Daily Archives: September 25, 2023

Climate

Saint John sugar refinery site getting second life

The City of Saint John is set to revitalize the former Lantic Sugar site as part of an extension of Harbour Passage, which comes with a price tag of $10.4 million.The former sugar refinery is deemed not suitable for residential or commercial development and requires mitigation efforts before the public can access the area due to sea level rise and storm surge.About three hectares of the site will need to be raised to avoid storm surges in future weather events.Ian Fogan, the City of Saint John’s commissioner of utilities and infrastructure, said the project is multi-purpose, but adds the site has been a challenge to develop.

“It is a contaminated site,” he said.

The old sugar refinery sits on the edge of the Saint John waterfront and needs to be raised considerably due to the rise of sea levels.
The old sugar refinery sits on the edge of the Saint John waterfront and needs to be raised considerably due to the rise of sea levels. Provincial Archives of NB P210-322

Fogan explained some remediation has been done, but it wouldn’t be suitable for anything but a green space. Approximately $6.2 million will be paid for by the city. The remaining $4.2 million is intended to come from the federal Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund.

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“(There are) two pieces. One is to raise the site above sea vulnerability level and in doing so you’re also sealing over the contaminants that are in the site,” he said in an interview Tuesday. “But raising it and by capping it, you’re now creating a space that is safe for people to go on.”

The old sugar refinery was a large industrial building abutting the ocean. Old photos from the provincial archives show a sea wall being built and replaced. It began operation in 1915 and was demolished in 2004.

The project will have a stormwater sewer component to help the municipality improve its ability to drain large quantities of rain and stormwater.

 

 

History

In Canada This Day in History – September 25

In Canada This Day in History – September 25th: Historic Headline

📅 September 25, 1907 – The Trial of Big Bear Concludes in Saskatchewan

On this day in 1907, one of the most significant trials in Canadian history came to an end as Chief Poundmaker, also known as Pitikwahanapiwiyin, was released from prison after serving time for his role in the Northwest Rebellion of 1885.

Poundmaker, a prominent Cree leader, had played a pivotal role in the events leading up to the Northwest Rebellion, a conflict between the Canadian government and the Métis and Indigenous peoples of the prairies. During the rebellion, Poundmaker had advocated for a peaceful resolution to the grievances of Indigenous communities, but the situation escalated into armed conflict.

Following the rebellion’s suppression, Poundmaker was arrested and put on trial. He was convicted of treason and sentenced to three years in prison. His conviction, seen by many as unjust, became a symbol of the mistreatment of Indigenous peoples by the Canadian government.

Poundmaker’s release on this day marked a turning point in Canadian history. It highlighted the need for reconciliation and a more equitable relationship between Indigenous communities and the Canadian government. In recent years, efforts have been made to acknowledge the injustices of the past and to work towards reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, making this historic event a reminder of the ongoing journey towards healing and understanding in Canada.

As we reflect on this day in history, let us remember the importance of acknowledging and addressing the past while working together to build a more inclusive and just future for all Canadians.