Demolition Approved For Public Space At Market Slip

Saint John council awarded another large tender Monday as part of the overall Fundy Quay project.

The latest tender was for site demolition work as part of the public space revitalization at Market Slip.

City Commissioner Brent McGovern provided a presentation and said it will include demolition and salvage of the plaza and boardwalk area.

“As well as the construction of underground infrastructure relating to water, storm, and sanitary, to prepare the site for early construction of the public space and patio areas starting in the spring of 2022,” he said.

McGovern said the city’s goal is to get work underway as quickly as possible so it does not interfere with boardwalk restaurants during their peak summer season.

“The timeline for the contract to be complete is May 15, 2022, and if there are delays on the contractor and there’s no reason for delays we would have to work within the confines of the general specification, so we would work with our legal team,” said McGovern.

Council unanimously approved the demolition tender, with a price tag of $528,218.

In September, officials unveiled initial design concepts for the proposed redesign of Loyalist Plaza and the public space at Market Slip.

Plans include an enhanced stage, ice rink, space for vendors, and tidal steps leading to the water.

Staff said more procurement efforts will take place over the coming months to get the materials and systems needed to support construction of the plaza before a larger tender for the construction of the public space improvements is issued.

The transformation is part of a $27-million investment to prepare the Fundy Quay site for development and renew some of the surrounding public space.

The plans also include extending Harbour Passage around the Fundy Quay site and installing a pedway to connect the site to Market Square.

Local developer Dr. David Elias is leading plans for a proposed multi-use development at Fundy Quay featuring commerical and residential spaces. The full cost of the project is anticipated to be in the magnitude of $300 million.