Introduction: A View Under Threat
In the heart of Saint John, a tall, slab-like building has risen, altering the iconic panorama of Saint John Harbour. For residents who have long considered the waterfront part of their daily life, questions about visibility, access to the water, and the character of the harbour are now front and center. One longtime resident, Dorothy Shephard, who has watched the harbour from St. James Street West for nearly 46 years, illustrates the emotional connection many local people feel with the water. Her memories—like the midnight ship sounds on New Year’s Eve—are tied to a waterfront that many fear could be hidden behind new silhouettes on the skyline.
What the Community Values in a Harbour View
Harbourside views are more than aesthetics—they’re a thread that connects residents to their city’s history, economy, and daily rhythm. For decades, Saint John’s harbour has been a place for reflection, commerce, and community gathering. When a substantial building interrupts that view, it triggers a broader conversation about what kind of city Saint John wants to be: a place that welcomes bold development while preserving the intimate, lived experience of its waterfront.
Heritage and Identity
Saint John’s harbour is part of the city’s identity. Historic ships, working waterfronts, and the interplay of light on the water have drawn residents and visitors for generations. Community voices often emphasize the need to protect sightlines that connect the present to the past, ensuring that new structures don’t erode the city’s sense of place. The question isn’t simply about aesthetics; it’s about maintaining a link to history that residents like Dorothy value deeply.
The Case for Height and Economic Vitality
Developers argue that taller buildings can spur economic vitality, create housing opportunities, and attract investment. In Saint John, as in many growing cities, there’s pressure to optimize waterfront sites for mixed-use development, including residential units, offices, and public spaces. Proponents say well-planned high-rises can offer modern amenities without sacrificing the harbour’s beauty, if guided by smart design guidelines and careful siting that respects viewsheds, daylight, and public access to the water.
Balancing Growth with View Corridors
The central challenge is balancing growth with the preservation of view corridors. Urban planners often rely on zoning rules, setback requirements, and height limits to maintain sightlines to the harbour. In Saint John, preserving a clear view from established vantage points—like St. James Street West—may require innovative design strategies, such as stepped towers, podiums, or orientation that minimizes obstructed perspectives.
Community Voices and Policy Considerations
Residents who cherish the harbour’s horizon urge policymakers to foreground community impact in development approvals. Public discussions and hearings can help ensure that the voices of long-time residents are heard alongside the ambitions of developers. Measures such as mandatory view studies, independent design reviews, and accessible public spaces along the waterfront can help strike a middle ground.
What Can Be Done Now
While the concrete decisions lie with planning authorities and developers, residents can push for transparency in how view corridors are defined and protected. Advocating for:
- Clear, published view impact assessments for proposed projects;
- Inclusive public consultations that reach long-time harbour communities;
- Adaptive design solutions that preserve sightlines while accommodating housing and job creation.
Look to the Future: A City that Grows with Its Harbour
Saint John’s harbour remains a powerful symbol of the city’s past and future. The challenge is not to halt development, but to guide it so that the harbour remains visible, accessible, and meaningful for residents who have cherished it for decades. Dorothy’s memory of midnight ship noises and the steady rhythm of the water shows how a harbour can be more than scenery—it can be a living part of daily life. With thoughtful planning, civic engagement, and design that honors sightlines, Saint John can pursue growth while keeping the harbour’s horizon intact.
Conclusion: A Call for Thoughtful Design
The question of whether a big, slab-like building must diminish Saint John Harbour’s views is not a simple yes or no. It’s a call for thoughtful design, robust public input, and policies that respect both economic progress and the city’s cherished waterfront identity. For Dorothy and countless others, the aim is a future where the harbour remains visible, vibrant, and a constant source of reassurance and connection to home.
