The Official Moncton, NB Project Thread

[kirjtc2]

Just announced on the Tom Young show....the casino's going to Magnetic Hill.

[gehrhardt]

Yep, I heard that rumour around work this afternoon too. Not everything "Tommy Tongue" says is true, but the people I heard it from heard it on the CBC.

It may not be downtown, but at least it's in Moncton, if the rumours are true.

Nothing like 3rd hand gossip, huh?

[ErickMontreal]

Government announces preferred proponent in destination casino project (08/05/08)

NB 683

May 8, 2008

FREDERICTON (CNB) - The province announced today that as a result of the request for proposals (RFP) issued on Nov. 8, 2007, a preferred proponent has been selected to construct, equip and operate a destination casino in New Brunswick.

The preferred proponent, Sonco Gaming New Brunswick Ltd., proposes to design, build and own a destination casino in the Moncton region, which will create 400 full-time equivalent jobs and cost about $90 million. There will be 770 full-time job equivalents created during construction.

The entire project will be funded by the private sector, and there will be no government funds involved in the design, construction, equipping or operation of the facility.

Four proposals were submitted in response to the RFP. Evaluation of the proposals was carried out by five evaluation teams, comprised of process and financial consultants from KPMG LLP, industry experts HLT Advisory Inc., and select government officials.

KPMG LLP is also acting as the fairness monitor throughout the entire process.

The preferred proponent was selected through a rigorous evaluation process. Evaluations considered completeness of the bids, the proponent's experience and technical expertise, its financial capacity, the business case presented in its submission, and the merits of the economic benefits generated by the casino complex, including the ancillary facilities.

The selection of the preferred proponent was presented to government, and the identity of the preferred proponent was not known by government until after the recommendation was approved.

"We are very pleased that four proposals were received, and with the quality of the preferred proponent's proposal," said Finance Minister Victor Boudreau. "The preferred proponent has put forth an exciting project which will be a great attraction for the Moncton region and for New Brunswick as a whole. We also look forward to the economic benefits that this will bring to the province, which will continue to make our province the place to be in offering both tourists and residents of New Brunswick a range of diverse activities and attractions to enjoy."

The proponent's team members are Sonco Gaming New Brunswick Ltd., Navegante Group Inc., Clairvest Group Inc., and 2050631 Ontario Inc.

Sonco is a Maritime-based real estate and casino development company; Clairvest is a publicly traded merchant bank/private equity investment fund with holdings in a number of casino facilities; Navegante Group is a U.S.-based casino operator with a great deal of experience in its field; and 2050631 is an Ontario company comprised of investment companies and shareholders.

The project will include a resort hotel with 128 rooms, as well as a multi-purpose entertainment/conference and convention centre facility with theatre seating for 1,500 and a banquet-style capacity for 1,400. The facility is expected to open no later than Dec. 31, 2010.

In the weeks ahead, the provincial government will finalize a service provider agreement with the proponent. Additional details of the proposal will be made public upon signing of the agreement. Protocols established under the RFP require all proponents to respect the confidentiality provisions of the RFP until an agreement is finalized. All proponents, therefore, have been asked not to discuss any of the details of their proposals.

The RFP for a destination casino, and the ancillary services attached to it, was released as part of a responsible gaming policy announced by the province on Nov. 8, 2007.

Four pillars of the policy are video lottery terminal (VLT) reform; enhancement of responsible gaming initiatives; strengthening charitable gaming policies; and the RFP for a destination casino to help boost tourism and offer new entertainment choices for New Brunswickers.

VLT sites in the province will be cut by more than 50 per cent, from 625 to 300, while the number of machines will be cut by nearly 25 per cent, from 2,650 to 2,000. The transformation of the VLT program will begin in October 2008 when the removal of VLTs from dining establishments will begin. The reform of the VLT program is expected to be complete by April 2010.

Funding for responsible gaming initiatives and research programs was doubled to $1.5 million annually.

Charitable gaming programs are being enhanced, including allowing Texas Hold 'Em tournaments by charities, after rules and regulations were developed.

Lastly, the RFP was issued for the construction, equipping and operation of a destination casino by a private third party.

08/05/08

MEDIA CONTACT: Marc Belliveau, communications, Finance, 506-453-4138.

08/05/08

[ErickMontreal]

Casino/convention center outside Downtown core.... really outrageous...

Another suburban project : shame.

I leave the boat... enough is enough.

[JasonL-Moncton]

If they do put it at Magnetic hill maybe it will be like this:

www.foxwoods.com

and that will leave more room downtown to build a 'metro center' type facility.

Is it confirmed that it's out there? When is it supposed to be completed by?

[Wishblade]

If they do put it at Magnetic hill maybe it will be like this:

www.foxwoods.com

and that will leave more room downtown to build a 'metro center' type facility.

Is it confirmed that it's out there? When is it supposed to be completed by?


Haha, like Foxwoods. Keep dreaming! :haha:

[JasonL-Moncton]

Navegante Group:

http://grandsierraresort.com/entertainment/

http://www.plazahotelcasino.com/

http://casinoniagara.com/

http://www.casinofandango.com/

[JasonL-Moncton]

Haha, like Foxwoods. Keep dreaming! :haha:

Why not...on a smaller scale...?

[ErickMontreal]

Why not...on a smaller scale...?

A 128-room hotel will provide a small suburban 5-story building....

Wow... a casino in a potato field...

Anyway I`m too furious and biased to see some advantages to it.

[Wishblade]

dp

[Wishblade]

Why not...on a smaller scale...?

I thought you were talking on the same scale lol.

It's obvious that their trying to turn Mag Hill into a big entertainment destination.

Unfortunately your downtown is going to suffer because of it.

[mmmatt]

WOW this is absolutely outrageous! I cannot believe after all the support for a nice urban casino they selected an effing suburban POS. This is THE single worst decision Ive heard in regards to Moncton in a very long time. I mean yes Im happy about the jobs and the development in general...however Im still pissed when I think of what it could have been...this is basically resulting in further drawing people away from downtown, and making it even more difficult to draw new business there. The government is obviously only looking at it from a dollars and cents point of view and not from a location point of view, or a Moncton point of view.

[mmmatt]

The story is being covered by a few national news sources like The Globe and Mail.

Moncton home to New Brunswick's first casino
The Canadian Press

May 8, 2008 at 1:47 PM EDT

FREDERICTON — New Brunswick's first casino will be built near the Magnetic Hill tourist site in Moncton.

The provincial government confirms Sonco Gaming New Brunswick Ltd. will build the gaming facility, a 128-room hotel and an entertainment venue that will seat 1,500.

A separate banquet hall will have room for 1,400.

The total cost of the privately financed project is pegged at $90-million, and the project will create 400 full-time jobs.

There were four companies competing for the project.

A number of committees were formed to make the decision for the Liberal government to avoid any appearance of political interference.

[ErickMontreal]

The story is being covered by a few national news sources like The Globe and Mail.

Moncton home to New Brunswick's first casino
The Canadian Press

This is basically a good project so the location make me mad...

I hope we are ready to some more " for lease " in the core.

[mmmatt]

This is basically a good project so the location make me mad...

I hope we are ready to some more " for lease " in the core.

Exactly, this easily could have been such a boon for downtown moncton its not even funny...but no, as usual nobody cares about downtown...just money...its cheaper to build on the edge of town by the highway, so thats what they do. Oh well, at the end of the day this is a 90 million dollar development creating 400 permanent full time jobs and it will help further develop moncton as a top tourist destination in NB...really nothing to scoff at, but its just maddening to think what it COULD have been.

[kwajo]

This definitely sucks for you guys, but I can't say I'm surprised in the least. Moncton has always been about sprawling suburbia, and I had a gut feeling that the casino would end up near Magnetic Hill somehow.

I really don't get the appeal of a non-downtown convention centre though, that seems incredibly lame. If I'm planning a conference, and comparing Atlantic Canada convention centres, all the other major cities have downtown or waterfront locations, so unless I'm enamored by VLTs, Moncton might be a tough sell (don't get upset at me for that comment, obviously there are other reasons to choose Moncton, I'm just ignoring them in this case in order to make my displeasure at a suburban development seem more dramatic).

Oh well, at least we have a final decision now, so things can move on from there.

[mmmatt]

This definitely sucks for you guys, but I can't say I'm surprised in the least. Moncton has always been about sprawling suburbia, and I had a gut feeling that the casino would end up near Magnetic Hill somehow.

I really don't get the appeal of a non-downtown convention centre though, that seems incredibly lame. If I'm planning a conference, and comparing Atlantic Canada convention centres, all the other major cities have downtown or waterfront locations, so unless I'm enamored by VLTs, Moncton might be a tough sell (don't get upset at me for that comment, obviously there are other reasons to choose Moncton, I'm just ignoring them in this case in order to make my displeasure at a suburban development seem more dramatic).

Oh well, at least we have a final decision now, so things can move on from there.

Good points kwajo

However in regards to the convention center, I doubt this will be the cities main convention center, from what I can tell this will just be part of the casino/hotel development. Im assuming the city will still be looking to build a downtown convention center, much larger than that. We should hear the cities reaction from this soon I would imagine...

[ErickMontreal]

This definitely sucks for you guys, but I can't say I'm surprised in the least. Moncton has always been about sprawling suburbia, and I had a gut feeling that the casino would end up near Magnetic Hill somehow.

I really don't get the appeal of a non-downtown convention centre though, that seems incredibly lame. If I'm planning a conference, and comparing Atlantic Canada convention centres, all the other major cities have downtown or waterfront locations, so unless I'm enamored by VLTs, Moncton might be a tough sell (don't get upset at me for that comment, obviously there are other reasons to choose Moncton, I'm just ignoring them in this case in order to make my displeasure at a suburban development seem more dramatic).

Oh well, at least we have a final decision now, so things can move on from there.

Agree with all the way. That could kill downtown convention center or at least make it irrevelant. Sad day for Downtown... I would prefer it Uptown Dieppe... the next downtown of Moncton area (ironicly). Sorry but I `m really disappointed.

This time its the province the problem not the city though.

[Haliguy]

Why does Moncton want to turn into one big suburb?

[kwajo]

Good points kwajo

However in regards to the convention center, I doubt this will be the cities main convention center, from what I can tell this will just be part of the casino/hotel development. Im assuming the city will still be looking to build a downtown convention center, much larger than that. We should hear the cities reaction from this soon I would imagine...
I don't doubt that there will still be some people and businesses pushing for a downtown convention centre, but the placement of the casino/hotel/convention centre at Magnetic Hill will make it more difficult to justify capital for the one downtown, or at least delay the development significantly.

Your main option - I would guess - would be to now focus on a new arena downtown and pair a hotel/convention centre with that.

[mmmatt]

I don't doubt that there will still be some people and businesses pushing for a downtown convention centre, but the placement of the casino/hotel/convention centre at Magnetic Hill will make it more difficult to justify capital for the one downtown, or at least delay the development significantly.

Your main option - I would guess - would be to now focus on a new arena downtown and pair a hotel/convention centre with that.

Yes, the next thing to push will be a downtown arena complex the current council seemed to approve of it, and both candidates seem to push it as well...Hopefully we will see it completed within the next 5-10 years.

I guess our only chance of a crane downtown this summer is the new justice complex :( better than nothing I guess.

[JasonL-Moncton]

Personally I don't have a problem with this...yes, it would have been great downtown...but look at it like this.

- Now at magnetic hill you have a water park, zoo, driving range, golf course, 75K+ concert site, casino, hotel, convention venue, and entertainment venue It kind of makes sense, it's right by the highway, just miles from a lot of other hotels, just down the road from the new 'gateway to Moncton' that is being constructed. They (government) said they weren't thinking that the location was the deciding factor but the best 'overall' proposal and design was what would decide it. This one won, let's embrace it and cheer it on!

- This leaves more room downtown for a larger arena (10-12,000) that could be a architectural centerpiece for downtown, paired with a large multi-story hotel and convention center. This could be the centerpiece of the downtown, we could get the shows that skip us (cirque du soliel) because of the antiquated Coliseum. After said shows the fans would 'spill' into downtown's restaurants, bars, etc. and arena complex goes better with downtown than the casino...the casino will likely have a restaurant, bar, entertainment...no one would 'have' to leave...and likely wouldn't.

Something like:

http://www.newcityskyline.com/Sprint_Center_Sept__07_credit_DADT_Smaller.jpg

http://louisvillehomesblog.com/pics/2007/09/arena.jpg

[sdm]

This is a large blow to downtown Moncton and the province should be told. This is just terrible planning and will increase urban spawl and create a less substainable city.

With the size of the facility being proposed at Magnetic hill it will certainly capature some of the market for convention space, therefore making a convention centre downtown economically in jepordy.

[ErickMontreal]

Agree with SDM,the convention center in the subur make a downtown location irrevelant.

Sorry Jason, convention Center as well as entertainment complex dont belong to the subur. Is the convention Center in Montreal is located in Laval ? Is the major entertainment complex are in Longueil due to its proximity of highways ? The answer is no, they are all located Downtown core. Moreover, they are building it up "Quartier des spectables" right in middle of downtown in order to increase downtown experience....Anyway

[Smevo]

I can't believe it's going on Magnetic Hill! I have to agree with kwajo that the only way to get a sizable downtown convention centre now anywhere in the near future would be to group it with a hotel and arena development. Here's hoping anyway.

[Helladog]

Haha, like Foxwoods. Keep dreaming! :haha:

Prolly more like this...

http://lasvegas-taxidriver.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/mermaids-casino-las-vegas.jpg

or this...

http://media.ebaumsworld.com/picture/djsparty/redneck-mansion1.JPG

:haha:

Still better than a racino!

[JasonL-Moncton]

Again,


Navegante Group:

http://grandsierraresort.com/entertainment/

http://www.condohotelcenter.com/images/grand-sierra-rendering.jpg

http://www.plazahotelcasino.com/

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/91/248162211_2c969b3afd.jpg?v=0

http://casinoniagara.com/

http://www.nfcourtyard.com/siteimages/Casino-Niagara.jpg

[ErickMontreal]

The last thing I will say about this issue : "they will regret it in a few years, just like the Moncton Coliseum."

[JasonL-Moncton]

The last thing I will say about this issue : "they will regret it in a few years, just like the Moncton Coliseum."

But unlike the Coliseum...the 'city' did not decide on which proposal would be permitted...the province did. Essentially, as I understand it, if the city wants it, this is the proposal the province will allow.

JL

[mylesmalley]

Prolly more like this...
http://media.ebaumsworld.com/picture/djsparty/redneck-mansion1.JPG


That... that... is the greatest thing I've ever seen! Buddy on the bottom in red must be the luckiest guy in the whole trailer park.

[ErickMontreal]

That... that... is the greatest thing I've ever seen! Buddy on the bottom in red must be the luckiest guy in the whole trailer park.

That could be allowed by the city... its a 4-story building...(to be sure, I`m joking around)

[mmmatt]

Prolly more like this...



http://media.ebaumsworld.com/picture/djsparty/redneck-mansion1.JPG

:haha:



Wow! I wish we could get something that awesome built in Moncton :D

[ErickMontreal]

:: In Brief - Champlain Place ::

Pseudio/Samuel&co will re-open shop in Highfield Square.
WirelessWave as well as Urban Planet will open a store in coming weeks.
Athlete world will remain open.

[ErickMontreal]

Repairs in sight for downtown Metro landmark?
Gov't to put out proposals for repairs to crumbling limestone on Main Street federal building

Published Friday May 9th, 2008
A10
BY ALAN COCHRANE
TIMES & TRANSCRIPT STAFF

The federal government will soon be putting out a call for proposals to repair damage and protect the stately federal building on Main Street in Moncton.

Rory Matchett, a spokesman for Public Works and Government Services, said yesterday a request for proposals will go out at the end of this month for a consultant to study the building and suggest a course of action to repair and restore the decaying limestone exterior of the building.

The building has been a fixture at the corner of Main and Highfield streets for decades, serving as a post office and now as home to several federal government agencies.

But it has been surrounded by scaffolding and construction fencing for several years. Matchett said the scaffolding is mainly there to protect pedestrians from falling chunks of limestone. He said the building was recently inspected and any loose chunks removed. The danger of falling stone is now minimal and the scaffolding remains mainly as a safety precaution. He said repair work could begin this fall.

But Daniel Allain, executive-director of Downtown Moncton Centre Ville Inc., says the scaffolding has become an eyesore and an impediment to development.

The Crowne Plaza Hotel on the other corner of Main and Highfield recently underwent a major renovation and more projects are planned. Other development in the area has moved ahead, mainly in the form of a new Sobeys store and N.B. Liquor outlet. The Tim Hortons outlet up the street is scheduled to be closed at the end of this month, which will leave the space at Main and Weldon open for development. Ashford Developments has a new office building planned at the corner of Main and Vaughan Harvey Boulevard.

Allain said there are still some key elements missing and only time will tell what will happen.

[ErickMontreal]

Delta Beausejour
http://www.holidaycity.com/delta-beausejour-moncton/photo1.jpg

Moncton’s newest restaurant and Bar is now open in the Delta Beauséjour! TRIIIO is a place where modern meets classic to create a remarkable dining experience. Their passion is Atlantic Canada, presented as trios, tasting plates and temptations from the region. Tender, savoury buffalo steak, mouthwatering Atlantic seafood, and New Brunswick's most accomplished wine list.The final phase of the Delta Beauséjour’s 6 million dollar renovation project is nearing completion with a bold contemporary look from the lobby to the top floor. Also, the popular Le Café will soon be offering a new concept. Renovations to the health club facilities will follow late this year.

[ErickMontreal]

Moncton, Dieppe report building increases
Moncton posts 26 per cent increase in residential permits

Published Saturday May 10th, 2008
A3
By Nathan Rochford
Times & Transcript Staff


According to statistics released yesterday by the City of Moncton and the City of Dieppe, both communities showed considerable increases in building development during the month of April, specifically in the residential sector.

The total number of building permits issued last month in Moncton for residential, institutional and commercial construction all increased since April 2007.

Residential permits increased 26 per cent, That's 82 permits issued in April 2008, and only 65 issued in April 2007.

Commercial construction, however, stayed the same in the city with 32 permits issued in April 2008 and 32 issued in April 2007.

Percentage-wise, institutional and government development in Moncton saw the largest increase at 133 per cent. In total, there were seven permits handed out in April 2008, while there were only three in April 2007.

"We're not surprised to see a significant increase," said Ben Champoux, business development specialist for Moncton. Champoux attributes this year's late start on the extreme winter weather New Brunswick saw this year.

"Because of the winter conditions we had we were off to a slow start," he said. "But as soon as April hit we were back on our feet."

The total dollar amount from April of one year to the next rose 50 per cent, with $15,077 being spent in April, 2008, compared to $10,013 in April, 2007.

However, despite the increases in April, the year to year changes saw 2008 at a loss with the total number of permits issued for all three sectors dropping from 233 to 224.

But, says Champoux, that doesn't change the fact that the city's development is back on its legs now, stressing the new stadium and the recently announced casino as major developments to come.

Aside from those two projects, the city is looking at further development of the area between Université de Moncton and Costco, near Crawley Farm Road, most of which will be residential.

"There's a lot of land there," Champoux said. "It's very strategically located. The potential is significant."

The city expects to meet with developers within the next couple of months, with completion of the project known simply as "Vision Land" estimated at 2015.

"You're going to need to fasten your seatbelt," he said. "Change breeds change. Growth attracts even more investment and we can feel it."

Meanwhile, Dieppe recorded permit values worth $7.9 million in April. Eighty-two of the 86 permits it issued in April were residential, leaving the city with a residential sector worth $7.8 million.

The city's real change came in the four months preceding April when the residential sector saw an increase in value from $14.6 million in 2007, to $28.5 million in 2008.

As far as future developments are concerned, Dieppe Mayor Achilles Maillet said the city is in the process of building a new apartment and condo village valued at $100 million.

[ErickMontreal]

Sonco Gaming

Founded in 1995, Halifax-based Sonco Gaming owns, operates and develops gaming properties. It is active in joint ventures and has developed and managed Great Blue Heron Charity Casino on the Scugog Island First Nation in Ontario and the Grey Eagle Casino, the latter opening in December of 2007 in Calgary, Alberta. Sonco and its offshoot companies also own, develop and manage various office buildings and parking garages. Sonco's CEO, Michael Novac, has a long history in real estate development.

The Navegante Group

The Navegante Group, founded by Chairman Larry J. Woolf, has been in the business of casino development and management since 1995 after winning the bid to develop and manage Casino Niagara. Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, Navegante currently manages the Casino Fandango in Carson City and the Las Vegas-based Plaza Hotel and Casino, the Goldspike Hotel and Casino, as well as several others also in Las Vegas. Woolf has also created Amazing Taiwan Co. Ltd., which is planning to develop and manage a casino in the Penghu Islands, Taiwan, pending legalization and gaming approval.

Clairvest Group

Founded in 1987, Clairvest Group Inc. is a publicly-listed provider of equity financing with an invested capital of $195 million and about $600 million of equity capital under management. Earlier this year, Clairvest became an investor of Casino Marina Del Sol in the city of Concepcion, Chile, as well as Kubra, an electronic billing and payment company. Clairvest has fellow casino proponent Sonco Gaming as a client in the financing of the Grey Eagle Casino and Resort southwest of Calgary, Alberta.

2050631 Ontario Inc.

According to a corporation profile report, the corporation 2050631 Ontario Inc. is registered to James Baxter Warren, 37. Warren graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from McMaster University in 1994. He was a manager of corporate affairs with the Royal Bank, and was head of corporate communications for Magna International and Magna Entertainment. Warren served as executive director of communications for Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty and was deputy chief of staff for former Toronto mayor Mel Lastman. He was also vice president of strategic relationships with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation. He left the OLG in September of 2007.



After reading this, I have to admit they are heavyweight and I understand why they got it.

[ErickMontreal]

The work restarted on 777 Main Street building, they are adding black plastic (or metal) strips over metal fixtures. I suppose they will start to change glasses on the otherside in the next few weeks.

:: 777 Main Street ::
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f232/stu_pendousmat/A%20Walk/DSCN1746.jpg

[mmmatt]

Lots of good news today...

So glad they will finally be repairing that beautiful stone building downtown :) Its had those scaffolds up for far too long.

Good to hear Pseudio/Samuel&co will be sticking around...kinda crummy they are going to Highfield, but still haha.

I cant wait til 777 Main St is all done its facade change over...Ill finally be able to update that picture I took of it looking up from the corner ;)

And finally its nice to hear building permits are back up after this foolishly long winter.

[mmmatt]

On mountain rd work has begun on one of the small strip malls.

Mapleton power center is a hive of activity, with most lots looking fairly prepared and they are laying pipes on the Brick lot...which is huge BTW. :)

And the news of my day today is that Asurion is fully moved! We are now fully up and running at the old AOL building...much nicer digs I might add.

[ErickMontreal]

Lots of good news today...

Well, I mean we need to stay positive after the big disappointment, so at least the project is in Moncton.

Which small strip mall are you referred to along Montain Rd ?

Yeah, Brick will likely start in coming weeks... we should learn more about the full line-up too.

Lots of good news today...The Crowne Plaza Hotel on the other corner of Main and Highfield recently underwent a major renovation and more projects are planned.

I wonder whats does it mean ?

[mmmatt]

Well, I mean we need to stay positive after the big disappointment, so at least the project is in Moncton.

Which small strip mall are you referred along Montain Rd ?

Yeah, Brick will likely start in coming weeks.

The Crowne Plaza Hotel on the other corner of Main and Highfield recently underwent a major renovation and more projects are planned.

I wonder whats does it mean ?
Yes it is good to stay positive...I was so angry when I first saw that news my face must have been red...but when its all said and done its a 90mil$ development by a very well known casino developer...Im sure the province had some idea of what they were doing when they picked it.

The strip mall is fairly small (maybe 3 stores could fit)...and near the new Jean Couteau...I only noticed the sign for it about a month ago. Its a bit further up mountain rd then Loundsbury Furnature store strip mall...but not as far as the new Home Hardware.

As far as Crowne Plaza maybe they are reffering to the Starbucks rumour?? I dunno.

[ErickMontreal]

The strip mall is fairly small (maybe 3 stores could fit)...and near the new Jean Couteau...I only noticed the sign for it about a month ago. Its a bit further up mountain rd then Loundsbury Furnature store strip mall...but not as far as the new Home Hardware.

As far as Crowne Plaza maybe they are reffering to the Starbucks rumour?? I dunno.

Ok thanks, I suppose its located nearby the NB Liquor strip mall.

Obviously, Starbucks could help that area, so we will see.

I also readed in "Acadie Nouvelle" that Downtown Moncton is working on a plan to revitalize St-George Street.

I also looking forward to see whats Verdiroc going to do with the land along Westmorland. ( I hope they going to sell it)

[mmmatt]

Ok thanks, I suppose its located nearby the NB Liquor strip mall.

Obviously, Starbucks could help that area, so we will see.

I also readed in "Acadie Nouvelle" that Downtown Moncton is working on a plan to revitalize St-George Street.

I also looking forward to see whats Verdiroc going to do with the land along Westmorland. ( I hope they going to sell it)

Good to hear about St. George, it could be a very nice street with a little work...such as removal of powerlines and maybe some nice lightposts and more trees.

Yes I hope either Veridoc (after losing the casino chance) either gets this act together QUICK and does something nice, or gets the hell out and let someone else do it better...I would like to see Cyr or somebody smart get hold of that land...then we would see things happen. Who knows though...we will have to wait and see.

[ErickMontreal]

.Yes I hope either Veridoc (after losing the casino chance) either gets this act together QUICK and does something nice, or gets the hell out and let someone else do it better...I would like to see Cyr or somebody smart get hold of that land...then we would see things happen. Who knows though...we will have to wait and see.

Throughout the years the developers as well as the city proposed projects either institutionally or based on entertainment for the downtown. Maybe the time is come to propose something more simple but just as effective : Condo/appartment/retail. Aside the Arena/convention center(hotel) it could be revelant to see a residential project that could bring back peoples in the core.

[ErickMontreal]

Airport to focus on cargo growth
Managing director Rob Robichaud says 2007 was a difficult year but airport will rebound in 2008

http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=126633&size=265x0
George Cooper, Chairman of the Board Greater Moncton International Airport addresses the annual general meeting held yesterday.

A9
By Craig Babstock
Times & Transcript Staff


A full year without CanJet and a snowstorm-filled winter created headaches for the Greater Moncton International Airport in 2007.

According to the authority's 2007 annual report, passenger numbers were down by 30,000 to 40,000 for a total of 519,000 and operational revenues fell by about five per cent ($378,000). But airport managing director Rob Robichaud says things could have been much worse.

"We could have lost, theoretically, 100,000 seats," said Robichaud, at the airport's annual general meeting yesterday. He said the addition of some Air Canada flights helped off-set the loss of CanJet, which ended scheduled passenger service in September 2006.

The severe weather increased operational costs in areas such as snow clearing and also kept planes from landing here during the many storms.

Robichaud said 2008 will be a rebound year for the airport. Operational revenues are expected to return to 2006 levels, as well as passenger numbers.

The airport also plans to focus its efforts on cargo, which is an area that grew in 2007. Cargo volumes were up by 0.8 per cent in 2007, with 24,527 tonnes transported through the Moncton airport.

Robichaud says the focus on cargo doesn't mean they won't be working on adding new routes and passenger airlines and the annual report lists a direct flight from Moncton to St. John's as a priority in 2008.

"I think we're going to see moderate traffic growth on a yearly basis," he said. "My impression after being in this job for 10 years is that we can quite comfortably reach the 750,000 to 800,000 (passenger) mark and after that grow with the rate of growth of the region."

But in these days of failing airlines and with ticket prices increasing because of fuel costs, Robichaud said the revenue stream from passenger airlines is "unpredictable and unstable."

With studies showing the global cargo industry is expected to experience six per cent annual growth over the next two decades, Moncton wants to cash in on that opportunity.

Robichaud said if the airport can expand its cargo business, that will increase revenue. That extra revenue can then be used to offer incentives to passenger airlines to come to Moncton, thus increasing that side of the revenue.

Yesterday's meeting was held in the Purolator cargo warehouse at the airport in Dieppe, as a symbolic gesture to the new importance of cargo.

Airport authority chairman George Cooper told those in attendance Moncton is just behind Halifax as the leader in Atlantic Canada for cargo.

"We have a geographic advantage that really doesn't exist anywhere else," he said.

The authority has certain priorities set for 2008 that will help attract more cargo business. That includes working to have a full overpass linking Route 15 to the airport completed in the next two or three years and working to increase the Canada Border Services Agency resources so customs staff are working at the airport around the clock.

The customs staff issue is one Robichaud has long championed. He pointed out yesterday that most cargo moves at night, so this is essential.

Robichaud said so far Moncton and other similar sized communities have had their request for increased custom staff rejected by Ottawa.

"It makes it very difficult for small communities to try to compete on a level playing field," he said.

"Even though we're growing, they don't seem to want to be here."

http://timestranscript.canadaeast.com/news/article/292403

[ErickMontreal]

Casino decision positive for city core
Published Saturday May 10th, 2008
D9
John Wishart
CITY VIEWS

Now that New Brunswick's first casino has been announced for Moncton -- OK, a show of hands: how many of you are surprised? -- the inevitable debate has started.

Is it better located at Magnetic Hill or should the province have provided a much-needed boost to downtown by selecting the city core casino bid?

As much as the good folks at Downtown Moncton Inc. lobbied hard for the downtown bid, I think the majority of Metro Moncton residents are just fine with its location on the city's outskirts.

The vast majority of people I've talked to about this project said they didn't want the casino in our downtown.

The Halifax casino is downtown but it doesn't dominate the historic harbour city. It blends almost imperceptibly into the urban landscape. The same goes for other medium-sized cities across North America.

I feared a downtown Moncton casino would have dominated the core of our city. It would have consumed the bulk of available land between Main and Assumption Boulevard. It would have become the focal point of our downtown.

I think our city deserves better than that.

By placing Sonco Gaming's $90 million project at Magnetic Hill, it continues to build on the emerging "let's play node" in north Moncton. The Magic Mountain Water Park, the Zoo, the concert site, the Magnetic Hill Golf Course, the rapidly developing retail hub at Wheeler Park Power Centre . . . and now the province's only casino, another hotel, 1,500-seat theatre and 1,400-seat banquet hall.

Of course, the rumoured casino site on the southwest corner of the Trans-Canada Highway and Mountain Road won't sit well with the half-dozen fundamentalist churches that exist within a roll of the dice of the new project. I wonder if Sonco's planning team thought about that aspect of the site.

The fact the casino will go on our outskirts doesn't mean our city core will shrivel up and die.

It already has much going for it. The mix of restaurants and nightclubs is strong, another hotel is about to open and the province will announce a downtown location for a $47 million justice complex within a few weeks.

If the Magnetic Hill casino decision does anything for downtown, it brings clarity and focus to one thing -- the need for a downtown Metro Centre.

This is the project around which our downtown should rally. This is the saviour for downtown businesses which may be squeaking by each month.

Amid the glow of the World Hockey Championships this week, Halifax is already talking about building a new Metro Centre in its downtown. The 10,000-seat downtown Halifax Metro Centre is already deemed outdated after 30 years of service. Halifax is looking at a new 15,000-seat complex.

The time for Moncton to move on a 10,000 to 12,000-seat Metro Centre is now. The provincial government will not have to spend a penny on the $90-million casino. The federal government will not have to spend a penny on a convention centre -- the 1,500 theatre and 1,400-seat banquet hall give Moncton a ready-made convention centre -- even if it is at the Hill.

The city should lobby hard and fast for both levels of government to share funding of the downtown Metro Centre.

If planned properly, it can contain not only the ice surface and 12,000 seats, but additional meeting and convention space.

The rink would have corporate boxes that bring in big money -- something the city can only dream about at our 35-year-old Coliseum.

The Coliseum is a busy place year-round. It isn't just home to the Moncton Wildcats for 35 regular season home games each winter. The concerts, trade shows and recreational sporting events fill up the facility's calendar.

With a new downtown Metro Centre, those thousands of hockey fans, concert-goers and trade show delegates would spill out into our restaurants and pubs each night.

That's how you build your downtown.

The provincial government decision has done our city a favour.

We still get the casino, the property tax revenue, the 400 permanent jobs, but we don't have to put up with 800 VLTs and 20 gambling tables in the middle of our city.

The casino decision has saved the soul of our city for bigger and better things. Let's get moving together to build a better downtown.

I would wager the odds are still in our favour.

[ErickMontreal]

Moncton hopeful is all business
Election Opponent says council about more than just the bottom line

Published Friday May 9th, 2008
A5

MONCTON - Mayoral candidate Pierre Michaud says his experience as a businessman will be to his - and Moncton's - advantage.

Michaud says he sees running the city and its council akin to that of running a fiscally responsible "corporation-" a view his opponent says is "too narrow" for the city and its future.

"I look at city council as a board of directors," said Michaud in a phone interview on Wednesday. "The mayor (is) the chairman "¦ the councillors (are) directors, and you have a (CEO) that manages the city. A businessperson brings into this their ability to manage "¦ Business people are used to managing budgets."

While Michaud stressed the need for a disciplined, business-like approach to revenue, candidate George LeBlanc says the business model for running a city is not necessarily the best way to go.

"I think it is too narrow a view of government," said LeBlanc, who sat on council from 1995 to 2004 for Ward 3, is a lawyer and has a degree in business administration.

"The parallel that is always made is that people hold up the business model as spending money better, doing things better, and I certainly agree with that, but "¦ I think the purpose of government is to provide essential services to all the community."

Michaud, who has held numerous posts in the business community over the last 25 years and says he has attended council meetings regularly, says the business model does not necessarily mean slashing spending on services. He did, however, take a hard, business-like line on property taxes.

"I don't think we can look at reducing taxes at this point," he says. "It's like a company. If you have a decrease in your revenue, what you have to do is find somewhere (to) reduce your expenses "¦ What do you do, cut your services? No way, because a dollar in is a dollar out "¦ You collect a dollar in taxes, then you provide a dollar in services."

LeBlanc's stance on this "matter of very serious concern" was different.

"Reviewing and addressing the tax rate would be my first priority," says LeBlanc. "We have to review our tax levels and our spending levels and see whether we can do a tax cut while at the same time pursuing "¦ the goals of enhanced quality of life and prosperity."

Moncton had an increase in its municipal tax base of just over nine per cent between 2007 and 2008.

The debate around the pros and cons of a business model government is not a new one, and according to one expert, a strict business approach has disadvantages when it comes to either services or taxes.

"Someone who comes in with a business background may have balancing the books as the first priority," says Joanna Everitt, a political science professor at the University of New Brunswick.

"Society is not just about the bottom line, it's about social justice and "¦ making sure people don't fall through the cracks "¦ What (Michaud) is demonstrating is an input side to the ledger and an output side to the ledger. This is an advantage to having a business mind, but who are the people being hurt? Perhaps there are other ways to look at the property tax issue."

The candidates did have similar views on the development of the downtown. Both agree Moncton needs a convention centre combined with an entertainment and sports complex to attract people to that area.

"We have to create some kind of activity," says Michaud. "We could bring the Coliseum downtown. Right now, it's "¦ about 10 km from the downtown. So you get into your car after an event and go home "¦ You're not going to be coming downtown."

[ErickMontreal]

This is confirmed the next major project in downtown will be the courthouse, lets make some predictions :

:: Where will be located the new courthouse ? ::

1 :: Main Street
2 :: Corner Assumption/Westmorland
3 :: Elsewhere in downtown

:: Do you think the courthouse will be redisigned ? ::

1 :: Yes
2 :: No
3 :: Partially

:: Who`s gonna win the request for proposal ? ::

1 :: Heritage Poperties, Moncton :: Proposed Main Street location
2 :: Ashford Investments Inc of Moncton :: Unknown location
3 :: Huntingdon Real Estate Investment, Winnipeg :: Assumption/Westmorland
4 :: CitiGroup Properties of Dartmouth, N.S. :: Assumption/Westmorland

[Smevo]

Good to hear about St. George, it could be a very nice street with a little work...such as removal of powerlines and maybe some nice lightposts and more trees.

Yes I hope either Veridoc (after losing the casino chance) either gets this act together QUICK and does something nice, or gets the hell out and let someone else do it better...I would like to see Cyr or somebody smart get hold of that land...then we would see things happen. Who knows though...we will have to wait and see.

Upgrades on St. George could go a long way (along with development along Assomption Blvd) to changing downtown, especially perception-wise, from a single main strip to a more urban style grid downtown. It always was kinda sad that, as soon as you leave Main St, it at least felt like you were leaving downtown, even if that actually wasn't the case. If they "anchor in" at Vaughn Harvery and roughly the Mariott site, and start to concentrate on a grid-style within the anchors, perceptions about downtown could change dramatically over a relatively short period of time, especially from visitors to the city.

[Smevo]

My hope for the new courthouse is for Assumption/Westmorland. Even if it ends up being a bit stumpy, it could act as a catalyst for further development along Assumption.

[ErickMontreal]

My hope for the new courthouse is for Assumption/Westmorland. Even if it ends up being a bit stumpy, it could act as a catalyst for further development along Assumption.

Agree. Even though the land along Main is way smaller - therefore could host a building with a smaller footprint- I tend to pick up Assumption/westmorland for the reasons Smevo pointed out.

[mmmatt]

This is confirmed the next major project in downtown will be the courthouse, lets make some predictions :


For me

:: Where will be located the new courthouse ? ::

2 :: Corner Assumption/Westmorland


:: Do you think the courthouse will be redisigned ? ::

3 :: Partially

:: Who`s gonna win the request for proposal ? ::

Most likely one of these three.

2 :: Ashford Investments Inc of Moncton :: Unknown location
3 :: Huntingdon Real Estate Investment, Winnipeg :: Assumption/Westmorland
4 :: CitiGroup Properties of Dartmouth, N.S. :: Assumption/Westmorland

Really I have no idea haha, but I expect the Assumption/Westmorland location will win out. Where is the main street site? Is it where that Gotchall Square thing was proposed?

[mmmatt]

My hope for the new courthouse is for Assumption/Westmorland. Even if it ends up being a bit stumpy, it could act as a catalyst for further development along Assumption.

Yes, I agree, main street is already very urban and built up, we need to focus on the surrounding area (mainly assumption street) and build up that whole space...coupled with a push for urbanism on st. george street we could see a much more "grid-like" downtown feel within the next 10 years. (espically if the Metro Center idea moves forward quickly)

[mylesmalley]

Yes, I agree, main street is already very urban and built up, we need to focus on the surrounding area (mainly assumption street) and build up that whole space...coupled with a push for urbanism on st. george street we could see a much more "grid-like" downtown feel within the next 10 years. (espically if the Metro Center idea moves forward quickly)

I just can't see the province building an 8 story courthouse on that little plot behind the police station. 8 being my guess, given how large the place is planned to be... anyway. I think Assumption is where it's at. I'd much rather see it on the roughly triangular lot behind the new Marriott, across from the Blue Cross extension and opposite the police station. It's got a great location, a reasonably large lot, etc. Best of all, it would completely fill in that end of downtown. From there, we could gradually work our way down Assumption with new buildings.

[ErickMontreal]

I passed by St-George street today and I saw digging right on the land next Shopper Drugs Mart. Someone know what's going on up there ?

[mylesmalley]

I passed out on St-George street today and I saw digging the land just accross Shopper Drugs mart. Someone know what's going on up there ?

I think you mean you passed by St George street today haha. You pass out after you've had a few too many of these :cheers:

Anyway, not sure exactly. I'll take a look when I go to work in the morning.

Any idea what's going on by the train station on Vaughan Harvey? They were digging away a couple days ago.

[ErickMontreal]

Any idea what's going on by the train station on Vaughan Harvey? They were digging away a couple days ago.

At the first glance, I thought the work was about the decontamination of the land but franckly I really dont know.

[Smevo]

Yes, I agree, main street is already very urban and built up, we need to focus on the surrounding area (mainly assumption street) and build up that whole space...coupled with a push for urbanism on st. george street we could see a much more "grid-like" downtown feel within the next 10 years. (espically if the Metro Center idea moves forward quickly)

Assumption Street is definitely the spot to put larger, traffic generating developments in the downtown. Neither Main St nor St. George could handle huge increases in volume, and neither have the space to widen the street and accomodate extra traffic. Assumption, if I remember correctly, is better able to accomodate high traffic volumes and has, at present, the room for any widening that may become necessary, though you wouldn't want it too wide.

I just can't see the province building an 8 story courthouse on that little plot behind the police station. 8 being my guess, given how large the place is planned to be... anyway. I think Assumption is where it's at. I'd much rather see it on the roughly triangular lot behind the new Marriott, across from the Blue Cross extension and opposite the police station. It's got a great location, a reasonably large lot, etc. Best of all, it would completely fill in that end of downtown. From there, we could gradually work our way down Assumption with new buildings.


I like that idea, too. That would effectively anchor the Assumption/Main intersection as the end of downtown, the fill towards Vaughn Harvey. Very good spot for access sites, with potential ones that require little to no upgrading being off Assumption as well as off Mechanic St (due to the slip-lanes off Assumption...I'm looking at the Google map of the area as I type this :P )

[mylesmalley]

Assumption Street is definitely the spot to put larger, traffic generating developments in the downtown. Neither Main St nor St. George could handle huge increases in volume, and neither have the space to widen the street and accomodate extra traffic. Assumption, if I remember correctly, is better able to accomodate high traffic volumes and has, at present, the room for any widening that may become necessary, though you wouldn't want it too wide.



I like that idea, too. That would effectively anchor the Assumption/Main intersection as the end of downtown, the fill towards Vaughn Harvey. Very good spot for access sites, with potential ones that require little to no upgrading being off Assumption as well as off Mechanic St (due to the slip-lanes off Assumption...I'm looking at the Google map of the area as I type this :P )

Now that i think about it...

Putting a courthouse on that lot, and connecting it to the existing police station with a pedway or something would work out pretty well. Add to that an expansion of the police station such as that proposed by Dick Carpenter from a few months ago, and you'd have quite an impressive complex of buildings.

[JasonL-Moncton]

I agree...putting the courthouse behind the Marriott next across from the police station makes more sense than Assumption/Westmorland, then expand the police station and connect them by pedway...

Then...you could build a new 12K seat MMC (Moncton Metro Center) in between Downing St, Westmorland, and Assumption. which could be connected to the Blue Cross building and the Delta by Pedway, which in turn would have city hall connected to the arena, Delta, Library, Blue Cross...you could even go so far as to connect the Justice Center to Blue Cross and have the police and JC connected to everything as well.

[mylesmalley]

I don't know about this whole downtown coliseum thing. I think it would be a great draw to the city center, and certainly spur development, but I think people are getting their hopes up a bit. If it happens there at all, i doubt we'll see anything happen for at least five years. People are pissed off (rightfully so) about the delays in the Verdiroc development. I'd hate to see the same frustration over the time it takes for it to happen.

[JasonL-Moncton]

Myles...I think now that the casino for downtown is off the table...that an 'arena' or something of the like will be a major focus as everyone involved (council, mayor candidates, DMI, COC) are all looking for that 'catalyst' for downtown.

If something like an 'arena' is ever given a go ahead down town, I believe that that will set off a flurry of growth activity downtown.

[ErickMontreal]

Downtown Moncton eyes next 'big project'
Convention centre pegged as top priority for city core

Published Monday May 12th, 2008
A1
By Nick Moore
Times & Transcript Staff

The executive director of Downtown Moncton Centre-ville Inc. is looking for Main Street's next big project in the wake of last week's announcement that the province's casino will go to Magnetic Hill rather than the city core.

Daniel Allain admits losing the casino is a setback for planned downtown development but added there's plenty of possibilities left to work with.

The December 2007 opening of the new Sobeys grocery store, on the corner of Main Street and the new Vaughan Harvey Boulevard extension, planted the seeds for more retail opportunity in that section of the downtown.

A brand new 150-room, $15-million Marriott Residence Inn is expected to open next month, giving yet another option for downtown overnight accommodations.

Ground will broken later this summer for a new justice centre complex in the downtown. Expected to be completed as early as 2009, there's also been musing about a new police station to be created adjacent to the courthouse site.

As well, a study looking into the feasibility of a downtown convention centre is set to begin this summer, with a final report expected to be presented to city councillors later this fall.

And it's that idea of a downtown convention centre which Allain is focusing a lot of his thought and energy upon now.

"I think the convention centre is the number one priority we have to revisit," said Allain. "We have to work on that one big project."

The search for that next big project had Allain looking back on downtown development in the city over the last 30 or so years. He said development along Main Street began to pick up a bit in the early 80s when new sidewalks and lamp posts were installed in a then neglected and boarded up downtown stretch.

In 1988, the Blue Cross Building was constructed, followed by a brand new Moncton City Hall building in 1996 -- both were welcomed with much fanfare.

Allain said it's about time for the area's next big project to spring up and says he's putting his all into making sure it's a convention centre, especially after losing the chance to have a casino.

"We've been waiting about 10 years to see something happen on the Beaver Lumber land," he said referring to where a casino in the downtown was widely speculated to go.

In the meantime, Allain said his office will keep a close eye on where exactly in the downtown a new justice centre will be built. An announcement on that is expected this summer.

"Once we know that, it'll be a little bit easier for us to move forward and start implementing our vision to the downtown," he said. "We have a lot of land deemed to be redeveloped over the next couple of years. Now we have to see where we're going to go with that."

After the justice centre location is nailed down, Allain said he'll begin to lay down what he calls 'Operation Charm.'

"We'll go talk to developers and certainly explain to them what (the) opportunities (are) in downtown Moncton."

And even in the midst of his disappointment about losing the casino, Allain can find at least one positive from his perspective.

"The pro is that the land which was supposed to be developed there is still up for grabs, there are great opportunities there."

Even though the casino is going to be far away from the city's most urban core, Allain wants to ensure the gambling centre has a connection to the heart of downtown.

"We'll probably have a shuttle going from there (the casino) to downtown," he said. "We'll work on that I think."

Allain is also putting a lot of faith in today's municipal elections, and what a new mayor and council could do to put a new shot of energy into the arm of downtown development.

Both Moncton mayoral candidates in today's vote, George LeBlanc and Pierre Michaud, support construction of a new type of metro centre in the city and further business development in downtown Moncton as a whole.

LeBlanc said the casino decision gives city hall a stronger focus on the importance of having some sort of metro convention centre in the downtown core.

Michaud said he's always had a vision for a sports centre downtown which perhaps includes some sort of convention space. However, he said any decision on a convention centre needs to be coupled with a focus on expanding air transportation to the region.

"If we have 4,000 people coming into a convention for four days, there's no capacity (for the people) right now on these small planes," he said.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Provincial funding creates new Moncton jobs
Moncton success story Al-Pack expands workforce, upgrades equipment

Published Monday May 12th, 2008
A1
By Mary Moszynski
Times & Transcript Staff

Provincial government officials will be in Metro Moncton today to announce funding for new jobs and assistance to purchase upgraded equipment for a local company that manufactures biodegradable garbage bags.

Business New Brunswick Minister Greg Byrne will announce funding for the creation of 10 new jobs at Al-Pack. Government will also provide assistance to help with construction costs and new equipment purchases for the Moncton operation.

It's unknown how much government will be contributing or how much the jobs will pay.

Al-Pack currently employs 55 people.

"We're proud to focus with a New Brunswick green-focused manufacturer as it grows its operations," said a government source. "We will help in that success of the company. Al-Pack is a success story for the Moncton region and it's encouraging to see it investing in its future. We're ensuring that companies like Al-Pack can be successful and compete in the global marketplace."

Al-Pack Enterprises Ltd. produces and distributes packaging supplies, including recycling bags and biodegradable bags for compost programs. The company is also developing new starch-based, biodegradable materials to be used in shopping bags, compost bags and food packaging.

"One of this government's commitments to the manufacturing industry is to help them when they're helping themselves when they're willing to invest, they're willing to help," said the government source.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

New Mountain Road mall planned
Development expected to house five retailers, should open by September

http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=127030&size=465x0

Published Monday May 12th, 2008
A9
By James Foster
Times & Transcript Staff

When it comes to the service sector, developers often can be heard to say that "location is everything."
Caption
A new retail development planned by A-Line Properties is expected to be fully open by September. The developer describes the 12,000 square foot complex as 'something akin to a stately townhouse.'

Sometimes timing plays a role as well, however, as seen in the new five-unit strip development being built at 1690 Mountain Road.

"We're pretty excited about it," a spokesman for developers A-Line Properties says.

Not only is the new building located in a much-coveted high-traffic area with booming residential growth, but it's also on the main conduit to the new casino that will be open in two years at Magnetic Hill, a project that was only announced Thursday.

Passersby have been wondering what this latest construction on Mountain Road is all about, and they'll have to wait a bit longer as A-Line is not prepared to release the names of its tenants.

However, they will say three of the five units have already been leased, another unit has been spoken for, which leaves only one unit remaining.

The building should be fully open by September.

The speed with which the building's space has been gobbled up is not only a testament to its location but to other factors as well. While precise leasing costs are not known, rents in the building have been set purposely lower than many other nearby retail properties despite the location boasting the high profile among shoppers that the upper Mountain Road-Trinity Drive retail area has enjoyed since it began booming a decade ago.

As well, the building is not your typical vinyl-clad structure but will be dressed in attractive stone and brick. It will not face directly onto Mountain Road but A-Line promises it will present an attractive view from busy Mountain Road. The building will bear a very "homey" look to it, A-Line says, somewhat akin to a stately townhouse.

Expect a 12,000-square-foot, single-storey structure when it is complete, which is approximately the same footprint as, for example, the Barnaby & Co. Furniture store on Mountain Road.

There is also room to expand the building at a later date.

[ErickMontreal]

Aside major projects, I walked few times on both Robinson and Luzt I have to say those streets are a real mess/shame. I would like to see some revitalization on those one. They could put wires underground, get underutilized buildings/parking lots down in order to draw condo/appartment promoters.

It could create a urban frame with Main street.

[mmmatt]

That last article about a new mountain rd mall is the one I was referring to a few days ago that I drove by...they are currently preparing the site for construction.

[JasonL-Moncton]

Is there an ETA on an announcement of where the Justice Center is actually going?

[mmmatt]

Is there an ETA on an announcement of where the Justice Center is actually going?

Should be within the next 20-30 days Im guessing...if they want to start construction this summer it better be soon.

[ErickMontreal]

New Champlain place rendering :: Sport Check court perspective
http://www.champlainplace.ca/malls/mall2/images/area1_p1_en.jpg

[mmmatt]

Thats awesome! it will make that Second Cup much more attractive as a place to sit and have coffee with friends etc...great addition :)

[mylesmalley]

Much as I hate strip mall suburbia, I'm glad to see that ugly empty lot finally dealt with.

And Erick, Lutz street is a real embarrassment IMO. The whole thing is run down and narrow. Worst of all, the buildings on it look like they're ready to fall over. I'd love to see the city put a little cash into fixing that area up.

[mylesmalley]

Well, that was fast... Polls closed two hours ago and they've already called most of the greater moncton races. George LeBlanc as mayor isn't much of a surprise to me. Little disapointed to see just how much carry-over there's going to be from last council, but there are some new faces.

[JasonL-Moncton]

One of the new councilors in my Ward came to my door the other day...he was dead set against the new Casino and said he'd fight against it...(so did one of the ones that came to my door that lost)

I think the city council would be foolish to put the kaibosh on the casino.

Glad to see Leblanc won...didn't think he would win by such a margin though, almost 4 to 1!

[mylesmalley]

One of the new councilors in my Ward came to my door the other day...he was dead set against the new Casino and said he'd fight against it...(so did one of the ones that came to my door that lost)

I think the city council would be foolish to put the kaibosh on the casino.

Glad to see Leblanc won...didn't think he would win by such a margin though, almost 4 to 1!

Which ward are you in? I sincerely doubt one guy is going to hold up the casino, but I'm worried we're going to get a very small, but very vocal group of sh*t disturbers who hate change try to hold back the project.

I don't want to name names, but I would question the motives of at least one of the new councilors, too. Expect to see the river debate get kicked up again.

[JasonL-Moncton]

I'm in Ward 4...

[ErickMontreal]

Moncton Downtown :: Boom
http://www.branchdesign.com/monctonpixels/P1180184_boom.jpg

By Brian Branch :: http://monctonpixels.blogspot.com/

[JasonL-Moncton]

Here the location of the new track stadium, shot these about a week or two ago, nothing happened since then...in the very background of the picture is Morton Ave. and on the left is the CEPS building. I'm standing in the parking lot of the observatory building...you can see the back corner of the CEPS where I was standing when I took the second picture...

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2280/2490190667_8552f47b76_b.jpg

The second picture I'm standing down by the CEPS looking up towards the observatory...you can see a white trailer in the lot, I stood by that when i took the first picture.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2322/2490190669_72e694d5ef_b.jpg

[mylesmalley]

I noticed there's what looks like a huge white dome in the middle of campus. I didn't have time to investigate it though. What is it/how long has it been there?

[JasonL-Moncton]

I noticed there's what looks like a huge white dome in the middle of campus. I didn't have time to investigate it though. What is it/how long has it been there?

They started to build those on the weekend, right beside the hockey arena, there seems to be two smaller ones beside it...I have no idea what they are?

JL

[ErickMontreal]

Cool pics Jason, thank you.

[ErickMontreal]

New council shares vision for downtown development

May 14, 2008 - 7:18 am
By: Brock Gallant - News 91.9 Staff

MONCTON, NB - Some newly elected Moncton City Councillors are weighing in on their vision for Moncton's downtown, now that it's been announced a casino will be located on the outskirts of the city at Magnetic Hill.

Now that a destination casino is going to be located at Magnetic Hill, complete with a hotel and convention facilities the City of Moncton has to re-examine their options for the former Beaver Lumber property in the heart of the downtown.

Newly-elected councillor Nancy Hoar says she'd like to see a brand new facility to replace the coliseum.

Councillor Pierre Boudreau says he's not a fan of casino's, especially in the downtown and he would like to see something that would appeal to Monctonians instead of tourists.

A number of councillors are relieved the casino will not be located in the heart of the city, but they do admit the city may have to re-evaluate the need for convention facilities.


The convention center is in limbo...SIGHT

[JasonL-Moncton]

Cool pics Jason, thank you.


No problem...will take more as things progress...it's not far from my house.

[JasonL-Moncton]

Newly-elected councillor Nancy Hoar says she'd like to see a brand new facility to replace the coliseum.

This I like to hear...

JL

[gehrhardt]

I was driving by the new Hampton Inn this morning and noticed that they were covering up the foundation insulation on the side you could see from the highway. It looked to me like they were using some sort of fake red brick sheets. You know, like the fake brick siding that they put on houses years ago (50s-60s).

I hope that's not what it is. :yuck:

Has anyone seen a rendering of that hotel? Maybe that could shed some light on this.

[ErickMontreal]

Airport traffic soaring
New summer flights start Sunday

Published Friday May 16th, 2008
C2
Times & Transcript Staff

More travellers than the entire population of Metro Moncton went through the The Greater Moncton International Airport in the first three months of 2008, the airport announced this week.

The 127,829 passengers who travelled through the area's airport represent an 8.5 per cent increase from the same period last year. February alone saw a 16.5 per cent increase.

The airport credited the increased capacity with their partner airlines highlighting twice daily flights to Toronto and a daily flight to New York, New Brunswick's only daily flight to the U.S.

The airport also announced their increased summer services.

Starting Sunday, WestJet will add a non-stop flight to Toronto with same-plane service to Edmonton. This is on top of the daily flight to Hamilton, Ont., with same-plane service to Calgary.

Air Canada Jazz will offer a first-class service to Montreal on a 75-seater regional jet and add a new daily flight to Toronto on an larger 75-seater plane, instead of the 50-seater.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Record year forecast for Metro real estate
Real Estate Board dismisses prediction market will slow down, calls sales

Published Friday May 16th, 2008
through May 'out of this world'
A1
By John Pollack
Times & transcript Staff

In forecasts released yesterday, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) predicts the Metro Moncton housing market will cool off a bit in 2008, but the Greater Moncton Real Estate Board disagrees and says it's expecting another record year for sales.

In fact, Greater Moncton Real Estate Board President Ron Wood said "there is no evidence to justify negative comments about the Moncton market."

"I don't think that their predictions are accurate for the Greater Moncton Area based on the first four months of this year, because the market has rebounded tremendously for Moncton," he said.

CMHC cited bad weather and a slowing economy as their main reasons for the slight decline in the number of houses that will be purchased this year. They are calling for about 2,650 residential properties to be sold this year, down from 2007's record of 2,849.

"We're not sustainable at the pace we had last year," said Claude Gautreau, senior market analyst for CMHC, "so we'd likely see the market pull back slightly just to better balance for the size of the market demand for housing."

January and February were slow months for the Metro Moncton housing market, but March was average, and Wood said April made up for the shortcomings of the first two months of 2008. And things are looking up from here.

"We had a lot of front yards with eight to 10 feet of snow in January and February. I think it's pretty much understandable (sales will be down)," said Wood. "Sales in May have been just out of this world."

By the end of April 2007, 955 residential properties were sold in Metro Moncton for a combined value $121,629,982. By the end of April this year, 878 residential properties were sold valued at $121,366,007.

Although the number of sales are down by eight per cent, Wood said that is negligible because the overall value of all residential properties sold is less than a percentage point under last year at this time.

Gautreau pointed out that although CMHC is predicting a slower housing market this year, they feel the market is up in the long run.

"The marketplace is still very good, it's still a very strong market. It might be slowing down a little bit, but it's not slowing down to the point where it's that people need to be concerned about it," he said,

Both industry experts agree the value of houses will increase, although they disagree about how much. CMHC forecasts the average price of a house will rise four per cent from $140,000 last year to $147,000. But Wood thinks the increase will be in the 10 to 15 per cent range.

The reasons for the increase Gautreau and Wood gave were: scarcity of land for new development, the rising cost of labour to build new homes and homes built within the last few years now for sale are generally bigger than they used to be and therefore more expensive.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________

True Value moves store to Dieppe

Published Friday May 16th, 2008
C2
Times & Transcript Staff

The building that houses True Value Hardware on Mountain Road is for sale and the hardware store will move to Dieppe.

Owner Marcel Girouard didn't want to disclose the new location in Dieppe, and couldn't provide a timeline for the move.

He said they would make the move once the Mountain Road location has sold. When the store does move to Dieppe, Girouard said it will be into another building he owns.

Girouard said the current store's location is on a valuable piece of land and cited high taxes as the main reason for the change of location.

For the 22,000-square-foot property and the 6,200-square-foot building and 10,000-square-foot compound on the property, Girouard is asking $549,000.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Moncton hotel gets $6M makeover
Delta Beauséjour completes its renovation project

http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=128778&size=365x0
It's been a year in the works, but as of yesterday, the majority of Delta Beauséjour's $6-million renovation project is finished, leaving only a handful of upgrades for the summer.

Published Thursday May 15th, 2008
C2
By Nathan Rochford
Times & Transcript Staff

The Delta Beauséjour hotel on Main Street in Moncton has undergone renovations.

The total overhaul of the Moncton hotel, which bills itself as the largest in New Brunswick, saw renovations from the lobby to the top floor.

Renovations included remodelling every one of the 309 rooms in the hotel, including the addition of Jacuzzis in the suites, new dark-wood flooring and upgrades to the private club floor and lounge.

Even the lobby has seen its share of renovations with polished granite flooring put in as well as the addition of a coffee bar accessible to guests from the lobby.

"The hotel looks like it belongs in New York, or a large city in Europe," said public relations manager Pat DesBrisay.

"We're getting rave reviews," she said. "Especially about the lobby and bar."

The bar is part of the Trio restaurant, which just opened last week. And while the new restaurant has revamped the hotel's menu, the hotel's long-time coffee shop La Cafe has extended its take-out area and now offers the pasta-bar and stir-fry, formerly only available a few times a week, as a daily luxury.

The café also had new windows installed, allowing for more natural light inside.

There will be a few more minor upgrades in June, with additions to the fitness facility, including an extended exercise area and new equipment.

Other projects include a makeover of the east entrance to the hotel from the parking lot, which will involve the installation of automatic doors similar to the ones found at the main entrance.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Tennis enjoying boom period in Moncton
Moncton Men's Challenger highlights summer at the Centennial Park club

http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=129698&size=365x0
Published Friday May 16th, 2008

D1
By NEIL HODGE
Times & Transcript Staff

The Centennial Park club has eight championship courts, the only two youth courts in Atlantic Canada, a renovated clubhouse and lighting that beats international standards. The facility will be in the spotlight when it hosts New Brunswick's first-ever professional tennis tournament this summer.

The $35,000 Moncton Men's Challenger, which takes place from July 12-20, is one of four stops on Canada's professional tennis tour. Other events will take place in Granby, Que., Toronto and Vancouver.

"You will see a very high level," said John Pearson, head of programs for Tennis Moncton. "A lot of these players are in the top 200 rankings in the world. It's not just the top Canadians. We're talking about elite international players. For us as the host club, it's a real honour.

"Riverview and Dieppe are coming together to support us in the pro challenger. This is a three-year tournament. It's something that we hope to grow. This year's challenger is already 98 per cent funded."

Tennis Canada past chairman Jack Graham, of Halifax, referred to the Moncton club as "the best outdoor tennis facilities in Atlantic Canada" during the news conference to announce this tournament.

Moncton will host a handful of other high-profile tennis events this summer. There's the Moncton Men's Challenger pre qualifier from June 21-23, the junior provincials from June 26-29 and both the Moncton Open and Masters over 35 on Aug. 16-17. The club has also made a bid to host the 2009 senior nationals.

"We're really excited about hosting the pre qualifier which is going to give 24 Maritimers a chance to earn one wildcard spot in the Moncton Men's Challenger," said Pearson. "For us to guarantee that a Maritimer will be in the pro tournament, it's a huge benefit for us."

Tennis Moncton opened for the season on May 1, but early bird registration will continue until May 31. The public is invited to attend a barbecue and learn more about what the club has to offer during a complimentary Family Day Rally which runs on May 24 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

The club is open from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. every day. For more information, call 853-7763 or visit www.tennismoncton.ca.

Tennis is a cheap sport to get involved in and that's likely one reason for its growing numbers. The Moncton club currently has about 240 members, it expects to surpass 400 this summer and everyone who joins gets two free lessons.

"We have a lot of family memberships which are pretty economical for $160," said Pearson. "We're also getting an amazing amount of young couples that are joining for the first time.

"Moncton and Dieppe have been identified by Tennis Canada as hot spots for tennis in the country. They're going to show Moncton kids in a nation-wide DVD promoting a program they call Building Tennis Communities. It's exciting.

"We at Tennis Moncton really do believe in tennis communities. We don't just do the club. We have a lot of school visits. We go to playgrounds. We're involved with Camp Centennial and Cardio Tennis through the YMCA. When we go to a playground, we supply the equipment and instructors."

Tennis Moncton has players as young as age four and others who are into their seventies. The club is for all ages, but it has a particularly strong kids philosophy.

Pearson points out the idea behind the programs and camps isn't to get people to spend money and become committed. It's to teach the basics of the sport and try to get people excited.

"We really do believe the kids are the future," he said. "We're trying to make it fun. Here's the ball, try to hit it through the hoola hoop. Get mom and dad involved so that tennis can be something the whole family enjoys.

"We're big on trying to get kids excited about the sport. We have a tournament most Fridays where kids can have something to eat usually at no charge. If someone comes in with a decent pair of sneakers, we'll provide them with a racket and balls. We want people to try tennis."

Pearson also points out that Tennis Moncton is targeting another segment of the population.

"There's a lot of people between ages 25-40 who say things like 'I used to play tennis,'" he said. "You ask them what happened and they say `Oh, I just got away from it.' We're trying to reach out to that generation we lost."

Pearson is part of the 12-member Mayor's Working Committee at Tennis Moncton. The committee has a strong liason with the City of Moncton's recreation department.

"The city has put big money into this facility," he said. "What we're trying to give back is a program that's well known and I think based on some of the tournaments we're now hosting it's a good win-win. We're trying to grow the sport and get a good return on the investment.

"We're also hoping that local citizens realize what they have for a tennis facility in their own backyard. We're proud of where we're going. We have a very good team of staff and volunteers. We appreciate the city's efforts and their vision.''

[ErickMontreal]

I was driving by the new Hampton Inn this morning and noticed that they were covering up the foundation insulation on the side you could see from the highway. It looked to me like they were using some sort of fake red brick sheets. You know, like the fake brick siding that they put on houses years ago (50s-60s).

I hope that's not what it is. :yuck:

Has anyone seen a rendering of that hotel? Maybe that could shed some light on this.

Well, I did not find any online rendering. Although I saw the rendering on the board and it seem the covering was not in brink. Maybe the plan has changed through the process.

[mmmatt]

Lots of great news today...very nice to see the airport traffic back up :D

[ErickMontreal]

Lots of great news today...very nice to see the airport traffic back up :D

1st Quarter Passenger Traffic Growth Linked to Increased Air Service

5/15/2008
Moncton

The region enjoys more air service choices than ever from Moncton

For the first quarter of 2008, 127,829 passengers travelled through the Greater Moncton International Airport representing an increase of 8.5% over 2007. February alone represented growth of 16.3%.

Increased traffic is mainly due to increased capacity with our airline partners including Air Canada Jazz’s twice-daily flight to Toronto using a 70-seat regional jet, and to Continental Airlines, which is enjoying strong load factors with its daily flight to New York (Newark). It’s New Brunswick’s only daily connection to the US. In addition, with seven weekly flights, this year’s winter charter season is the busiest yet and is a direct contributor to our success.

Increased Summer Services

Starting May 18, WestJet will be adding a non-stop flight to Toronto with same-plane service to Edmonton for the summer season. That brings WestJet’s flights to three daily departures including service to Hamilton with same-plane service to Calgary, and two daily flights to Toronto one of which is same-plane service to Edmonton.

Air Canada Jazz will also be ramping up service again this summer season by increasing the size of aircraft on a few routes including offering a first-class service to Montreal on a 75-seater regional jet, increasing the size of aircraft from 50 to 75 seats on a Toronto service, and adding a new daily flight to Toronto.

“Passenger traffic has been steadily increasing this first quarter due to a very successful winter charter season, and we are pleased to increase the destination choices from Moncton this summer”, states Rob Robichaud, President and CEO of the Greater Moncton International Airport Authority. “All things being equal, we anticipate that the added capacity for the summer season will ensure that the growth trend is continuing in the coming months.”

The growth at Greater Moncton International Airport is positive, not only for this region’s economic prosperity, but that of the entire province of New Brunswick as well. With this growth comes significant development opportunities that will in turn continue to fuel the need to access additional domestic and international markets.

- 30 -
The Greater Moncton International Airport Authority is a not-for-profit entity mandated to manage local airport assets on behalf of the community.

For more information :
Johanne Gallant
Director, Airport Commercial Development
Tel.: 506-856-5435
Fax: 506-856-5431
Email: jgallant@gma.ca

[mmmatt]

Awesome! Im guessing if this keeps up we might even see a new record year, bounce back up to higher than 2006 levels. :D

[ErickMontreal]

Awesome! Im guessing if this keeps up we might even see a new record year, bounce back up to higher than 2006 levels. :D

Yeah, like you said we are heading to the number of 2006 and maybe beyond them.

Moreover, the construction of the mysterious project carry on along St-George by the Shopper Drugs Mart. At first I though it was a parking lot construction whereas at this point it looks more as a building project, at least according the foundation setup.

Mathieu, I saw a construction just in front of your office and next to the new office building. There actually is a "Avondale board" in front of it. Do you know whats going on up there ?

[mmmatt]

Yeah, like you said we are heading to the number of 2006 and maybe beyond them.

Moreover, the construction of the mysterious project carry on along St-George by the Shopper Drugs Mart. At first I though it was a parking lot construction whereas at this point it looks more as a building project, at least according the foundation setup.

Mathieu, I saw a construction just in front of your office and next to the new office building. There actually is a "Avondale board" in front of it. Do you know whats going on up there ?

Not sure I noticed that too...its a fairly large plot...I just assumed its gonna be a parking lot expansion...but maybe Im wrong, I dont thing they need more parking, so who knows...

[ErickMontreal]

Not sure I noticed that too...its a fairly large plot...I just assumed its gonna be a parking lot expansion...but maybe Im wrong, I dont thing they need more parking, so who knows...

Your assumption about the parking lot is right according to this :

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f232/stu_pendousmat/emmersonplan.jpg


However, Avondale is a construction company, not really a landscaping company.

[mmmatt]

Yeah I guess that diagram shows it...

The owner of the buildings sold them to a different company...used to be Giffels and now the signs say Investment Realty or something like that...I wonder what this new companys plans are for the site, if they will stick to the original plan (the one you posted) or come up with a new one.

[ErickMontreal]

Yeah I guess that diagram shows it...

The owner of the buildings sold them to a different company...used to be Giffels and now the signs say Investment Realty or something like that...I wonder what this new companys plans are for the site, if they will stick to the original plan (the one you posted) or come up with a new one.

Yeah, I find their website and up to now they seem to keep up the original plan :

http://www.igri.com/properties/nb/12_millennium_vaughan_harvey_emmerson_e.pdf

[mylesmalley]

Yeah, I find their website and up to now they seem to keep up the original plan :

http://www.igri.com/properties/nb/12_millennium_vaughan_harvey_emmerson_e.pdf

I like the thought of having a big office park so close to downtown and the industrial parks, but... do they reeeaaaally need all those 8,000 surface parking spaces? I realize I'm starting to sound like a broken record on this though.


I heard Rob Robichaud speak at Fisherman's Paradise yesterday afternoon. He seems to have some great plans for the airport and the surrounding areas.

[mmmatt]

I like the thought of having a big office park so close to downtown and the industrial parks, but... do they reeeaaaally need all those 8,000 surface parking spaces? I realize I'm starting to sound like a broken record on this though.


I heard Rob Robichaud speak at Fisherman's Paradise yesterday afternoon. He seems to have some great plans for the airport and the surrounding areas.

Yeah I agree, but thats usually the way a park like that is...its like a power center for offices haha.

[ErickMontreal]

New school due by 2010
Gov't seeks private-sector partner for new north-end Moncton facility; Ryan

Published Saturday May 17th, 2008
A1
By Mary Moszynski
Times & Transcript Staff

The provincial government is preparing to issue a request for proposals seeking a private partner for the much-anticipated new north-end Moncton school with the aim of opening the building in the fall of 2010.

Supply and Services Minister Jack Keir said the specifications for the new building have been completed and sent to District 2 officials for approval. The plans will then go back to the provincial government so a request for proposals can be released.

However, the government can't issue the request for proposals until a site has been selected.

"We are focusing on a piece of land where it's going to go," Keir said. "It hasn't been finalized yet, but they're working on it."

Keir wouldn't say which site the government is considering for the school. But an official with the department said the government is working to acquire some land for the project on Ryan Road.

In order for the school to open in 2010, Keir said construction would likely need to begin prior to the fall of 2009. District 2 administers English-language schools in southeastern New Brunswick. The school will accept kindergarten to Grade 8 students in the growing north end of the city.

"The plan at this point is to look and have the school up-and-operating by September 2010," said Keir. "With this (partnership) we want to make sure we get the very best price."

The project was first announced by the Liberals in Education Minister Kelly Lamrock's budgetary estimates in December. Lamrock announced the school, which will have the capacity to hold 650 students, will be built through a public-private partnership.

The province already has two schools in the province that were built using public-private partnerships: Leo Hayes High School in Fredericton, and Evergreen Park School in Moncton.

Evergreen Park is filled to capacity and students in the area are being sent to other schools.

Moncton Crescent Conservative MLA John Betts, a long-time advocate for the need of a new school, said it's important that government move quickly on the file. "It does hinder quality education when you have people crowded and you have teachers trying to cope with too many students in the classroom," he said.

The previous Conservative government budgeted $70,000 toward site selection and design of the new school two years ago, with the intention of opening the school in September 2008. But the Liberal government spent the money on other projects.

"Basically two years have been lost in that process," said Betts.

"My understanding is they were looking at one site and that fell through, they were hoping to get another one in the spring, but I still haven't heard."

Recently, officials from District 1, which administers French-language schools in southern New Brunswick, have reiterated their interest for a new school in the city's north end. The decision to eliminate early French immersion is expected to see an increase in parents seeking in enroll their children in a French-language school

Some parents have been choosing to send their children to a local immersion school rather than opting to put their children on a bus for more than a half-hour to one of the city's three French-language schools.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________


Metro Moncton praised for bilingualism
Local delegation attended international technological conference in Louisiana

Published Saturday May 17th, 2008
A12
By Yvon Gauvin
Times & Transcript staff

A trip to Louisiana to participate in an international technological conference intended for municipalities proved to be a revelation for one Metro Moncton school official.

Former Mathieu-Martin High School principal Gilberte Godin, who now works for the District 1 office, was one of about a dozen people, including four high school students who made the trip last month to Lafayette to attend the SESAME TechSouth Trade Show and conference, alongside City of Moncton delegates.

Godin was representing District 1, which administers French-language schools in Southern New Brunswick, and District 2, which administers English-language schools in Southeastern New Brunswick.

She and local students were invited by the city to participate, in part to showcase the region's bilingual nature, which is seen as a marketing asset. The six-day event was also an opportunity to compare teaching levels and practices between participating countries.

The city was praised for its bilingualism as well as its technical know how and application, for example providing Internet access on transit buses for riders, she said.

The two school districts were also praised for their level of technology and teaching programs, including efforts to help at risk students.

Godin said she was amazed by the number of students expelled from schools in the southern U.S. for various reasons including violence, weapons possession. And while there are programs in place to help these students, they're not usually available until after the student is expelled, she explained.

Other countries to send delegates to the conference were Belgium, Finland and Russia.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Botsford St. section closed
Published Saturday May 17th, 2008
A9

Motorists planning to travel along Moncton's Botsford Street are advised that part of the street will be closed for 10 weeks beginning Tuesday, May 20, to allow for widening of the road.

The section closed to through traffic is from King Street to Spurr Street. King Street will remain open as a detour route, said a Moncton city official.

Delays are likely along other parts of Botsford Street from Mountain Road to Wheeler Boulevard as a result of road work. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes when possible to avoid the work site.

The project is expected to end late July. The city apologizes for the inconvenience.

[mmmatt]

Great to hear there is a solid plan coming into place for a new school up there...its so bad now that people moving into new houses which are in the backyard of Evergreen School have to send thier kids to another school half way across the city...kinda foolish.

[rocyn]

I'm really curious to know the exact site they are proposing for the new school - Ryan is a very long road! I'm hopeful that it would be toward the Hildegarde end rather than the Magnetic Hill end. Potentially that would mean sidewalks would be installed. Maybe even *gasp* Codiac Transit would extend their service so those of us on Penrose and Tanya Crescent aren't without public transportation.

Speaking of Penrose area, is there a way to find out what the development plan is there? Curious to know where new roads are going and what other roads they may connect to, if any land has been designated for public use (parks?) Does anyone have any information? There is certainly a lot of activity off Freeman/Tanya Crescent/Penrose but it is hard to tell what exactly is going on.

This article (http://timestranscript.canadaeast.com/rss/article/261852 ) mentioned connecting Ryan and Evergreen areas. Anyone know exactly where/how they will connect?

[mylesmalley]

I'm really curious to know the exact site they are proposing for the new school - Ryan is a very long road! I'm hopeful that it would be toward the Hildegarde end rather than the Magnetic Hill end. Potentially that would mean sidewalks would be installed. Maybe even *gasp* Codiac Transit would extend their service so those of us on Penrose and Tanya Crescent aren't without public transportation.

Speaking of Penrose area, is there a way to find out what the development plan is there? Curious to know where new roads are going and what other roads they may connect to, if any land has been designated for public use (parks?) Does anyone have any information? There is certainly a lot of activity off Freeman/Tanya Crescent/Penrose but it is hard to tell what exactly is going on.

This article (http://timestranscript.canadaeast.com/rss/article/261852 ) mentioned connecting Ryan and Evergreen areas. Anyone know exactly where/how they will connect?

First of all, welcome to the forums! :cheers:

I'll try to answer your last question first. I drove up Ryan Rd. about a week ago, and it appears that Evergreen is being extended to Ryan as we speak. As for where, well that's a tricky thing to answer. The latest zoning map of the city doesn't include it, but a map they published a few weeks ago showing ward boundaries includes quite a few new and u/c streets - evergreen and a few others east of Twin Oaks stand out. I'd post the link, but I honestly can't find it anymore.

Your second question, about development south of Ryan... again, I can't be very specific. Several projects are in the works in that area and around Horseman Rd. I think the plan is to have several hundred houses in and around there in the next couple years. There was also talk a while back about building the city's first gated community. No idea if/when that's ever going to happen.

According to the paper, the province is looking to build a new school there, but they haven't decided on a location yet. When they first brought it up a few years ago, I thought they planned on building it on Frampton or in that area. Now that they're looking at Ryan, I couldn't say. Personally, I'd like to see them build it at the bend near Horseman. If they fixed up that intersection-traffic light ideally, it'd fit in quite well. Ten years from now, Ryan will probably be what Twin Oaks is like today at the rate the north end is growing.