Saint John urban features of 2006

Some good things have happened in the realms of development, urban planning and public spaces in Saint John over the past year. Here a few highlights:

Harbour Passage accessibility: the annual expansions and improvements of Harbour Passage are beneficial for the citizens of Saint John - giving them more public space for recreation and community. The expansion of 2006 made the waterfront trail more accessible for those in wheelchairs.

Harbour Passage continues to link the north end of the city with uptown. The inviting path encourages pedestrians to make the trek along the waterfront.

Bentley Crossing: Just across from Harbour Passage is the subdivision of Bentley Crossing. This high-end townhouse project has illustrated that development in the central part of the city is possible again. The project has been embraced, with many of the units being sold before construction was completed.

Community involvement: People in Saint John have taken ownership of their community this year. Citizens who oppose a natural gas pipeline going through the city to deliver gas to the American market, were able to unite under the flag of Friends of Rockwood Park and make their voices heard.

On the other side of the issue business leaders (particularly the chairman of the Board of Trade) made their case as to why the city needs to become an "Energy Hub" to thrive in the global economy.

With citizens engaged the city can move forward. It is still to be seen what side will prevail - the cautious and concerned citizens groups or the pro-development growth strategists - but solutions will be hashed out now that the community is talking.