Fundy Quay Development and Redesign

Take a virtual tour of a reimagined Saint John waterfront in this newly unveiled video showcasing the public spaces that will make up one of the City’s most catalytic and transformational projects.

Read on below for development details, monthly updates on the construction progress and more.

Fundy Quay development overview
The Fundy Quay project and the redesign for the Market Slip area is well underway. The project will include private investment for the development of a mix of retail, residential, and commercial spaces, along with a new seawall, several interactive and accessible public spaces, and an extension of Harbour Passage.

The multi-phase mixed use development by Fundy Harbour Group will include five buildings having a total floor area of 69,700 square meters. At full build out this project will add 677 top-tier dwelling units and over 400 internal parking spaces. The ground floor of each building will be commercial/retail space to offer a vibrant public experience to the site.

While work to extend the restaurant patios along the waterfront is part of the project, they will remain open for patrons to enjoy during the 2023 summer season.

The public spaces and seawall portions of the project are supported by funding from the Government of Canada, the Government of New Brunswick, and the City of Saint John.

Some of the exciting new features for the space will include:

• Outdoor winter rink
• Four-season, indoor/outdoor restaurant patios
• New stage and entertainment area
• Tidal steps
• Vendor plaza
• Promenades and seating
• Amphitheatre
• Rock Pool (fountains)
• Outdoor library lounge

Find out more about the project here.

What's happening on site?

March 2024 update:

Tidal steps

Work has progressed to above the hightide water level on the tidal steps. Construction is now focused on the retaining walls that will shape terraced areas, permitting a great vantage point from which to experience the full height of the Fundy tides.

Rock Pool Water Feature

Underground plumbing and drainage are well underway for the water features for the new rock pool area.

Ice Rink

The oval concrete surface of the ice rink is now visible due to the completion of the surrounding concrete pavers.

Stage

The exterior finishing touches are being completed for the stage building including roofing and siding. Construction on the stage building interior continues with mechanical and electrical installations required to control the ice rink chiller and rock pool water features. The accessible washrooms are near completion.

Enclosed Patios

Structural framing is nearing completion and glass panels are being installed to enclose the new patios. Work has started on supply of ventilation, heat, electricity, and fire protection for inside the patio enclosure.

Plaza Paving

Installation is progressing on the concrete pavers that will complete the walking surface for the new plaza. Paver installation will follow construction of the major features above. Patterns within the plaza paving will become apparent as the paver installation continues.

Harbour Passage Trail

The section of Harbour Passage Trail surrounding the Fundy Quay site is nearing completion, except for areas impacted by future Fundy Quay construction. Those sections of the trail will be completed as the Fundy Quay construction permits. Construction on the section of Harbour Passage trail along the Market Square promenade and running between the tidal steps and new rock pool will begin soon.

All public spaces are anticipated to be completed in the summer of 2024.

October 2023 Update:

The City of Saint John announced the official name of the public space that is part of the new waterfront redevelopment area at the October 30, 2023 Common Council meeting. Council voted in favour of the Civic Commemoration Committee’s recommendation to name the space Ihtoli-maqahamok - The Gathering Space (ee-doe-lee MAH-qwah-HA-muck).

The name, which comes from the Wolastoqey language, acknowledges the location’s role as an important gathering space. Located just beyond the intersection of King and Water streets, Ihtoli-maqahamok – The Gathering Space is the city’s newest community space as part of the larger waterfront development project.

For many decades the space has been used for community gatherings. More recently, it provides access to some of Saint John’s finest restaurants, local shops, and the Saint John Free Public Library.

The design elements of Ihtoli-magahamok – The Gathering Space are rooted in three foundations of the City: the people, the water, and the rocks. It will be a significant landmark and a place of togetherness. A destination, and a meeting place for locals and visitors to come together.

To familiarize yourself with the definition and pronunciation of Ihtoli-maqahamok, we encourage you to visit the Passamaquoddy-Maliseet language portal:

Definition: https://pmportal.org/taxonomy/term/1637

Pronunciation: https://pmportal.org/dictionary/ihtoli-maqahamok

June 2023 update:

Tidal steps

Work has officially begun on the tidal steps. The area has been prepped with a breakwater and a pump system to manage tidal water and allow for further construction. Base materials have also been added to ensure a stable foundation for the new construction. Work to the tidal steps area is being done between tides and when completed, will see several levels, retaining walls and numerous granite slabs that will form steps, landings, and pathways to the water.

Ice rink

Preparations for the concrete slab that will support the ice rink surface are well underway. Formwork for the perimeter of the rink has been established, insulation and rebar reinforcements have been laid, and refrigerant tubing has been installed, all of which will support the concrete slab and be used to keep the ice, icy!

Stage

In May we saw first signs of the new stage appear and by the end of June we can now see the full structural formation in place and early signs of roofing. Construction on the stage continues to develop and the enclosed areas on either side of the stage have now been framed in. These two areas are designated for accessible washrooms and mechanical and electrical rooms.

All public spaces are still anticipated to be completed by the end of 2023.

May 2023 update:

• First signs of the new stage have appeared, and structural steel supports have been established that will later be used to support the new stage roof.
• Construction of the stage continues to develop with preparations underway for accessible washrooms and mechanical and electrical rooms.
• Three wood forms have been built that will soon be turned into islands that make up part of the winter skating rink and offer year-round seating. The perimeter of the islands will be lit up by LED lights and one of the three island formations will include a sound booth for use during stage shows.
• Preparations have been made to begin work later this month on the tidal steps.
• The existing washroom facilities building has been relocated and is enroute to its final destination, Rockwood Park.
• Planning for the temporary restaurant patios has been ongoing. The patios are anticipated to be open by June 30, in time for the Canada Day holiday weekend.
• New renderings will be unveiled showcasing new and improved patio designs and more.
• All public spaces are still anticipated to be completed by the end of 2023.

Updates from 2022

We asked, you answered
The City and its partners held public consultation sessions throughout 2021. The community’s insightful feedback helped inform the redesign of the Market Slip area and how residents will interact with the new public spaces. The considerations informed by these sessions include:

• Variety and flexibility
• All-season and universal access
• Active transportation
• Open space
• Access to the water
• Comfort and the opportunity to relax in the space
• Sustainability
• Accommodations for large gatherings
• A distinctive look and character

What's Next?

Some of the exciting new features for the space will include:

• Outdoor winter rink
• Four-season, indoor/outdoor restaurant patios
• New stage and entertainment area
• Tidal steps
• Vendor plaza
• Promenades and seating
• Amphitheatre
• Rock Pool (fountains)
• Outdoor library lounge

Throughout 2022, work will continue to prepare the site for the build. Tenders for supplies will continue to be issued and construction is on schedule.

June 2022 update:

• The tender for the construction of the public space was issued on June 7, 2022 and is scheduled to close on July 5, 2022.
• Tender award for the public space construction is scheduled to be awarded in July of 2022 with construction commencing soon thereafter.
• Interim patios are now open! The patios will remain open until after Labour Day weekend, early September 2022.

September 2022 update:

• The tender for the construction of the public space at Market Slip and the extension of Harbour Passage has been awarded.
• Construction is set to begin on the public space at Market Slip and the extension of Harbour Passage the week of September 19,2022.
• The temporary restaurant patios at Market Square are scheduled to be removed by mid-October to make way for the construction of new permanent multi-season patios, which will open in time for next summer’s patio season.

October 2022 update:

• As part of the initial work plan, the temporary restaurant patios at Market Square are scheduled to be removed beginning October 11, to make way for the construction of new permanent multi-season patios, which will open in time for next summer’s patio season.
• The restaurants will remain open for business during the construction period and can easily be accessed through the St. Patrick Street entrance, the entrance across from the Hilton Hotel and through the pedway connections in Brunswick Square.
• Public signage reminding residents and visitors that the restaurants are open for business will be installed.

The public spaces at Market Slip are anticipated to be completed in 2023.