Liberal MLA applauds Irving Oil decision to halt project

An outspoken Saint John Liberal MLA is applauding the decision by Irving-owned Fort Reliance to abandon its plans to build a new $30-million headquarters along the city's waterfront.

The company announced on Tuesday that poor world economic conditions forced it to scuttle the project at Long Wharf.

The decision was met with disappointment by most city politicians and business leaders, although it was embraced by Saint John MLA Abel LeBlanc.

LeBlanc opposed the project from the beginning.

"So I think it's a great thing for the city of Saint John that that wharf is back intact," LeBlanc said.

Irving Oil signed a memorandum of understanding with the Saint John Port Authority in June 2008 on a deal to construct a $30-million building in the Long Wharf area along the shore.

Planning for the headquarters had been going on for months. Changes to city zoning requirements to make room for thebuilding and surrounding green space were finalized in October.

LeBlanc opposed the three-way land swap that was necessary to make the project possible.

He argued allowingIrvingto leaseLong Wharf would limit the city's ability to increase its port business.

And LeBlanc didn't stop at welcoming the news. He also said all board members with the Saint John Port Authority who negotiated the deal should be fired.

Energy minister disappointed

LeBlanc's enthusiasm for the project's demise was not embraced by Energy Minister Jack Keir, who is also a Saint John-area Liberal MLA.

"I'm disappointed. Our government, certainly I, was very much in favour of that project," Keir said on Tuesday.

"I thought it was a great opportunity for the city of Saint John and the whole province."

Progressive Conservative Leader David Alward has occasionally welcomed LeBlanc's willingness to break ranks with his party, but he said the MLA shouldn't be celebrating the cancellation.

"He goes against the tide for most people on most things. This certainly is not a good day," Alward said.