Everything You Need to Know About Saint John Harbour

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Dramatic view of a coastal lighthouse standing strong against the horizon.
Credit: pexels.com, Dramatic view of a coastal lighthouse standing strong against the horizon.

Saint John Harbour is a bustling waterfront area in the heart of Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. The harbour is a major shipping and trade hub, with cargo ships and tankers docking regularly.

Located on the north shore of the Bay of Fundy, Saint John Harbour is one of the busiest and most important harbours in the Maritimes. It's home to a diverse range of businesses, including fishing and shipping companies, as well as restaurants and shops.

The harbour is also a popular tourist destination, with stunning views of the surrounding cityscape and the Bay of Fundy. Visitors can take a harbour tour or stroll along the waterfront, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling harbour.

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Navigation and Facilities

Saint John Harbour has two large bridges crossing The Narrows: the Saint John Harbour Bridge and the Reversing Falls Bridge, which opened in 1970.

The harbour is a major transportation hub, with several marine facilities situated on either side of the harbour. The west side includes the Lower West Terminal, the American Iron and Metals Terminal, an inter-provincial ferry terminal, and the Rodney Container Terminal.

A scenic view of a lighthouse perched on a cliff in Thera, Greece, overlooking the azure sea.
Credit: pexels.com, A scenic view of a lighthouse perched on a cliff in Thera, Greece, overlooking the azure sea.

Here's a breakdown of the facilities on the east side of the harbour:

  • HMCS Brunswicker, a Royal Canadian Navy reserve unit
  • Canadian Coast Guard Station Saint John, a search and rescue station operating the lifeboat CCGS Courtney Bay
  • Long Wharf Terminal, for dry bulk, break bulk and project cargo
  • Pugsley Terminal, for dry bulk, break bulk and project cargo
  • M Marco Polo Cruise Terminal
  • Diamond Jubilee Cruise Terminal
  • Lower Cove Terminal, for dry bulk, break bulk and project cargo
  • Barrack Point Potash Terminal
  • Irving Oil Refinery Terminal, operated by Irving Oil
  • Canaport crude oil receiving terminal, handling supertankers for Irving Oil at Mispec Point, located 9 kilometres southeast of the city
  • Canaport LNG liquified natural gas receiving terminal, located adjacent to the Canaport crude oil terminal

Navigation

Navigation in Saint John, New Brunswick is a breeze thanks to its strategic location. The city's geography is a key factor in its navigability.

The Narrows, a narrow channel connecting the Bay of Fundy to the Northumberland Strait, is a major waterway that requires careful navigation. Two large bridges, the Saint John Harbour Bridge and the Reversing Falls Bridge, span this channel.

The Reversing Falls Bridge, which opened in 1970, is a notable landmark in the area. The Saint John Harbour Bridge is another crucial crossing point.

Here are the two bridges that cross The Narrows:

  • the Saint John Harbour Bridge
  • the Reversing Falls Bridge, opening in 1970

Port Facilities

The port facilities in Saint John are quite impressive, with a variety of terminals and facilities on both the west and east sides of the harbour. The west side of the harbour is home to several key facilities, including the Lower West Terminal, which handles dry bulk and liquid bulk.

Lighthouse and Battery Neighbourhood of St Johns City on Signal Hill in Winter
Credit: pexels.com, Lighthouse and Battery Neighbourhood of St Johns City on Signal Hill in Winter

The American Iron and Metals Terminal is also located on the west side, and it's dedicated to dry bulk. If you're planning to travel to Digby, Nova Scotia, you can catch the inter-provincial ferry from the Bay Ferries terminal on the west side. The Rodney Container Terminal and the Navy Island Terminal are also located on the west side, and they handle container, dry bulk, break bulk, and project cargo.

In contrast, the east side of the harbour has a mix of military, industrial, and recreational facilities. HMCS Brunswicker, a Royal Canadian Navy reserve unit, is located on the east side, along with the Canadian Coast Guard Station Saint John. This station operates the lifeboat CCGS Courtney Bay, which is a vital part of the search and rescue efforts in the area.

The east side is also home to several terminals, including the Long Wharf Terminal, the Pugsley Terminal, the Marco Polo Cruise Terminal, and the Diamond Jubilee Cruise Terminal. These terminals handle dry bulk, break bulk, and project cargo, and they're an important part of the port's operations. The Irving Oil Refinery Terminal and the Canaport crude oil receiving terminal are also located on the east side, and they handle supertankers for Irving Oil at Mispec Point.

The port facilities in Saint John are a key part of the city's economy and infrastructure. Here are some of the key terminals and facilities on both sides of the harbour:

  • West Side: Lower West Terminal, American Iron and Metals Terminal, Bay Ferries terminal, Rodney Container Terminal, Navy Island Terminal
  • East Side: HMCS Brunswicker, Canadian Coast Guard Station Saint John, Long Wharf Terminal, Pugsley Terminal, Marco Polo Cruise Terminal, Diamond Jubilee Cruise Terminal, Irving Oil Refinery Terminal, Canaport crude oil receiving terminal

Leg of Passage Opens to Public

Aerial View of the St. Johns Fort and the Harbor in Dubrovnik, Croatia
Credit: pexels.com, Aerial View of the St. Johns Fort and the Harbor in Dubrovnik, Croatia

A new strip of Saint John's Harbour Passage has finally opened to the public, and it's a game-changer for walkers and cyclists.

The extension heads in the other direction through the area being developed as Fundy Quay. This new section is part of the plan to keep the waterfront open for public use.

The area of the extension, a former coast guard site, has been closed to the public for about three years. People were on the trail and taking in the waterfront views mere minutes after it opened.

The ribbon-cutting was attended by the mayor, city councillors, and city staff, along with representatives of the Fundy Harbour Group. They're behind a private development project on the same site, which is currently under construction.

Couple Les and Wendy Duggan, residents of the city's uptown for six years, were among the first to take advantage of the new passage. They were surprised to see it finally open to the public while out for a walk on the Harbour Passage.

Pollution and Cleanup

Modern vessels floating in harbor of St John s city near aged churches and residential buildings in evening
Credit: pexels.com, Modern vessels floating in harbor of St John s city near aged churches and residential buildings in evening

The Saint John Harbour has a long history of pollution, with raw sewage being discharged into its waterways on a daily basis since the mid-1800s. The harbour received 16 million litres of untreated sewage every day.

This practice had formed open sewers that ran through the city centre, making it a unique problem in Canada. The outfalls were often visible and posed a significant health risk to humans.

The harbour's water quality was so poor that it was not safe for human contact, with high levels of fecal coliform bacteria present. Canadian guidelines suggest that waters with counts of greater than 200 fecal coliform bacteria per 100 ml sample are unsafe for human contact.

A University of New Brunswick study found that the raw sewage contaminated fish in the waterways, making handling a human health risk. This was a serious concern for people who fished or swam in the harbour.

Credit: youtube.com, Saint John Harbour Pollution.mp4

In 2008, the municipal, provincial, and federal governments partnered to fund a $99 million initiative to clean up the harbour. The project was completed in 2014 and involved building a third wastewater treatment plant and redirecting existing outfalls to it.

As a result of the cleanup project, the harbour's water quality has improved significantly. Post-cleanup sampling revealed decreases in fecal bacteria counts ranging from 95 to 99% compared to the previous year.

However, as of 2014, the bacteria levels still remained above the federal recreational water safety guidelines of 200 counts/100 ml at all sites tested.

History and Content

Saint John Harbour has a rich history dating back to the 18th century. The harbour was a key location for the city's growth and development, with the first ship arriving in 1785.

The harbour's strategic location made it an ideal spot for trade and commerce. Saint John Harbour was a major hub for the lumber industry, with many ships transporting timber to other parts of the world.

Today, the harbour is still an important part of the city's economy, with many businesses and industries operating within its boundaries.

Contents

New Testament Bible Open on Gospel of Saint John
Credit: pexels.com, New Testament Bible Open on Gospel of Saint John

The harbour is a fascinating topic, and to get a better understanding of its different aspects, let's take a look at the contents of the harbour description. The harbour includes various geographic areas such as Anthonys Cove, Hazen Creek, Courtenay Bay, Round Reef, and Saint John River.

There are two large bridges crossing The Narrows, which is an interesting feature of the harbour. The harbour's description provides a comprehensive overview of its different areas.

The harbour's contents can be broken down into several key areas, including harbour description, navigation, port facilities, and pollution and harbour cleanup.

History

The history of content creation is a long and fascinating one. The earliest forms of content date back to ancient civilizations, where oral traditions and storytelling were used to pass down knowledge and cultural values.

The ancient Egyptians, for example, used papyrus to create written texts that told stories and conveyed information. These early written texts were often illustrated with intricate hieroglyphics.

Aerial view of Saint John the Theologian Church by Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia, on a clear day.
Credit: pexels.com, Aerial view of Saint John the Theologian Church by Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia, on a clear day.

The ancient Greeks made significant contributions to the development of written content, with the invention of the alphabet allowing for the widespread dissemination of knowledge. The works of Homer, such as the Iliad and the Odyssey, remain some of the most enduring examples of ancient Greek literature.

The printing press, invented by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century, revolutionized the production and dissemination of written content. This allowed for mass production of books and other written materials, making knowledge more accessible to the general public.

The rise of digital technology in the 20th century further transformed the way content is created and consumed. The internet and social media have enabled people to access and share content with unprecedented ease and speed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is so special about Saint John?

Saint John is special due to its unique location on the Bay of Fundy, where the world's highest tides create a breathtaking phenomenon. The Reversing Falls Rapids, a result of these massive tides, is a must-see natural wonder.

Is Saint John New Brunswick worth visiting?

Yes, Saint John is a charming destination worth visiting, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Its historic uptown streets, cultural attractions, and natural wonders make it a fascinating place to explore.

Elmer Kassulke

Lead Assigning Editor

Here is a 100-word author bio for Elmer Kassulke: Elmer Kassulke is an accomplished Assigning Editor with a keen interest in storytelling. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for research, Elmer has covered a wide range of topics, from the Port of Bristol to the works of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Their expertise spans various categories, including geography, history, culture, and transportation, making them a versatile and reliable voice in the world of journalism.

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