The city’s planning advisory committee has unanimously approved a rezoning and variance application that would allow construction of a five‑storey Hyatt hotel on Loch Lomond Road, a project proponent says would be the first Hyatt property in Saint John.
What was approved
Members of the planning advisory committee (PAC) voted in favour of changing the zoning of 615–631 Loch Lomond Rd. from mid‑rise residential to business park commercial. The rezoning would permit the development of an extended‑stay Hyatt Studios hotel and associated parking on the site.
The application also included a variance to allow creation of a lot without street frontage to facilitate subdivision of the rear portion of the property; PAC approved that request as well.
Who is behind the project
The development is being proposed by Ontario‑based Lakeview Development Holdings Inc., whose chief financial officer, Umar Mehmood, told the July 21 PAC meeting that Hyatt Hotels approached the company after reviewing its property holdings. Representatives from both Hyatt and Lakeview later visited Saint John and identified the Loch Lomond site as desirable for Hyatt’s extended‑stay brand, Studios.
“They believe the city needs a modern‑day hotel with modern‑day amenities,”
Mehmood also said Hyatt was attracted by the property’s proximity to Saint John Airport and by the city’s attractive vacancy rates.
Conditions, next steps and public input
While PAC approved the rezoning and variance unanimously, it recommended that common council impose a condition requiring the developer to pay $25,000 toward traffic improvement costs. The project still requires final approval from common council; a public hearing is scheduled for the council meeting on Aug. 17.
- Address: 615–631 Loch Lomond Rd.
- Proposed use: Five‑storey Hyatt Studios extended‑stay hotel
- Developer: Lakeview Development Holdings Inc. (Ontario)
- Council hearing: Aug. 17
Local context and potential impacts
If approved by council, the project would introduce the first Hyatt‑branded hotel to Saint John. Proponents argue the location near the airport makes it attractive for extended‑stay guests and business travellers, and that modern self‑serve and in‑room amenities associated with the Hyatt Studios brand would fill a local market need.
City planners’ recommendation to seek a $25,000 contribution for traffic improvements highlights one near‑term municipal concern: how the development will affect local roads and vehicle flow around Loch Lomond Road and the airport corridor. No construction timeline was disclosed at the PAC meeting, leaving the schedule for any traffic or infrastructure upgrades uncertain.
About the brand and developer
Hyatt Hotels is a U.S.‑based hospitality company that owns, manages and franchises properties in more than 80 countries. The Hyatt Studios brand offers an extended‑stay model that emphasises self‑serve amenities and in‑room features to deliver the company’s signature guest experience.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Zoning change | Mid‑rise residential → Business park commercial |
| Variance | Allow lot without street frontage for subdivision |
| PAC decision | Unanimous approval; recommended $25,000 traffic contribution |
The PAC decision marks a key planning milestone, but the project’s future hinges on common council’s review and the outcome of the public hearing in August. Neighbours and other stakeholders will have the opportunity to present their views to council before any final rezoning is enacted.
For Saint John residents, the proposal raises familiar questions about balancing economic development and municipal infrastructure needs. The arrival of a major international brand would broaden local accommodation options and may support airport‑adjacent commerce, while also adding pressure to nearby roads and services that city councillors must weigh at the upcoming hearing.
