NB: Decision to scrap Long Wharf project “bitter pill to swallow”

[SAINT JOHN, NB] – On Tuesday afternoon, Fort Reliance announced it would not be proceeding with a new home office
 building at Long Wharf, much to the disappointment of many.

Over five years ago, the company recognized the need for new office space and was considering building on land it already owned in the Greater Saint John area. At the urging of community leaders, the company began to consider the possibility of the Long Wharf location.

“This began a long, complex process that included commercial negotiations, community outreach and consultation, engineering and design, government reviews and approvals, and the exploration of a variety of commercial structures that would meet various government requirements,” said Blaine Higgs of Fort Reliance.

Early on, the company engaged noted architect Robert A.M. Stern to design a LEED standard building that would have incorporated leading environmental practices and public spaces, and would have enhanced the waterfront.

“But all opportunities have certain windows,” said Higgs, “and during the time it has taken for us to get from our starting point to today the economic landscape has changed and the window on this project has unfortunately closed.”

When the news broke of Fort Reliance’s decision, the Saint John Port Authority expressed its extreme disappointment in a release to the media.

Port Authority Chairman, Stephen Campbell, stated that “from the signing of the MOU, we have been at the forefront of advocating for this proposal, and have expended significant resources to make this project a reality. Both the Port Authority and the federal government have been eager to move forward on this project, contingent on Fort Reliance and the City of Saint John reaching an arrangement on the former Lantic Sugar site.”

Campbell highlighted evidence of the federal commitment to this project in the announcement early last spring, allowing, in principle, an unprecedented 99-year lease on the property. At the request of Fort Reliance, the Port Authority also agreed in August to allow construction under an access agreement, before the final terms of the transaction were complete.

“Despite our best efforts, however, factors external to our control have negatively affected Fort Reliance’s decision to proceed,” Campbell continued. “Although this announcement is a significant setback, it will not diminish our resolve in transforming the port to meet the competitive challenges of today’s marketplace.”