Saint John's landmark Falls Restaurant to be demolished

The City of Saint John is planning to demolish the old Falls Restaurant, a landmark building thatoverlooks the rapids on the city's west side.

Council quietly approved the move last week week, allocating $90,000 for the removal of the former restaurant and tourist centre, which closed late last year.

Ward 1Coun.BillFarrensaid he is unhappy with the decision to remove the building.

"I don't agree with it one little bit," he said.

"It's a building that's been there for a lot of years. People from all over the world go see the Reversing Falls. I think that building's worth bringing back up to snuff."

The municipally-ownedbuilding, which has fallen into disrepair in recent years,requires between $700,000 and $800,000 in upgrades, including plumbing, heating and air conditioning, and structural work, city managers told council on March 16.

Farrensays council'svote happenedso quickly, he actually missed it, failing to register his opposition.

"I'm very disappointed with myself," he said.

Councilhas asked city managers to fast track the demolition, but no date has been set.

Mary-Ellen Mallette, a local resident,says she will be sorry to see the building that her father-in-law helped construct in the early-1950sbe taken down.

She recalls it as being a place to celebrate special occasions.

"It was good food, great service. The girls got to know us after a while," saidMallette.

"Wedding anniversaries, graduations, special birthdaysthey were there. So yes, we will miss it."

The restaurant and tourist information centre was built on top of a foundation that anchored an earlier bridge on the sharp rock face at the Reversing Falls. The building was subsequently expanded and remodelled.