More boaters can now dock in uptown Saint John now that work to dredge Market Slip is complete.
The city says the 30-foot long docks were put in the water Friday, adding more space for several pleasure crafts.
“Market Slip has been a key entrance point into the city for centuries. It makes sense to have a more accessible docking area that continues to welcome residents and visitors into our city to dine, shop and enjoy all the treasures uptown Saint John has to offer,” said Mayor Don Darling in a statement.
About 3,000 cubic metres of material was removed from Market Slip over a four-week period this spring.
It was the first time the Market Slip area had been dredged in about 16 years.
Since that time, sediment had built up from natural siltation, meaning the city could only deploy three of the docks intended for Market Slip.
“This location is ideal for accessing the vibrant uptown core and opens another access point for people on our shared waterfront,” said Jim Quinn, CEO of Port Saint John. “Our partnership on dredging the slip for this use fits with our ongoing commitment to support the community.”
The city and Port Saint John each funded 50 per cent of the initial cost of dredging. Port Saint John will look after the maintenance dredging for the next 12 years.