Saint John approves north-end expansion

Saint John Common Council wants to invest $5 million in a controversial plan to transform the city's north end with new water and sewer lines that would open hundreds of hectares to residential development.

The wooded rolling hills near the Kennebecasis River make up some of the best development land in the city. But it can't be developed without water and sewer service.

However, other areas of the city, including neighbourhoods near the university and some homes in nearby subdivisions, are in desperate need of better water pressure.

Council believes this project will solve both problems by running water lines along Sandy Point Road to Kennebecasis Drive.

Councillor Walter Ball has been pushing the idea for years. "What's happening with us, as the Newfoundlanders are going to say, you gotta fish or cut bait, so we got to do it right now."

The city will sell land in the area and borrow $3.9 million to pay for the project.

Some councillors did not like the financing plan. Stephen Fitzpatrick says without a firm payback plan, or larger contributions from the developers who benefit, it's not a good deal for taxpayers. "I think we want development but I can't believe it can come at all cost to the taxpayers of the city of Saint John."

In the end, council gave tentative approval to the project, pending $800,000 in contributions from the province and university.

City staff hope to get the work started this summer.