The design engineering contract for the $205 million West Side Modernization Project has been awarded to the joint venture firm Hatch Dillon.
The seven-year project is expected to be completed by 2024 and create 1100 direct and indirect jobs.
Dillon Consulting is based in Toronto, but the firm in Saint John has been around since 2005.
Project Manager Geoff Allaby says this will allow them to build a local team that will be able to pursue work right across Canada.
He says it’ll be nice to take part in this magnitude of a project without having to jump on a plane.
Allaby is a second generation New Brunswicker who has had to leave for work and says it’ll be nice to take part in this magnitude of a project without having to jump on a plane.
Port Saint John President and CEO Jim Quinn says the terminal upgrade is needed to accommodate larger vessels and to have the capability of serving modern fleets.
Quinn warns without the upgrades, Saint John would become a smaller niche port that would be left behind.
Engineering and Design Team Lead Lorne Flowers says the partnership will combine Dillon Consulting’s local presence and experience with Hatch’s world-renowned expertise.
Construction should start within the next year.
The project will be funded by Port Saint John, the province, and the federal government.
(photo from Port Saint John)
