Saint John council delays decision on sale of property to Irving

Saint John municipal council has decided to take the summer to learn more about Irving Oil Ltd.'s plan to build its world headquarters on the city's waterfront before making a decision about selling a piece of property to the company.

City manager Terry Totten recommended Monday night that council allow the sale of the former Lantic Sugar refinery to the company.

Council decided, however, that it wanted more information before following the recommendation.

The memorandum of understanding signed between Irving Oil and the Saint John Port Authority for a $10-million deal, which would see the company lease Long Wharf and buy a piece of property for the construction of a $30-million building, is contingent on the sale of the former Lantic Sugar site.

If the city agrees to sell the property to Irving, the company would then transfer ownership to the port authority so that the berth in the area would still be able to accommodate cruise ships.

"This is one of those once-in-a-lifetime projects," said Coun. Gary Sullivan. "I want to feel comfortable that I am making the best decision I can make."

Council said it will seek more information about the proposed deal and re-examine the recommendation on Aug. 18.

Irving had hoped to begin construction at the site by the fall.