Saint John seeks new vision for waterfront development
A new plan could position Saint John’s waterfront as the city’s premier opportunity for economic growth.
Envision Saint John, along with the city, Port Saint John and the development company Fundy Harbour Group, is seeking proposals to redevelop the waterfront.
Envision CEO Andrew Beckett said they will hire consultants to develop a plan that enhances the potential of the waterfront’s existing attractions and brings new ideas.
“Our collective interest is looking at one of the various possibilities for improving the sort of engagement for visitors in the waterfront and how do we optimize the investments that have been made there over the last 15, 20 years,” he explained.
The organizations published a tender last week outlining their expectations and vision for the waterfront’s strategic plan.
According to the tender, the selected consultant will provide expertise in waterfront development, economic development, investment structuring, tourism strategy, and community planning “to deliver a plan that is strategic, financially grounded, and action-oriented,” and that can shape the waterfront until 2050.
The organizations also hope the plan accelerates economic development, attracts investment, enhances tourism and visitor experience, identifies opportunity sites, and leverages Saint John’s arts and cultural assets and events, among other goals.
“We are looking for a long-term plan, yes. But we wanted it to be very action oriented,” said Beckett. “We are looking for steps that can be taken right away in terms of making some changes, and then incremental steps over the longer term to really build out and optimize the waterfront.”
Over the past few years, the revitalization of the city’s waterfront has picked up some speed, with the first phase of the Fundy Quay development project nearing completion.
However, Beckett said it had been years since the waterfront last had a strategic plan, and that it was time to develop new tactics to maintain the current momentum.
“There’s been a lot of changes in terms of what is taking place on the waterfront, and so it’s really now looking ahead based on where we are today and what new opportunities may lie ahead,” he added.
Beckett declined to share the budget the organizations are working with to complete the plan. He said they want to leave it as a subject of negotiation with the selected consultant.
Applications for the tender are open until September first.
Applicants’ proposals will be evaluated using a scoring matrix that measures each firm’s performance across five categories, including demonstrated understanding of Saint John’s context and objectives, plan quality and feasibility, value for money and resource efficiency, among others.
Beckett said they hope to select a consultant by October, and to keep a tight deadline on the project, aiming to have it completed by early 2027.
