The City of Saint John is moving forward with plans to connect the waterfront to one of the city’s largest green spaces. A new proposal outlines an extension of the popular Harbour Passage trail, bridging the gap between the intersection of Broad and Carmarthen Streets and the entrance to Rockwood Park.

This project aims to create a safe, accessible, and continuous link within the City’s Active Transportation Network. If you walk, run, cycle, or roll through the city, this extension promises to match the comfort and convenience of the existing trail system.

Connecting the Waterfront to the Park

The proposed extension focuses on safety and accessibility for people of all ages and abilities. According to the Shape Your City Saint John project page, the design includes upgraded pathways, additional pedestrian lighting, and new rest plazas with refreshed landscaping.

The goal is to transform the route into a welcoming public space rather than just a thoroughfare. The project team, which includes representatives from the City, Englobe Corp., and UPLAND Planning & Design Studio, is currently working on conceptual designs.

Changes to Local Streets

To make room for the trail and ensure user safety, the project will require changes to existing roadway cross-sections. The areas under review include:

• Broad Street
• Crown Street
• Mount Pleasant Avenue

Preliminary discussions indicate potential changes such as removing lanes on Crown Street and separating sidewalks from the road to create a dedicated buffer for trail users. These adjustments aim to balance vehicle traffic with the need for high-quality active transportation infrastructure.

How You Can Participate

Community feedback plays a vital role in shaping the final concept. The City has launched a survey to gather input on the proposed designs. You can view the conceptual drawings, renders, and consultation boards directly on the project webpage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where will the new extension start and end?

The extension runs from the intersection of Broad Street and Carmarthen Street directly to the entrance of Rockwood Park.

Will the new trail be accessible?

Yes. The project prioritizes upgraded pathways accessible for people of all ages and abilities, matching the standards of the current Harbour Passage trail.

How will this affect traffic on Crown Street?

The design team is reviewing roadway cross-sections. Proposed changes include the potential removal of lanes on Crown Street to accommodate separated sidewalks and safe active transportation lanes.