Development Continues To Be Strong In Saint John

Saint John is seeing a busy start to 2021 when it comes to development activity in the city.

Nearly 90 building permits valued at more than $8 million have already been issued, according to the city’s Amy Poffenroth.

“This is very indicative of a busy construction season ahead of us,” Poffenroth told the city’s growth committee last week.

Poffenroth said activity is taking place throughout the city, including on Main Street, Canterbury Street and Lower Cove Loop.

The Telegraph Square project on Canterbury Street and The Wentworth project on Wentworth Street are well underway and construction should soon be starting on the non-profit housing project on Wellington Row, she said.

Poffenroth said several projects are currently going through the Planning Advisory Committee and council approval stages.

That includes the controversial Ethos Ridge project, a proposed 125-unit retirement community in Millidgeville.

Dozens of residents who live near the site have written to PAC and council expressing their opposition. A public hearing is set to take place next Monday.

Poffenroth said they have also had several pre-application meetings for large-scale projects over the past month or so.

“Some are at the very early conceptual stage, some are talking about projects that are going to be starting this year, so very good news there,” Poffenroth said.

Last year, the number of new residential units created in the city was nearly three times the five-year average.

Mayor Don Darling said growth is critical for the city, noting that 80 per cent of its revenue comes from the tax base.

“I think you get what you focus on, and this council, this committee was formed to bring to life a roadmap to smart growth, a population growth strategy. KPIs, mandate letters,” Darling said.

Deputy Mayor Shirley McAlary said it is good to see so much growth happening in the city.