Proposals For Loyalist Plaza Redesign, Harbour Passage Extension

Proposals are being sought for the redesign of Loyalist Plaza and the extension of Harbour Passage around Fundy Quay.

It is part of a broader project to redevelop Fundy Quay and renew some of the public space in that area of uptown Saint John.

Jeff Cyr, strategic projects director with Develop Saint John, describes the redevelopment of the area as a game-changer for the city.

“It’s the face of our community, it’s the front of our skyline, the centre of our downtown,” said Cyr, who is also the project lead for Fundy Quay.

“It really takes what is a waterfront that has very little in terms of animated and articulated waterfront space with uses and businesses and it has the potential to almost triple that amount of space.”

This is not the first time there have been plans to redevelop the Loyalist Plaza site in the uptown.

A previous proposal for revamping the space was issued in 2013, but Cyr said the design proved cost-prohibitive and the project did not proceed.

“It was meant to be really an attraction piece to try and help attract developers. … It had a lot of very expensive features,” said Cyr about the 2013 proposal.

But attracting a developer is no longer an issue since Fundy Quay Developments signed an agreement with the city in 2019 for the ground lease and development of the site.

Cyr said they are now looking to pivot in their strategy and focus more on “creative placemaking strategies.”

“Prioritizing creating an atmosphere and a place where people will want to be over features,” he said.

Documents for the request for proposal show an estimated price tag of $7.5 million for redesigning Loyalist Plaza and $2 million to $4 million for extending Harbour Passage.

The proposal hinges on the city obtaining provincial and federal funding before the end of September, which Cyr said he is optimistic they will receive. He said “very frequent” discussions have been taking place with members of the provincial government.

“We’re very positive with the quality of the discussions that we’re having and we’re optimistic about moving forward, although nothing has been confirmed yet,” said Cyr.

The request for proposals closes Aug. 6 and construction would be completed by the summer of 2022.

This is the third in a series of requests issued for the Fundy Quay development project. Cyr said design work to refurbish and raise the seawall is moving forward according to the schedule.

A second call for proposals for engineering services related to the remediation of contaminated soils is set to close on July 30, he said.