A new green space along the Saint John River has been created, thanks to ACAP Saint John.
Spar Cove at the end of Main Street used to be a “dump” filled with rubble and trash, but has been beautified with trees, plants and benches.
Graeme Stewart-Robertson with ACAP says the restoration of Spar Cove will improve biodiversity and increase flood resilience.
“We’re supporting a high, density urban area, but we’re doing it through a green space that’s welcoming and inclusive and will actually revitalize the habitat for wildlife in the area, like fish, birds, and large mammals like humans,” he said.
He says the project is a pilot site for what resilient and adaptive landscapes in Saint John might look like.
Got out of the office for a bit today to check out the new and beautified Spar Cove in the North end. @ACAPSaintJohn has revitalized the space as part of their climate adaptation initiatives. pic.twitter.com/DevqZZ5G9F
— Danielle McCreadie💙💜💖 (@danimccreadie) August 28, 2019
Stewart-Robertson says they had help completing the project from TD Bank and Insurance, who provided funds as well as an arsenal of volunteers.
“We’re trying to engage the community so that Saint Johners feel like this space belongs to them, and they feel safe and accommodated there, and it becomes inclusive and vibrant by extension,” he said.
Stewart-Robertson says their bringing attention to a flood-prone area in order to educate and protect.
“An area that floods during the spring, especially the last two historical floods, can be full of native vegetation that helps those waters become cleaner and generally beautifying an area of the city,” he said.
Spar Cove will also have flood-proof benches, to help protect the infrastructure ahead of next spring’s freshet.
Stewart-Robertson also boasts Spar Cove is one of the best spots in the city to watch the sunset.
