News Release

SAINT JOHN (GNB) – The provincial and federal governments are investing in the construction of a barge terminal facility in Saint John’s Spruce Lake Industrial Park.

“Job creation is our number one priority in New Brunswick,” said Premier Brian Gallant. “Investing in this facility in Lorneville will allow New Brunswick fabricating companies to bid on large construction projects throughout Atlantic Canada and the eastern United States. This will help spur economic growth and create well-paying jobs in the fabrication industry."

Project components include the construction of an access road, a concrete laydown area and a wharf bulkhead.

“Our government recognizes that the ability to transport modular units by water is critical for fabricators in New Brunswick,” said Saint John MP Rodney Weston. “The Spruce Lake barge facility project, once built, will spark greater economic growth by providing the industrial fabrication sector a transportation means to take on large-scale projects.”

Weston attended for federal Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) Rob Moore.

The provincial government is investing $3 million through the Strategic Infrastructure Initiative in the project while the federal government, through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund, is also contributing $3 million.

“Saint John Industrial Parks Ltd. is thrilled to partner in this infrastructure investment,” said Lois Vincent, president of the board of directors of Saint John Industrial Parks Ltd.  “The barge terminal will be a competitive asset for our existing advanced manufacturing sector tenants, and will attract new tenants to our parks, as they pursue significant contracts, creating real wealth in our community and allowing SJIP to continue to meet its mandate; to grow the city’s tax base and support the retention and creation of New Brunswick jobs.”

The barge terminal facility will enable oversized manufactured pieces, which are too large to be taken to their destination by road or rail, to be transported by waterways. This creates significant new business opportunities for fabricators; providing access to mega projects in Atlantic Canada and along the US eastern seaboard.

Saint John Industrial Parks Ltd. has been developing and managing industrial parks since 1991. They currently operate three industrial parks: McAllister, Spruce Lake, and Grandview. Their clients span all sizes and sectors, including manufacturing, transportation, distribution, machining, moving and storage, energy, and environmental services. Spruce Lake Industrial Park is home to 35 companies employing more than 500 people.