Proposed Parking Solution
Irving Pulp & Paper is proposing to build additional parking infrastructure to support current operations and the recently announced Project NextGen upgrade to Saint John’s Westside pulp mill. The proposed solution involves the development of additional parking adjacent to the mill to accommodate more workers.
*Please note that these images are for illustration purposes only and are subject to change.
Improving Safety
A pedestrian overpass will be installed over Bridge Road to connect the site with Mill Road. This new infrastructure will be available to both employees and members of the public, greatly improving safety when crossing this busy roadway.
Access to the proposed lot would be provided via Lancaster Avenue allowing for improved traffic flow entering and exiting the mill and accommodating future Simms Corner concept designs.
Energy efficient lighting installed in the parking area and across the pedestrian walkway will also enhance safety.
Why this location?
The location at the park was determined to be the best option because of its minimal impact and disruption to traffic, while still allowing for the retention of the portions of the park with the most recreational value.
*Please note that this image is for illustration purposes only and subject to change.
To accommodate the estimated increased need of 500+ parking stalls, three concepts were analyzed:
| Option | Conclusion | |
|---|---|---|
| ❌ | Offsite Parking & Busing | No long-term assets, poor reliability regarding weather, timing and scheduling. |
| ❌ | On Site Parking Garage | Does not align with project schedule requirements. Increased traffic. Requires relocation of current parking. |
| ✅ | Wolastoq Parking Lot | Construction does not impact current timelines or existing parking. Reduced traffic. Allows increased community safety. |
Site History
The site at 211 Lancaster Avenue, now known as Wolastoq Park, has a history that stretches back to the early 19th century.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please view the following frequently asked questions relating to the development of a parking area within the nearby Wolastoq Park.
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Why was this option chosen?
The decision to construct a parking lot in this location was made after carefully weighing all available options. These included building a parking garage on the mill site and off-site parking with shuttle service, both of which were logistically challenging. The location at the park was determined to be the best option due to proximity to the work site and improved traffic flow, while still allowing for the retention of the portion of the park with the most recreational value.
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How many more parking spaces will be required to support Project NextGen?
Currently there are between 700-800 workers at Saint John’s west side pulp mill. During regular mill shutdowns and once Project NextGen begins, it is expected that the number of workers on site will more than double. In addition, a number of parking spaces will be displaced as a result of Project NextGen due to the construction of a new recovery boiler in an area that is currently used for parking. Even with new spaces being created elsewhere on the mill property, it is expected that about 500+ new parking spaces will be required both to support Project NextGen and to accommodate regular maintenance shutdowns at the mill when more workers are required.
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What will happen to the existing parking at the park?
The park currently accommodates 36 parking spaces. After the development of the parking lot, there will still be 36-40 public parking spaces in the park, including ones that are barrier free.
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Can the pedestrian pedway be used by the public?
Yes, the pedway will be open to the public.
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Will the new parking lot be open to the public?
The main parking lot is needed for mill workers and will therefore only be available to them. When practical, the parking lot would be available to the public for community events and programming. There will be approximately 36-40 parking spaces available to park visitors elsewhere in the park.
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Why are you proposing to put the parking lot in this area of the park?
The placement of the new parking lot is such that the most utilized portion of the park will remain intact, preserving the best views of the city and the harbour as well as the park’s flat field, which is used for sporting events by local schools. In addition, the proposed placement of the parking lot will allow access from Lancaster Avenue, which will be safer for cars entering and exiting both the lot and the park while improving traffic flow.
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How much of the park will be used for parking?
78 per cent of the total land (69 per cent of the usable area) will remain park land. The most utilized area of the park will remain. The portion being converted to a parking lot is the area of the site that was formerly the location of the Centracare facility.
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Are there any plans to address the traffic at Simms Corner?
Simms Corner is the responsibility of the City of Saint John and involves municipal and provincial roads. Municipal and provincial officials will determine the timing of projects involving traffic at Simms Corner.
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Who is responsible for approving the parking project?
The project will follow the City of Saint John's approval process.
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What will be done with the parking area once Project NextGen is complete?
Currently, the existing onsite parking cannot accommodate the additional employees needed to carry out regular maintenance shutdowns. Once Project NextGen is complete, the parking area will continue to be needed, especially during times such as regular mill maintenance shutdowns when the number of workers needed on the mill site will be substantially larger than usual.