An artist rendering of the proposed Lancaster Logistics Park in west Saint John. (Image: www.lancasterlogisticspark.ca)
J.D. Irving, Limited is looking to modernize its current transportation and rail operations in west Saint John.
The company has put forward a proposal for what it describes as a logistics park on its property on Dever Road.
“The proposed Lancaster Logistics Park supports Port Saint John’s modernization project, aligns with the region’s goal of becoming a global transportation and logistics hub and promises improved supply chain competitiveness for local industry,” said Anne McInerney, vice-president of communications at J.D. Irving.
According to the company, the proposal would facilitate the expansion of rail intermodal services, reduce long-haul trucking and create more short-haul trucking job opportunities.
McInerney said it is expected that the new logistics park would create 30 full-time short-haul driver positions and 17 full-time railway positions.
“This is an exciting growth opportunity for Saint John and the community,” Wayne Power, group vice-president of transportation and logistics at J.D. Irving, said in a news release.
“As intermodal transportation continues to grow, regions with robust and connected intermodal transportation networks will be in a strong competitive position and will enjoy the economic benefits that come along with that.”
An artist rendering of the proposed Lancaster Logistics Park in west Saint John. (Image: www.lancasterlogisticspark.ca)
J.D. Irving said Port Saint John, Moosehead Breweries and Envision Saint John — the region’s new economic development agency — have all expressed support for the proposal.
As part of the proposal, the company has applied to the city to rezone its Dever Road property from light industrial to transportation.
In the meantime, an open house has been scheduled for Thursday at St. Mark’s United Church. The sessions will take place from 3 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.
“The format is essentially a number of information booths that are staffed by team members who have put together the proposal,” said McInerney. “They’re available to respond to questions, just to talk it through.”
Attendees will need to register in advance by visiting www.LancasterLogisticsPark.com in order to respect COVID-19 protocols.
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