Moosehead to build new brewery on Saint John waterfront

Moosehead Breweries has settled on Saint John's waterfront for the location of its new small-batch brewery.

Mayor Don Darling confirmed the news with a tweeted a photo of himself, Saint John MP Wayne Long, and Moosehead executives Andrew and Patrick Oland — all of whom are hoisting bottles of Moosehead products on Water Street.

Moosehead first announced it was seeking a new uptown location in June. Company president Andrew Oland told CBC's Information Morning Saint John the plan was to build a 10,000 square foot small-batch brewery. Oland envisioned a space which could not only brew beer, but package it and sell it in both a retail space and tap room.

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On Sunday, the company declined to provide details about the new brewery, but in an email, a spokesperson did say they will provide more details in a news release on Monday.   

Mayor Don Darling said the location for the new brewery will be on Water Street near the foot of Princess Street. That location is currently a parking lot owned by the Port of Saint John.

"The fact that we've got some continued momentum and this investment here on the waterfront, that's what's so exciting," said Darling.

The location will be next to the former Coast Guard site, which has seen waterfront redevelopment plans stalled for years. Darling alluded to past frustrations over the delays, but thinks this investment will lead to the site being developed quicker.

Parking lot to brewery

While the land is owned by the port, Darling said the city would get tax revenue from the new building. How much that will be will ultimately be decided by the port authority.  

In June, Oland teased the new brewery would include a significant tourism experience. The new location is often filled with tourists when cruise ships are at port.

"I think it's going to be good for their business," Darling said.