Multimodal transportation and distribution park being explored for the Saint John Region
June 24, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Multimodal transportation and distribution park being explored for the Saint John Region
SAINT JOHN: Envision Saint John: The Regional Growth Agency, as the lead for this multi-partner initiative, has hired Deloitte to evaluate the feasibility of a multimodal transportation and distribution park in the Saint John Region.
“The development of this new park is an opportunity that only comes along once-in-a-generation,” says Andrew Beckett, CEO of Envision Saint John. “Envision Saint John is leading the charge on this project because it’s our job to expedite growth by always keeping an eye on the bigger picture. We're working with our local, national, and international partners to ensure Saint John doesn't miss out on this opportunity.”
Over the next couple months, Deloitte will conduct exploratory research, stakeholder interviews to evaluate the opportunity, develop a roadmap, identify suitable locations, key outcomes, and timelines. They will assess existing infrastructure, outline required investments, and will help paint a clearer picture of its economic benefits.
Partners in the project include Envision Saint John, the City of Saint John, Port Saint John, and the Saint John Airport. Additional funding to carry out the business case was secured from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), as well as the Regional Development Corporation (RDC).
“Effective supply chain access and transportation to markets that are cost competitive, dependable, and efficient is critically important for existing New Brunswick-based businesses,” said Wayne Long, Member of Parliament for Saint John – Rothesay. “As we invest in projects that assess our region’s strategic location and infrastructure, we position ourselves to create new opportunities for economic growth.”
The Government of Canada, through ACOA is providing $100,000 to support a land inventory assessment, a transportation and logistics assessment, a market study, jurisdictional comparisons, and industry consultations to identify the specific infrastructure investments that will enable the region to help meet Canada’s transportation supply chain requirements. The Province of New Brunswick is also providing $100,000 through RDC.
Envision Saint John and its partners believe that recent investments at Port Saint John, which is connected to three Class 1 rail lines, will make a strong business case for a potential multimodal park in the Saint John Region. As well, the region has an adjacent major highway system an hour from the Canada-United States border. This access connects Saint John with major population bases in Central Canada, the Eastern United States, and the Midwest.
“The development of infrastructure like a multimodal park will support growth in the Saint John Region as well as the entire province," said Réjean Savoie, Minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation. "This study is an important step in understanding what type of investment is required and how best to pursue this opportunity.”
Over $600 million in investments have been made in Port Saint John, and its world-class deepwater port is one of the fastest growing in North America. The recent investments mean the port now has five times more capacity – having expanded from 150,000 TEUs to potentially 800,000 TEUs.
As the feasibility study progresses, Envision Saint John, and its partners will continue to engage with the Saint John Region community and share updates.
Deloitte was awarded the contract for the development of the project’s business plan following a formal Request for Proposal process. The plan is expected to be completed in 2024.
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Media Inquiries:
Nicole Vair
Manager of Marketing & Communications
[email protected]
506-658-2877 ext.105
Emilie Williams
Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
[email protected]
Mary-Anne Hurley-Corbyn
Communications
Regional Development Corporation
[email protected]
