The City of Saint John is fighting back against claims that it unfairly approved the Spruce Lake Industrial Park expansion. City representatives and Lorneville residents faced off in the Court of King’s Bench on Wednesday. The two day judicial review will determine the fate of the controversial 2025 zoning decision.

Lorneville residents want the court to overturn the expansion. They argue the previous city council made the decision with a closed mind. The city disagrees. City lawyer Jonathan O’Kane told Justice Kathryn Gregory that the process represented consultative democracy in progress.

City Points to Extensive Public Consultation

O’Kane argued the city went above and beyond to consult the public. The city created a special task force that met with the Lorneville community seven times. These meetings resulted in real changes to the expansion plan. For example, the city banned asphalt and cement plants from the new industrial zone based on resident feedback.

The city also held a massive public hearing in June 2025. Over 70 people spoke to the council across four separate meetings. O’Kane stated this proves the council listened to the community and adjusted the proposal to account for their concerns.

Residents Claim Council Had a Closed Mind

Residents Adam Wilkins, Shayne Galbraith, and Chris Watson represented their community in court. They pointed to public statements from Mayor Donna Reardon and former councillors to prove the city had a predetermined agenda. They highlighted the mayor’s comments about needing pad ready land to attract businesses.

The city rejected these claims. O’Kane noted the mayor only votes to break ties, and the council passed the zoning changes unanimously. He argued that elected officials must balance competing interests and accomplish public policy goals. Maintaining an open mind does not mean a council must be willing to completely scrap a proposal.

The Ballot Box Over The Courts

The city’s legal brief states that unhappy citizens should find their recourse at the ballot box rather than in the courts. This is exactly what happened in the recent May municipal election. Voters elected a largely new city council. Lorneville resident Sherri Colwell McCavour, a vocal opponent of the industrial expansion, won the council seat for Ward 1.

Justice Gregory reserved her decision on the matter. You will have to wait to see if the court upholds the city’s zoning changes or forces the new council to reconsider the expansion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Spruce Lake Industrial Park conflict about?

Lorneville residents are asking the court to overturn a 2025 city council decision that expanded the Spruce Lake Industrial Park near their homes. They claim the council did not act fairly.

How did the City of Saint John respond to the residents?

The city argues it conducted extensive public consultations. The council formed a task force, held seven community meetings, and amended the expansion plan to remove heavy industrial uses like cement plants.

What happens next in the judicial review?

Justice Kathryn Gregory reserved her decision after the two day hearing. The court will announce its ruling at a later date.