Big changes are being proposed for Port Saint John as part of a master planning process.

CEO Craig Bell Estabrooks discussed the plan during a Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce event on Tuesday.

Bell Estabrooks said there are eight different pillars that the port is looking to complete over the coming years.

That includes a cold storage facility that is still in the early development phase.

“At this stage, we’re hopeful if we can get a deal in 2024, that would be the optimal timeframe,” Bell Estabrooks told reporters.

Once the deal is finalized, the facility will be located on the west side close to the container terminal.

Another project included in the master plan involves beautifying the land surrounding the port.

Bell Estabrooks said that could involve projects on city-owned and port-operated land.

“A lot of port cities in Europe and in Canada and in the United States, particularly thriving, have this look and feel to them. It just has a vibrancy and there’s so much effort put to sightlines,” he said.

Port Saint John is working with Acre Architects to come up with a 10-to-15-year project list.