A tie vote was broken by Mayor Don Darling on Monday to allow for the relocation of Saint John City Hall, at the same location.
The new 15 year lease will see the city occupy the ground floor, at the former Bank of Montreal, at 15 Market Square as well as the first three floors.
This will save the city $9 million in operating costs over the term of the lease.
Councillor Donna Reardon was one of five councillors who said it was high time Saint John had a city hall in its own building.
Councillor David Merrithew said the savings alone made it worthwhile because in his words the city’s history of owning its own buildings has been horrid.
The new location is expected to be open by January 2019.
