Parking infrastructure proposed to support Project NextGen

Irving Pulp & Paper is proposing to build additional infrastructure to support the recently announced Project NextGen upgrade to Saint John’s West side pulp mill.

Project NextGen is a generational upgrade to Saint John’s west side mill, representing a $1.1-billion capital investment. These investments are necessary to allow the mill to remain competitive globally and to increase its capacity for green energy production. The project will represent significant economic benefits to the city and region through boosting tax revenue and household spending, while doubling the number of workers at the mill during the construction phase.

To accommodate a larger number of workers on the site, an additional parking lot is required and is being proposed in an adjacent property. The property is the former site of the Centracare mental health facility which was closed in 1998 after 145 years of operation. The property was later purchased by J.D. Irving, Limited and rehabilitated into park space in 2004.

Under the proposal, approximately 70 percent of usable land on the property, known as Wolastoq Park, will remain as park space available for public use. As part of the project, several safety and beautification enhancements will be undertaken. These include:

• A pedestrian overpass will be installed over Bridge Road to connect the site with Mill Road. This new infrastructure will be available to both members of the public and employees alike, greatly improving safety when crossing this busy roadway.
• Access to the proposed lot would be provided via Lancaster Avenue allowing for improved traffic flow entering and exiting the mill and accommodating future Simms Corner concept designs.
• Energy efficient lighting installed in the parking area will also enhance safety of the area.

The parking lot would be placed in the south-central portion of the park, an area that is currently underutilized, thus preserving the best views of the harbour currently enjoyed by the public. Further enhancements include the relocation and refurbishment of existing historical statues, moving the picnic amenities to an area with better views and the refurbishment of existing staircases on site.

“The decision to make use of this property to support the upgrade to the mill was made only after carefully examining all the other available options,” said Irving Pulp & Paper Vice President, Mark Mosher. “The location was ultimately chosen because it would minimize disruption to traffic, construction, and operational activities, while still retaining the portions of the park with the most recreational value.”

The proposal will require approval from the City of Saint John. An open house for this project will be held this fall and a website (www.nextgennb.com/parking) has been developed to provide information to nearby residents.