourfront Condominium ::

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs932.snc4/74533_462553667403_10961272403_5606957_7491814_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs975.snc4/76807_462553802403_10961272403_5606960_3188524_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1170.snc4/154257_462553897403_10961272403_5606962_3176102_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs561.ash2/148390_462554237403_10961272403_5606968_4287254_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs580.ash2/150284_462554317403_10961272403_5606970_4405287_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1188.snc4/151016_462557312403_10961272403_5607016_4687743_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs604.ash2/155667_462558647403_10961272403_5607030_426510_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs606.ash2/155889_462558272403_10961272403_5607029_4844069_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs968.snc4/76112_462553857403_10961272403_5606961_2146958_n.jpg

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Saint-John-NB/Harbourfront-Condominium/10961272403

[nwalbert]

Sunwing flights available for longer period

SAINT JOHN - Sunwing has extended the period it will offer non-stop flights to the Cuban destinations of Varadero and Havana and the Mexican hot spots Cancun and Riviera Maya this spring.
Enlarge Photo
Click to Enlarge
Click to Enlarge
Photo: Peter Walsh/Telegraph-Journal
Bernard LeBlanc of the Saint John Airport says growth on Sunwing flights has been steady.

Flights to these sunny destinations begin on March 18 - about a week earlier than last year - says airport president and CEO Bernard LeBlanc, and will continue until May 22. Last year, flights ended in early May.

"It's the same destinations, but over a longer period," LeBlanc said.

Sunwing began flying out of the city about four years ago and LeBlanc says the growth has been steady.

"The first year, there might have been about 2,400 passengers," he said.

"This past year, we had about 6,600 passengers.

"Saint John has the highest Sunwing content in the province."

One of the draws is that, once passengers leave the ground in Saint John, they land directly in Cuba or Mexico without any stopovers and luggage transfers.

"It makes it a lot more convenient," LeBlanc said.

Sunwing's departure schedule includes three dates per week: Friday, Sunday and Tuesday.

"It's a good time to book, because there are some destinations that are as much as 60 per cent off," LeBlanc said.

"If someone just wants to get away and wants a cheap hotel you can probably find something, with taxes, for under $500 per person."

LeBlanc said the fact that flights are growing bodes well for the Saint John Airport.

"People are supporting it and so the people providing it say, How can we grow it?'

"If can do really well this year, let's try and push for new destinations next year," he said.

Seats on Sunwing direct flights are now on sale.


This is fantastic for the airport. I don't think we will ever see the airport ever become a hub to the US as a result of the proximity to Bangor, but good to see we are leading the way in NB for vacation travel.

[nwalbert]

Gretzky tickets selling fast

SAINT JOHN - Organizers of next week's charity breakfast with The Great One appear to be within easy reach of achieving their target audience of 500 paying guests.

Wayne Gretzky, shown in his Edmonton Oilers playing days in this photo from the 1980s, will be featured at a charity breakfast in Saint John on Thursday, Dec. 9 . The event will benefit Romero House and the Empty Stocking Fund.

"We do expect we're going to sell out this event," Saint John Board of Trade president Imelda Gilman said at midday Tuesday, only the third day of ticket sales for the Breakfast with Gretzky fundraiser in support of Romero House and the Empty Stocking Fund. The breakfast will be held at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 9 at the Saint John Trade and Convention Centre.

"We have over 360 tickets sold already," she said of the $99-per-ticket event, which will feature NHL legend Wayne Gretzky and former premier Frank McKenna, deputy chairman of the TD Bank Financial Group.

"On Friday morning (the first day of ticket sales), the phones were ringing off the hook and we had people waiting for tickets when we came to work in the morning," Gilman said. "So, the interest is certainly high."

CEO Derek Riedle of Revolution Strategy, which is organizing the breakfast, said he's "thrilled" with the early response to tickets.

"This is going to a long way toward making sure both the Romero House and the Empty Stocking Fund get a nice donation from the presenting sponsor, TD Bank Financial Group, and the other sponsors at a time of year when it is really needed," he said.

Riedle said it was too early to talk about the possibility of adding more tickets should organizers reach their target.

"We are just focused, right now, on selling out the 500," he said. "We certainly want to hit our target."

Riedle said the Breakfast with Gretzky event has been a hot topic with local residents since its launch on Thursday.

"I'm hearing a lot about it," he said.

"I play hockey a couple of times a week and the guys in the dressing room are excited about it. People all over the community are talking about it and there's been a lot of social media buzz."

Breakfast with Gretzky will feature a breakfast buffet and interview with Gretzy, facilitated by McKenna, before those in attendance get to participate in a question-and-answer session.

"What you'll have is a conversation between a couple of Canadian icons, Frank McKenna and Gretzky," Riedle said.

"I'm sure it will be lighthearted, full of anecdotes, followed by some questions from the floor."

Gretzky wore No. 99 during his days as a junior star and in the World Hockey Association, before assuming superstar status with the Edmonton Oilers.

In the NHL, the Brantford, Ont., native scored 894 goals.

As long as they're available, Breakfast with Gretzky tickets may be purchased by calling the Board of Trade at 634-8111.

While the TD Bank Financial Group is the presenting sponsor, the other sponsors of the event are Irving Oil, J.D. Irving, Limited, McInnes Cooper, the Board of Trade, Revolution Strategy and the Telegraph-Journal.

[JHikka]

Don't ge me wrong here, fewer cars on the road is always beneficial, but I think a toll between the Valley and Saint John is a very bad idea. If we really want to see Saint John stagnate, add a toll on the Mackay Highway.

I was mostly being facetious. :tup:

Also, i've been reading up on this Safer Communities Legislation Act, which allowed for the police to issue a warrant of eviction on the premises of a building in the North End. There are a few problems with this, of course, and a few loopholes, and i'll try to have a decent write-up done this evening. I like the idea, but it's not completely solving the problem, and may in fact be doing more harm than good.

[JHikka]

According to the latest community feedback Plan SJ is receiving about the municipal plan, the future of the city lies in focusing on compact urban development.

Consultant Cyndi Rottenberg-Walker says the key message is to focus development on the priority neighbourhoods and build up on top of existing infrastructure.

Another key recommendation is to establish a significant retail presence in the north end.

Plan SJ will be presenting its latest progress at an open house meeting tomorrow. It starts at 5pm at the UNB Saint John Grand Hall building across from the City Market.

Saint John thread's been pretty busy lately, huh? :haha:

[MonctonRad]

Saint John thread's been pretty busy lately, huh? :haha:

Aside from idle gossip (especially about consulates), things are pretty quiet in Moncton too.

Now that we are in the Alward era with a near $1B deficit, I think this might be a sign of things to come. :(

[JHikka]

Aside from idle gossip (especially about consulates), things are pretty quiet in Moncton too.

Now that we are in the Alward era with a near $1B deficit, I think this might be a sign of things to come. :(

Right.

There's a good half-dozen projects currently ongoing in the city, not to mention a number of other things. I'm curious as to where everyone is hiding.

[kwajo]

Yeah we actually have the busiest construction season in a decade in SJ and no one wants to talk about it because most of the projects are institutional (hundreds of millions in university buildings and courthouses) or infrastructure (over a hundred million for sewage treatment plants and interchanges). We do have a few large housing projects in our urban core, but they're been known about for so long that they aren't really exciting anymore and I think most of us are still a bit disappointed that the boom that was supposed to be happening is kind of faltering and a lot of the more exciting projects have been cancelled.

[mmmatt]

good to see we are leading the way in NB for vacation travel.

The leader with Sunwing vacations in NB maybe...but GMIA has 4 seasonal vacation airlines. Sunwing, WestJet, Air Transat and Canjet.

[Wolkenkratzerliebhab]

I've noticed that they are building a new four story, steel frame building behind the new Chateau Saint John on the grounds of the nearby nursing home. Anyone have any idea what it be for? Looks like an office complex of some kind, but since its on the property of the nursing home itself, it might just be more nursing units? I'm hoping it's going to go higher, but I doubt it. It does look nice though, almost directly across from the steel frame work of the new court house. :)

[MonctonRad]

Right.

There's a good half-dozen projects currently ongoing in the city, not to mention a number of other things. I'm curious as to where everyone is hiding.

Well, what I really mean is that what fuels forums such as this are the new projects and speculation about what is next on the horizon.

There are a number of projects ongoing in Moncton as well (eg Peace Centre, Courthouse, NBCC expansion, expansions at the Dieppe and Moncton industrial parks), as well as a lot of residential construction but as kwajo intimates, there is not much new or sexy visible on the horizon.

My comments regarding Alward should not be misconstrued as disapproval of him. Shawn Graham was reckless with the provinces finances and has left the cupboard bare for his successor. Alward has little choice but to cut costs and this no doubt will impact on funding for major public projects. I fear what this might mean for projects such as the proposed downtown arena/events centre in Moncton. This might not happen.......

[JHikka]

as well as a lot of residential construction but as kwajo intimates, there is not much new or sexy visible on the horizon.

My comments regarding Alward should not be misconstrued as disapproval of him. Shawn Graham was reckless with the provinces finances and has left the cupboard bare for his successor. Alward has little choice but to cut costs and this no doubt will impact on funding for major public projects.

Yeah, we all went into the election knowing that afterwards the Conservatives were going to have a lot of cleaning-up to do and with very little room to move. And that's fine. If they have their hands tied behind their back for a year or two that's understood. Sometimes it's better to do very little and do very little wrong (Lord) rather than doing a lot and do a fair amount wrong (Graham).

Also, in regards to new or sexy on the horizon, something new may be happening next week in regards to Irving Oil.

[mylesmalley]

Sometimes it's better to do very little and do very little wrong (Lord)

Ha. I don't want to turn this political either, but history has a tendency of downplaying one's achievements, or in Lord's case, understating his many huge screw-ups.

[JHikka]

Ha. I don't want to turn this political either, but history has a tendency of downplaying one's achievements, or in Lord's case, understating his many huge screw-ups.

Fair enough.

Also, there'll be a meeting in the coming days/weeks in regards to providing more retail in the North End, in particular the Crescent Valley area.

There's a reason why Zellers at Lansdowne shut down, and it wasn't for poor sales. ;)

[flwright]

I've noticed that they are building a new four story, steel frame building behind the new Chateau Saint John on the grounds of the nearby nursing home. Anyone have any idea what it be for? Looks like an office complex of some kind, but since its on the property of the nursing home itself, it might just be more nursing units? I'm hoping it's going to go higher, but I doubt it. It does look nice though, almost directly across from the steel frame work of the new court house. :)

This is a new convent for the Sisters of Charity and they are closely associated with Rocmaura Nursing Home to the point that the new building will be connected by a pedway to the nursing home. This building has been designed by Steen Knorr Architects and it recently went before PAC so the elevations are available for viewing if you can track down the date of the meeting. Although the new construction is welcome, it came at the expense of a significant heritage structure that stood in the same place. According to the Sisters of Charity, the renovations required to the original building were cost prohibitive and new construction was the best answer financially.