Mayor Maintains Saint John Has Not Lost Its Momentum

Mayor Ivan Court refuses to accept the notion that Saint John has lost its mojo from the days just a couple of years ago when former Premier Frank McKenna predicted the city would become Alberta with a view. Even though the second oil refinery in Mispec and Irving Oil’s world headquarters at Long Wharf won’t be built, the Mayor tells CHSJ News, there are other projects in the works. He points to the Justice Complex on Hazen Avenue, the new police headquarters and parking garage as part of the Peel Plaza development. Court is also predicting there will soon be word about progress with the Coast Guard site opposite Market Square where a new hotel and condos have been proposed. He goes on to say an effort should be made to ensure young Saint Johnners have the jobs skills necessary to take advantage of the new opportunities that Court believes will arise. The Mayor is a big supporter of the co-op programme as a way to secure employment. He acknowledges going to university can be unaffordable for many families and may not be necessary depending on what career you want to pursue.