Image supplied by Port Saint John.
The drop in global tourism impacted many cities around the world, and in Saint John, the loss of cruise ship revenue was felt throughout the uptown core.
But despite the doom and gloom forecasts, Port Saint John’s president and CEO says they enjoyed a productive 2020.
Jim Quinn said work continued on the west side modernization project, and they completed many of the most challenging elements this year.
“This is an old port, and it’s had many projects over the year so you never know what you’re going to run into,” he said. “We’re relieved that we’re as far along as we are, and looking forward to getting into the next major phases, which will be as important but less complicated.”
With the modernization project able to continue despite the pandemic, Quinn estimates they were able to keep about 300 people working on the project this year.
“The vast majority of those folks were New Brunswickers who were working here on this project, employed, making income, supporting their families,” he said.
This year also saw the renewal of CP Rail’s presence at the port. Quinn credits that announcement for giving the port a unique advantage in the region.
“CP resuming its presence in Saint John compliments CN Rail, we’re the only Atlantic port that connects to the two Canadian Class 1 railways,” Quinn said.
The port’s CEO says he’s looking to continued improvements on the project in the year 2021.
“I was looking across today at low tide and what a difference on the waterfront. You look across and it really hits how dramatic the change is going to be when the new wharf is in.”
