The Official Moncton, NB Project Thread

[mylesmalley]

Province backs metro centre
Published Tuesday October 7th, 2008

Shawn Graham wants Metro Moncton to solidify role as entertainment hub of Atlantic Canada
A1
BY ALAN COCHRANE
TIMES & TRANSCRIPT STAFF

The provincial government is committed to helping Moncton build a new downtown metro centre that would serve as a multi-use entertainment facility, Premier Shawn Graham said yesterday.

"We want Moncton to become the entertainment capital for Atlantic Canada," Graham said in an editorial board meeting with the Times & Transcript yesterday. "I would much rather have people come to Moncton than go to Maine or Montreal or Toronto to see world class entertainment."

Graham pointed to the success of the outdoor Magnetic Hill concert site in staging shows by such international acts as the Rolling Stones and the Eagles in recent years, which have generated millions of dollars in economic spinoffs to hotels, restaurants, retail and other businesses. In preparation for the Eagles show two months ago, the province contributed more than $1 million to help the City of Moncton build permanent washrooms, backstage buildings and other infrastructure at the outdoor concert site.

Graham said these investments help stimulate the economy by creating jobs and drawing visitors to New Brunswick. They also help promoters draw bigger name acts to the city.

Graham said he has met with promoters who want to bring more international acts to Metro Moncton, but need a bigger, more modern facility. The Moncton Coliseum has a seating capacity of just over 7,000 for big concerts, which was proven last week by a sold-out crowd for music icon Elton John. The Elton John show sold out in less than an hour and brought in gross receipts of over $1 million. Many of those who attended the show came from Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and other parts of New Brunswick.

A recent survey indicated that more than 80 per cent of Metro Moncton residents are in favour of a new downtown entertainment facility.

The City of Moncton will soon put out a Request For Proposals (RFP) for the design of a new downtown centre, which would likely include a hockey arena that would double as an entertainment complex and include some retail shops as well. Several downtown locations are being considered, including the current site of the Highfield Square shopping centre on Main Street near the Via Rail station.

Ian Fowler, the general manager of the city's recreation, parks, tourism and culture department, says a new downtown arena would be a community pride builder.

The idea of building a new downtown arena has been around for a while but is now getting serious attention. It is not intended to replace the Coliseum, which was built in the 1970s and seen many renovations and additions over the years. The Coliseum is seen as one of the best trade and convention show spaces in Atlantic Canada and is often filled to capacity with such annual events as the Speed Sport auto show.

If and when it is built, the new metro centre may or may not be connected with other projects, such as the downtown justice centre and long-awaited convention centre for the downtown.

[mylesmalley]

N.B. to begin twinning Hwy 11: Premier
Published Tuesday October 7th, 2008

Work under way on improvements to major link to northern N.B.
A1
BY ALAN COCHRANE
TIMES & TRANSCRIPT STAFF

The provincial government is close to starting work on twinning the embattled and sometimes treacherous Highway 11, Premier Shawn Graham said yesterday.

Highway 11 is the major link between Shediac and northern New Brunswick. It is a two-lane highway which rolls north from Highway 132 near Shediac through Bouctouche, Cocagne, Rexton, Richibucto and Miramichi to the Acadian Peninsula all the way through Dalhousie and Campbellton to the Quebec border. It is a major route used by trucks, commuters and tourists and has become increasingly busy in recent years as Metro Moncton has become more of a retail hub. Many people who live in Kent County and work in Metro Moncton use the highway each day. Drivers and commuters regularly complain that the two-lane road is dangerous, especially during the winter months. In some areas near the Miramichi and Kouchibouguac, there are large signs on the highway warning motorists to beware of moose crossing the road.

"Stay tuned for an announcement," Graham said in a meeting with the Times & Transcript editorial board yesterday. "When our government makes a commitment we will follow up on it."

Asked whether the province would require federal government assistance with the road, he replied that drivers and residents need to be patient. He wouldn't say when the project might begin, how long it would take or whether it would have to be done in stages.

He said government staff have already begun the process of studying how many overpasses, bridges and other structures would be needed, along with the costs of acquiring property to build a second lane to twin the highway.

Graham said it probably would have made sense to twin Highway 126 years ago because it followed the main rail line north, but it now makes more sense to twin Highway 11 because it links so many communities together.

Earlier this month, Transportation Minister Denis Landry said the province was spending more than $53 million on highway construction projects this year to help improve roadways in northeastern New Brunswick and to boost regional economic development. It's the largest investment on northern New Brunswick highways in at least 15 years.

Graham has said spending money on maintenance is just as important as new construction, both on main highways and the scenic back roads that connect New Brunswick's coastal rural communities and act as part of the province's draw for tourists.

[mylesmalley]

Metro Moncton's housing market remains stable
Published Tuesday October 7th, 2008

Diversified workforce helps prevent price fluctuations
A4
by dwayne tingley
times & transcript staff

Metro Moncton's housing market favours buyers as prices in recent months have dropped slightly, but remain stable, according to a survey released yesterday by Royal LePage Real Estate Services.

The house price survey shows the price of a detached bungalow in Metro Moncton decreased by 0.3 per cent to $156,500 while standard two-storey homes slipped by 2.6 per cent to $231,500 year-over-year.

"During the third quarter, Moncton's house prices dipped slightly from where they were last year," said Carla Bouchard, owner of Royal LePage Metro Moncton.

"However, the city's diversified workforce provided some insulations from acute price fluctuations experienced in other parts of the country and south of the border.

"Moncton was recently named the fifth best city in Canada to do business. People are realizing the benefit of our strategic location. We're in close proximity to many major cities in Atlantic Canada."

Most cities in Atlantic Canada saw house values soar during the third quarter of this year. The hottest market in the region was St. John's, N.L., which is also one of the hottest markets in the entire country.

The price of a detached bungalow in the Newfoundland and Labrador capital jumped 6.9 per cent to $211,667 while the average two-storey home rose by 7.1 per cent to $255,333.

The burgeoning oil industry has led the price increases in St. John's.

Meanwhile, consumer confidence is high in Saint John, where prices are also climbing, but a Royal Lepage spokesman said homes still remain affordable.

The price of a detached bungalow in Saint John increased by 54.4 per cent to $202,933 while the standard two-storey home jumped by 21.6 per cent to $291,788.

"We're becoming the anomaly of Canada's housing market with major developments going on in the oil, natural gas and nuclear sectors," said Kevin Butler, area manager for Royal LePage Atlantic Ltd.

In Fredericton, prices for bungalows rose by 4.5 per cent to $162,000 and two-storey homes saw their price tags increase by 6.6 per cent to $210,000.

Overall, prices across Canada have remained stable. The national average price for a detached bungalow was $240,000, the same as it was last year. Two-storey homes increased by 0.1 per cent to $408,927.

"From coast-to-coast, strong fundamentals such as favourable rates of employment, solid local economies and the continuing availability of affordable mortgage financing have positioned Canada's housing market to weather the storm south of the border and allow the country to chart its own course," the company said in a news release.

_______________________________________________
Note: It was just a few days ago that the metro housing
market was booming. I don't think a recession has hit us
yet, but this goes to show we're certainly not immune
from the global slowdown.

[MonctonRad]

Province backs metro centre
Published Tuesday October 7th, 2008

Shawn Graham wants Metro Moncton to solidify role as entertainment hub of Atlantic Canada

The City of Moncton will soon put out a Request For Proposals (RFP) for the design of a new downtown centre, which would likely include a hockey arena that would double as an entertainment complex and include some retail shops as well. Several downtown locations are being considered, including the current site of the Highfield Square shopping centre on Main Street near the Via Rail station.


It's actually amazing how quickly the concept of a downtown Metro Centre has caught on with the political leadership in the area. The concept seemed to have started with Ian Fowler just generally throwing out ideas. The Mayor and city council have since adopted the project. The Premier is now on board. The federal liberals are in favour and have said they would help in funding the project (if elected - and that's a big if).

This project is developing momentum bigtime!

Another thing to note - the bias seems to be towards placing the metro centre at the Highfield Square site rather than behind Assumption Place. One has to wonder why this is. Have Sobey's approached the city and the province with a proposal? I wonder if this is the case. It is interesting that "people in the know" seem to be talking about some form of a "mixed use" project that would include street level retail and restaurant space in addition to the arena and a possible convention centre. This concept would seem to be tailored to a site fronting on Main Street.

To me, it would appear that something is going on behind the scenes. Perhaps this project is further along than people think.

[mmmatt]

_______________________________________________
Note: It was just a few days ago that the metro housing
market was booming. I don't think a recession has hit us
yet, but this goes to show we're certainly not immune
from the global slowdown.

haha good point...the other article was talking mainly about new residential construction though, which hasn't really slowed much at all...in fact its picked up in Dieppe, while remaining stable (at a high level) in Moncton and Riverview.

[mmmatt]

It's actually amazing how quickly the concept of a downtown Metro Centre has caught on with the political leadership in the area. The concept seemed to have started with Ian Fowler just generally throwing out ideas. The Mayor and city council have since adopted the project. The Premier is now on board. The federal liberals are in favour and have said they would help in funding the project (if elected - and that's a big if).

This project is developing momentum bigtime!

Another thing to note - the bias seems to be towards placing the metro centre at the Highfield Square site rather than behind Assumption Place. One has to wonder why this is. Have Sobey's approached the city and the province with a proposal? I wonder if this is the case. It is interesting that "people in the know" seem to be talking about some form of a "mixed use" project that would include street level retail and restaurant space in addition to the arena and a possible convention centre. This concept would seem to be tailored to a site fronting on Main Street.

To me, it would appear that something is going on behind the scenes. Perhaps this project is further along than people think.

You're right...I remember the metro center was like just a small mention one day and then a few weeks later it everyone was talking about it haha. I'm not complaining though, its a great project and will add a lot to downtown.

[mmmatt]

Couple of pics from my car taken today

Boston Pizza renovation
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f232/stu_pendousmat/Wikipedia%20stuff/construction/DSCN1230.jpg

Brick strip mall on Mountain
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f232/stu_pendousmat/Wikipedia%20stuff/construction/DSCN1232.jpg

Motel 6 (sorry for cruddy angle, but I was tring to drive 80 in traffic and take the pics at the same time haha)
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f232/stu_pendousmat/Wikipedia%20stuff/construction/DSCN1235.jpg

Casino NB (cant really see much from these pics but the land is cleared WAY back from the street)
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f232/stu_pendousmat/Wikipedia%20stuff/construction/DSCN1236.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f232/stu_pendousmat/Wikipedia%20stuff/construction/DSCN1238.jpg

Sign for potential apartment development
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f232/stu_pendousmat/Wikipedia%20stuff/construction/DSCN1242.jpg


Also of note the former True Value hardware store which moved away from mountain road recently has a "SOLD" sign on it now :)

[mylesmalley]

Where's that appartment on Mountain supposed to go? I'm guessing in the King St area?

It'd look a little silly on Burger Row...

[mmmatt]

Where's that appartment on Mountain supposed to go? I'm guessing in the King St area?

It'd look a little silly on Burger Row...

haha yeah...I made a little map:

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f232/stu_pendousmat/Wikipedia%20stuff/construction/MountainRddevelopment.jpg

Red: Motel 6
Blue: Casino NB
Green: Apartments

[mylesmalley]

I wonder how long before that area in the middle of your map gets subdivided.
Nice job, BTW

[mmmatt]

New hospital wing to open before Christmas

Health authority to ensure everything working fine before taking possession

BY ALAN COCHRANE
TIMES & TRANSCRIPT STAFF
Published Wednesday October 8th, 2008

The new $47-million ambulatory care centre at The Moncton Hospital should be open by Christmas but officials with the hospital want to make sure it is completely ready before they take it over from the province and the construction company.

"We don't want to be too quick to cut the ribbon on this because it needs to be ready and safe when we start operations," said Jeff Carter, vice-president of support services for the Regional Health Authority B.

Construction of the new wing at the hospital has been going on for a couple of years and is now to the stage where electrical, mechanical and emergency systems are being checked. The building is being built by Maxim Construction under the provincial Department of Supply and Services. Carter said the health authority is the client and won't actually take possession of the building until everything is completed. The health-care authority has been following the process and has a seat at planning and progress meetings to make sure all its concerns are met.

He said there have been a number of delays in the process but the atmosphere remains positive with an eye toward opening it "at some point between now and Christmas."

Officials had said earlier the building would open sometime in September. Alan Mongraw, vice-president of operations for the health-care authority recently retired, placing responsibility for the project into the hands of other officials with the authority.

Carter said the work of checking systems will continue over the next four to six weeks. He said there were many similar delays during construction of the new $110-million Miramichi Regional Hospital a few years ago. He said the authority won't sign off on the project until everything is done according to its specifications.

The new ambulatory care unit is a massive structure attached to The Moncton Hospital with a long glass-enclosed entryway and parking garage.

It will have six major clinics, laboratories, diagnostic centres and treatment centres, including a cardiac assessment clinic. One of the goals of the centre is to allow day surgeries to be done in a different area so they can free up the major operating rooms.

"We want to make sure we do it right," Carter said.

[mmmatt]

Curling will bring the world to Metro

Province contributes $200,000 toward 2009 Ford world men's championship, set for April 4-12

by dwayne tingley
times & transcript staff
Published Wednesday October 8th, 2008

http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=194302&size=500x0
Chairman of the 2009 Ford World Curling Championships, Jim Lockyer, is all smiles as he reported yeaterday that the event is shaping up to be the best ever world event. MLA Michael Murphy announced that the Province of New Brunswick is contributing $200,000 towards the event.

Les Harrison has attended 14 world curling championships on three continents, but the next one will be the most special of all.

The 2009 Ford world men's curling championship will be played April 4-12 in Harrison's hometown, at the Moncton Coliseum and the president of the World Curling Federation is promising an event that will be special for everyone.

"It's going to be electric," Harrison said yesterday as the New Brunswick government announced a $200,000 grant toward the event. "The city is going to be filled with international visitors and they are going to create an electric atmosphere.

"The volunteers have been working hard and they're starting to get excited because the event is just six months away. It's a great event for the Moncton area because it's the 50th anniversary of the championship and the World Curling Federation is going to have its annual meeting here to bring in representatives from 46 countries and the International Olympic Association."

Harrison made his comments at a news conference that featured the funding announcement by Health Minister Mike Murphy, whose Moncton North riding includes the Coliseum. The province is contributing $200,000 toward the world championship that will run a $3-million operating budget.

Murphy said the money is part of the province's on-going commitment to solidifying Metro Moncton's role as the entertainment capital of the Atlantic provinces, citing the examples of the Magnetic Hill concert site and construction of the track and field stadium at the Université de Moncton, as well as supporting the building of a new metro centre in the city.

Moncton Mayor George LeBlanc said the world curling championship is "yet another glowing example of how Moncton is being put on the world map as a city capable of hosting world-class sporting events."

Organizing committee chairman Jim Lockyer said curling has been good for Moncton and Moncton has been good for curling over the years.

Only three Briers (Canadian men's championship) have been decided in extra ends and two of them, in 1956 and 1985, have been played in Moncton. The 1985 Brier featured a nearly impossible double takeout by Northern Ontario's Al Hackner, often regarded as the greatest shot in curling history.

The 1980 world men's championship in Moncton, known then as the Silver Broom, was won by Canada's Rick Folk and it ended the Labonte curse. Canada had lost eight straight worlds until Folk's heroics at the Coliseum.

In 1990, the Colseum hosted the Moncton 100 cashspiel, which saw the debut of the four-rock rule, known as the Moncton Rule, designed by former world champ and Moncton resident Russ Howard. who wanted more offence added to the game. The rule remains an integral part of the modern game.

"As you can see," Lockyer said, "Moncton has a rich curling history and now I promise you the 2009 championships, just six months away, are going to be the best organized world curling championships ever played."

Lockyer said the $200,000 from the province will be used for the construction of some temporary structures, including press facilities for reporters coming to Moncton from around the world.

Some of the money will be used to acquire machines that control the level of humidity in the Coliseum, which is necessary for the players.

"The ice has to be the same temperature all of the time, whether the Coliseum is empty or we have the heat of 7,000 people in the building," he explained.

The nine-day championship is expected to create $12-$18 million in economic spinoffs for southeastern New Brunswick.

Twelve teams will compete in a round-robin format with the top four advancing to a playoff round. The championship is also the last major qualifying competition before the 2010 Olympic games in Vancouver, where only 10 teams will compete.

Canada will serve as the host team, but one more rink from the Americas will have to earn their ticket to Moncton. Teams from the United States and Brazil will play a best-of-five series to determine the second representative.

"Actually, the team from Brazil is comprised of students who are going to Bishop's University in Lennoxville, Que.," Harrison said. "They've been working hard and preparing to take on the Americans because they want to get to the worlds in Moncton.

"There is a winter sports federation and there is some pressure in Brazil to build a curling rink. Now, they are curling in a regular arena. There is also some pressure to build winter sports venues in Venezuela, too, so the sport is becoming more global."

Lockyer said the Moncton organizing committee has already signed up 450 volunteers and more are on a waiting list.

"We know the world is ready and the volunteers are ready," Harrison said. "We're confident the general public will now step forward and be part of the excitement. You can feel it building up to something very exciting for our area."

[MonctonRad]

I wonder how long before that area in the middle of your map gets subdivided.
Nice job, BTW

That satellite photo actually must be a little old. There is some roadwork going on behind Glad Tidings Tabernacle right now. The area is being subdivided as we speak.

[SJNB]

Province backs metro centre
Published Tuesday October 7th, 2008

Shawn Graham wants Metro Moncton to solidify role as entertainment hub of Atlantic Canada
A1
BY ALAN COCHRANE
TIMES & TRANSCRIPT STAFF

The provincial government is committed to helping Moncton build a new downtown metro centre that would serve as a multi-use entertainment facility, Premier Shawn Graham said yesterday.

"We want Moncton to become the entertainment capital for Atlantic Canada," Graham said in an editorial board meeting with the Times & Transcript yesterday. "I would much rather have people come to Moncton than go to Maine or Montreal or Toronto to see world class entertainment."

Graham pointed to the success of the outdoor Magnetic Hill concert site in staging shows by such international acts as the Rolling Stones and the Eagles in recent years, which have generated millions of dollars in economic spinoffs to hotels, restaurants, retail and other businesses. In preparation for the Eagles show two months ago, the province contributed more than $1 million to help the City of Moncton build permanent washrooms, backstage buildings and other infrastructure at the outdoor concert site.

Graham said these investments help stimulate the economy by creating jobs and drawing visitors to New Brunswick. They also help promoters draw bigger name acts to the city.

Graham said he has met with promoters who want to bring more international acts to Metro Moncton, but need a bigger, more modern facility. The Moncton Coliseum has a seating capacity of just over 7,000 for big concerts, which was proven last week by a sold-out crowd for music icon Elton John. The Elton John show sold out in less than an hour and brought in gross receipts of over $1 million. Many of those who attended the show came from Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and other parts of New Brunswick.

A recent survey indicated that more than 80 per cent of Metro Moncton residents are in favour of a new downtown entertainment facility.

The City of Moncton will soon put out a Request For Proposals (RFP) for the design of a new downtown centre, which would likely include a hockey arena that would double as an entertainment complex and include some retail shops as well. Several downtown locations are being considered, including the current site of the Highfield Square shopping centre on Main Street near the Via Rail station.

Ian Fowler, the general manager of the city's recreation, parks, tourism and culture department, says a new downtown arena would be a community pride builder.

The idea of building a new downtown arena has been around for a while but is now getting serious attention. It is not intended to replace the Coliseum, which was built in the 1970s and seen many renovations and additions over the years. The Coliseum is seen as one of the best trade and convention show spaces in Atlantic Canada and is often filled to capacity with such annual events as the Speed Sport auto show.

If and when it is built, the new metro centre may or may not be connected with other projects, such as the downtown justice centre and long-awaited convention centre for the downtown.


Not trying to be a downer on the project, but I don't think a new 12,000 seat arena would be very profitable. The Wildcats over the last 5 years have averaged under 5000 people a game, meaning the arena would be under 50% full the majority of the year. The music industry only has so many touring acts that sell 12-15000 seats, and they do not tour on a yearly basis...this is mearly my opinion..what are other people thoughts?

[MonctonRad]

Not trying to be a downer on the project, but I don't think a new 12,000 seat arena would be very profitable. The Wildcats over the last 5 years have averaged under 5000 people a game, meaning the arena would be under 50% full the majority of the year. The music industry only has so many touring acts that sell 12-15000 seats, and they do not tour on a yearly basis...this is mearly my opinion..what are other people thoughts?


Your points are quite valid.

I don't imagine the Wildcats would draw more than the 4500-5000 average for regular season games that they are getting now. There are 34 home games per year. There can easily be more fans than this however for playoff games and for special events (like the Memorial Cup a few years ago). We have also been quite busy with concerts this year; probably 15-20 major events. A number of these have been sellouts.

There are probably not many major stadia which are actually money makers in themselves. They are frequently seen as catalysts for the economy in general.

The major impetus for this project would be to serve as a catalyst for downtown development. In addition, the present coliseum is beginning to show its age and has several major structural issues (low ceiling, poor acoustics, lack of dehumidification, no air conditioning, no corporate boxes). We have missed out on a number of major touring events (eg Cirque de Soleil) because of these issues. They can only be addressed with a new facility.

It makes sense to locate a new "Metro Centre" downtown. In terms of the size of the facility (12-15,000), I admit that this does seem very ambitious but it should be remembered that when the Coliseum was built 30 years ago, seating of 7,000 was felt to be more than enough too.

The new Metro Centre will not only be built for the present needs of the city but also with an eye to the future as well. If the facility is "underbuilt", we might be kicking ourselves in 50 years time.:)

[mylesmalley]

Stadia or stadiums?

or both?

[mylesmalley]

More construction on the way
Published Thursday October 9th, 2008

Moncton approves tentative plans for several subdivision expansions
A4
Times & Transcript Staff

The City of Moncton continues to grow, as evidenced this week when Moncton City Council approved a number of new tentative subdivision plans for the city.

The Mapleton Heights subdivision, located off Mapleton Road, is about to expand.

Unit four includes about 160 lots and will require the creation of five new streets: Amity, Monique, Reginald, and Cumberland, plus a future street, yet to be named.

Council also accepted some land for public purposes as well as some cash in lieu of land for public purposes. The piece of land offered by the developer was not large enough to satisfy the requirement of dedicating 10 per cent of the land for public purposes, so the city voted to accept $5,801 to make up the difference.

The walkway proposed by the developer will link the subdivision to an existing playground and tennis courts.

Council also approved a tentative plan for unit 11 of Grove Hamlet subdivision off Shediac Road.

The 14-lot expansion will be located at the end of existing Erinvale Drive and will require the extension of Erinvale, Melba Street, and Ripplewood Road.

Council accepted $6,000 cash in lieu of land for public purposes from the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church at 25 Hildegarde Dr., which is subdividing its lots to accommodate the construction of a new private school.

It also approved a zoning amendment to allow the tenants at 210 John St. to create more parking. The strip of land in question is located behind the former Moncton Headstart building, now home to offices, and was zoned government use. It has been rezoned to secondary business district to match the zoning of the main property.

[MonctonRad]

Stadia or stadiums?

or both?

Sorry, I have studied Latin.:D

[MonctonRad]

Heritage supporters concerned about fate of Higgins Block
Published Thursday October 9th, 2008

Boarded-up windows, worries about water damage cause heritage board to appeal to city for help
By Aloma Jardine
Times & Transcript Staff

Heritage supporters in Moncton are hoping the city may be able to do something to improve the lot of the Higgins Block.

While the first floor of the building is in good repair, the upper floors are boarded up and in need of much work.

Moncton City Councillor Paulette Thériault says it is an eyesore at a very visible corner and hopes something can be done to restore what she calls a "beautiful building."

The Higgins Block is located at the northwest corner of Main and Botsford Streets and currently houses Mexicali Rosa's and Terra Verde on the ground level.

Built in 1901, it was originally home to Lester H. Higgins' shoe and boot business, but has also housed the Moncton Public Library, the Canadian Bank of Commerce, and Metropolitan Life Insurance.

It is considered Main Street's best example of commercial Italianate architecture from the early 20th century.

Thériault was concerned enough about the state of the building to bring it up during the councillor's remarks portion of Monday's city council meeting.

"My understanding is this has been an issue for some time," she says. "The problem is that the building is apparently not properly maintained."

Concerns about the building were brought to Thériault by the Moncton Heritage Preservation Review Board.

Chairwoman Beverly Barrett says the appearance of the heritage building is one problem, particularly given its location at a highly visible corner of Main Street.

"But as a heritage property, if it is not maintained and kept sealed on the upper levels and it starts to deteriorate and pigeons begin to worm their way in, then the weather can get it," Barrett says. "I don't know if anyone is checking, but if the weather gets in then it could cause mould and mildew and that can quickly ruin the air quality of a building."

Barrett says mildew may also mean the entire interior would have to be gutted, thus losing any interior heritage value.

If the upper floors continue to deteriorate, Thériault also worries it might eventually impact the first-floor tenants.

"We have some excellent people on the first floor, it looks good, they are maintaining the first floor," she says.

Barrett says the Higgins Block's state of disrepair is beginning to stand out even more, given that other nearby buildings have been or are soon to be renovated.

The McSweeney Building across the street has just undergone major work and the Provincial Bank Building next door to McSweeney's, which used to house a Burger King, has been purchased and plans are in the works to renovate it as well.

Brenda Orr, senior heritage officer with the City of Moncton, says the city's heritage bylaw only deals with a building's exterior and does not protect either the interior or the overall condition of the building.

"Everybody would like to see a building restored and maintained for whatever purpose and because that particular building is at such a key focal point of the downtown and where so many other properties have recently been restored and improved," she says. "Because heritage is important to the city, we would like to see something done with that building, but ultimately it is in the hands of the property owner."

Orr says the city put a grant program in place two years ago to provide property owners with funding to help cover the cost of restoring heritage properties.

The aim of the program is to provide the incentive to undertake the sometimes costly repairs needed to maintain an older building.

Barrett is hoping the city can help persuade the owner, who lives in Halifax, to do some work on Higgins Block.

"We brought it to the attention of city council. We do have an unsightly (premises) bylaw that the city can enforce. We thought maybe if we stir up a little bit of awareness, maybe the city will contact (the owner) and say you have to seal the building better and if he doesn't comply, the city can do the work and bill the owner," she says.

Thériault also brought the building to the attention of city staff to see if there is anything the city can do.

"Hopefully we can sit down with the owner as well and come up with something that would be a win-win for all concerned," she says. "It is a very beautiful building."

She says the space's prime location would lend itself well to condos or offices or as a home for some sort of institution or organization.


I hope that they do do something about the Higgins Block. It is on a very prominent corner downtown, across the street from city hall. The building facade seems to be in good shape but the boarded up upper windows on the third floor are hideous. The building should be preserved. It is interesting that the landowner is a non resident from Halifax. As such, he probably would not be as concerned about the aesthetics of the property as would a native Monctonian. He probably will require a firm nudge from the civic administration to get anything done!

[JasonL-Moncton]

I worked in that building back in 93-94 when "Spanky's" was still there and the second and third floors were run down then, and the roof was sagging in the middle.

It would be a shame to see this 107 year old building become condemned and have to be torn down. Maybe it needs to be purchased by a Monctonian.

JL

[mylesmalley]

Sorry, I have studied Latin.:D

Quid quid latine dictum sit, altum videtur.

[mmmatt]

the Provincial Bank Building next door to McSweeney's, which used to house a Burger King, has been purchased and plans are in the works to renovate it as well.


Well thats good news :)

I always wondered why somebody didnt renovate Higgins Block into lofts or something...it would really clean up that building.

[MonctonRad]

Quid quid latine dictum sit, altum videtur.

Operor vos reputo quisquam in Sanctus Ioannes "thread" teneo latina?

[mylesmalley]

Operor vos reputo quisquam in Sanctus Ioannes "thread" teneo latina?

I have no idea what that means. Haha.

The only thing in latin i do know is 'anything said in latin sounds profound'.

I used to know how to say 'My, what a large catapult.' but sadly, that didn't survive the excessive drinking of first year university.

[MonctonRad]

I have no idea what that means. Haha.

The only thing in latin i do know is 'anything said in latin sounds profound'.

I used to know how to say 'My, what a large catapult.' but sadly, that didn't survive the excessive drinking of first year university.


I said that I had studied Latin, I didn't say that I was any good at it. :D

What I had tried to say was "Do you think anyone on the Saint John thread understands Latin?"

The only Latin I know now pertains to medicine and anatomy.:)

[MonctonRad]

I have no idea what that means. Haha.

The only thing in latin i do know is 'anything said in latin sounds profound'.

I used to know how to say 'My, what a large catapult.' but sadly, that didn't survive the excessive drinking of first year university.


My, what a large catapult = Meus , quis a amplus ballista

[mmmatt]

You guys and your ancient languages haha

On a positive note the city finally updated the tourism web site to match the municipal web site...It looks really nice (million times better than before)

http://tourism.moncton.ca/

[mylesmalley]

Metro centre gets key support
Published Friday October 10th, 2008

Metro candidates say federal parties back drive for downtown entertainment and convention centre complex
A1
BY ALAN COCHRANE
TIMES & TRANSCRIPT STAFF

With all the jostling for position in the final stretch of this federal election race, the big winners could be the citizens of Metro Moncton who want a new downtown convention and entertainment centre.

Earlier this week, Premier Shawn Graham told the Times & Transcript he was firmly committed to a metro centre and would do whatever it takes to get the project done. The centre is one of the priorities for the new council under Mayor George LeBlanc, and now both the Liberal and Conservative candidates in Tuesday's federal election claim to have their party's support for the project.

Yesterday, Conservative candidate Daniel Allain continued his campaign by waving a letter from Greg Thompson, Regional Minister for New Brunswick indicating that a new government under Stephen Harper would support a metro centre for Moncton.

In the letter, Thompson said the government understands "that a multi-use

Metro Centre in Moncton is key to the continued growth of the downtown business area and that it has the potential to produce substantial job growth and new revenue for the entire riding."

Minister Thompson said in his letter that Allain proved to be a strong, persuasive voice in lobbying the Conservative government to support the project.

"You kept us well informed on the importance of this project for the Moncton region, and its economic benefits for that area," stated Thompson.

According to the City Think exercise conducted by the Times & Transcript and Omnifacts Bristol, 89 per cent of people surveyed indicated that they are in favour of building an arena complex in downtown Moncton. In a meeting with the Times & Transcript editorial board this week, Premier Shawn Graham said the provincial government wants to help Moncton become the entertainment and cultural centre of Atlantic Canada and providing assistance for the metro centre would be part of that plan.

Moncton Liberal MP Brian Murphy said it is nice the Conservatives finally woke up to the convention centre idea with only a few days left in the campaign.

Murphy said he has already consulted with Graham and LeBlanc and on Saturday received a commitment from federal Liberal leader Stéphane Dion that money from a $90-billion infrastructure fund could be used to help fund the Moncton metro centre.

Murphy said the Tories are simply playing catch-up.

"I'm happy that we had that kind of effect on the Conservatives. Until we get a Liberal government, this is the way we'll have to get things done."

Ian Fowler, the city's general manager of recreation, parks, tourism and culture, is delighted to see both the federal and provincial governments so dedicated to the project. The city will soon put out a Request for Proposals for the basic plans and scope of a proposed metro centre. It will likely be a 15,000 to 20,000-seat facility with at least one ice surface and space for retail shops and services, and possibly be linked to a convention centre. The location has not been finalized, but there are several areas downtown that would be suitable. The centre would not replace the existing Moncton Coliseum and Agrena complex, which has a seating capacity of 5,000 to 7,000 for hockey games and concerts, plus extensive convention and trade show space.

Fowler said the city would have to meet with potential clients to hear their concerns, hopes and dreams for a stadium. Several concert promoters have already discussed the idea with the city, saying that another venue would help Metro Moncton draw in more shows.

Meanwhile, Allain announced that within 90 days of being elected he would convene a Community Development Summit, in an effort to develop a prioritized community development plan for the region.

He said the three communities of Moncton, Riverview and Dieppe all have their own priorities for development and he feels bringing all involved parties to the table will help make sure the money pie is evenly divided.

Allain said the economic development summit would follow up on a similar exercise held in 2004 during which priorities included a new bridge across the Petitcodiac, a new terminal for the Greater Moncton International Airport and the metro centre for downtown.

Some other future capital projects include the trunk sewer for Riverview, an arts and culture centre for Dieppe, road work, help for the ballet and a third crossing for the Petitcodiac River from the traffic circle near Champlain Place across the marsh to the Point Park area of Riverview.

Allain wants to work with former Progressive Conservative Premier Bernard Lord and former federal Liberal cabinet minister, Claudette Bradshaw, who have previously co-chaired similar meetings in the region.

"I want to bring our three mayors to the table along with community leaders, non-profits, economic development agencies and of course the provincial government," said Allain. "By coming together we can develop a prioritized community development plan that will address the Petitcodiac River, RCMP costs, the Peace and Justice Centre, as well as other community projects on the region's agenda," Allain said.

[mylesmalley]

Federal Tories commit to Metro Centre for Downtown Moncton as election nears
October 10, 2008 - 6:06 am
By: News 91.9 Staff

MONCTON, NB - The Conservative candidate for the riding of Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe says his government has committed to partnering on a downtown metro centre for Greater Moncton

Daniel Allain says he received a letter from Greg Thompson, the regional minister for New Brunswick, indicating that a new government under Stephen Harper would support a metro centre for Moncton.

"I am pleased to inform you that as Regional Minister, I am fully committed
to helping you see this project through," stated Thompson. "We understand
that a multi-use Metro Centre in Moncton is key to the continued growth of
the downtown business area and that it has the potential to produce
substantial job growth and new revenue for the entire riding."
ccording to the City Think exercise conducted by the Times & Transcript and
Omnifacts Bristol, 89 percent of people surveyed indicated that they are in
favour of building an arena complex in downtown Moncton.
Meanwhile, the riding's Liberal MP, Brian Murphy says he's pleased the Tories have committed to a metro centre, although they're a little late on such a promise.

___________________________
I call total bullshit on this one. They said exactly the same thing about the Petitcodiac river restoration project during the 2006 election, and changed their position as soon as they won. Why would they support the construction of an entertainment venue in a mid-sized city, in a region of the country they already don't give to shakes about?

Unless they strike oil under Highfield Square, I don't think this commitment will go anywhere.

...end of rant.

[MonctonRad]

Federal Tories commit to Metro Centre for Downtown Moncton as election nears
October 10, 2008 - 6:06 am
By: News 91.9 Staff

MONCTON, NB - The Conservative candidate for the riding of Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe says his government has committed to partnering on a downtown metro centre for Greater Moncton

Daniel Allain says he received a letter from Greg Thompson, the regional minister for New Brunswick, indicating that a new government under Stephen Harper would support a metro centre for Moncton.

"I am pleased to inform you that as Regional Minister, I am fully committed
to helping you see this project through," stated Thompson. "We understand
that a multi-use Metro Centre in Moncton is key to the continued growth of
the downtown business area and that it has the potential to produce
substantial job growth and new revenue for the entire riding."
ccording to the City Think exercise conducted by the Times & Transcript and
Omnifacts Bristol, 89 percent of people surveyed indicated that they are in
favour of building an arena complex in downtown Moncton.
Meanwhile, the riding's Liberal MP, Brian Murphy says he's pleased the Tories have committed to a metro centre, although they're a little late on such a promise.

___________________________
I call total bullshit on this one. They said exactly the same thing about the Petitcodiac river restoration project during the 2006 election, and changed their position as soon as they won. Why would they support the construction of an entertainment venue in a mid-sized city, in a region of the country they already don't give to shakes about?

Unless they strike oil under Highfield Square, I don't think this commitment will go anywhere.

...end of rant.


I also take this commitment with a grain of salt but at least they have made a statement on the record that we can embarrass them about in the years to come.

I think the major threat to any major project like this for the time being will be the global economic meltdown. I'm sure that governments at all levels will be more concerned about their bottom lines rather than a new Metro Centre for Moncton.:(

[MonctonRad]

On a more positive note.....

They are starting to put up the structural steel for the new federal office building on Weldon Street.

Also, there are now stakes in the ground at the corner of Main and Vaughn Harvey where Ashford Developments plans to build a new office building.:)

[Haliguy]

A 15,000 to 20,000 seat arena really! for a city with 130,000 people seems a bit much.

[MonctonRad]

A 15,000 to 20,000 seat arena really! for a city with 130,000 people seems a bit much.

If built, I imagine that the new arena would more likely be in the 12-15,000 seat range. This would make it similar in size to the proposed arena to replace the current Metro Centre in Halifax (and a little larger than the current Halifax Metro Centre and Saint John Harbour Station). That would seem to be a more appropriate size.

What you have here is typical Times & Transcript hyperbole.

Don't forget though that our new track & field stadium will have 20,000 seats.:D

[Haliguy]

If built, I imagine that the new arena would more likely be in the 12-15,000 seat range. This would make it similar in size to the proposed arena to replace the current Metro Centre in Halifax (and a little larger than the current Halifax Metro Centre and Saint John Harbour Station). That would seem to be a more appropriate size.

What you have here is typical Times & Transcript hyperbole.

Don't forget though that our new track & field stadium will have 20,000 seats.:D


That makes more sense.

Another thing...why are they calling it a Metro Centre.

[mylesmalley]

That makes more sense.

Another thing...why are they calling it a Metro Centre.

Because the Transcript, while very creative with numbers, has no imagination when it comes to names.

[MonctonRad]

According to the Sleuth in the Times & Transcript today, Swedish multinational retailer H&M will be opening a clothing department store in Champlain Place. H&M currently has 37 stores in Canada, all in Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and B.C. This will be their first outlet in Atlantic Canada.

[mmmatt]

According to the Sleuth in the Times & Transcript today, Swedish multinational retailer H&M will be opening a clothing department store in Champlain Place. H&M currently has 37 stores in Canada, all in Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and B.C. This will be their first outlet in Atlantic Canada.

Sweet! That doesnt happen very often. Usually we get Halis seconds haha

I wonder where they would go? RW&COs former space (now that they moved down the hall haha) Or maybe the Disney Stores former place. They have been working on that spot for a month or so now.

[Haliguy]

Sweet! That doesnt happen very often. Usually we get Halis seconds haha

I wonder where they would go? RW&COs former space (now that they moved down the hall haha) Or maybe the Disney Stores former place. They have been working on that spot for a month or so now.

I'm not sure which location will be the first, but there are also rumours of it coming to Halifax though I'm not sure where exactly. I heard Mic Mac Mall but I also heard downtown.

[MonctonRad]

Sweet! That doesnt happen very often. Usually we get Halis seconds haha

I wonder where they would go? RW&COs former space (now that they moved down the hall haha) Or maybe the Disney Stores former place. They have been working on that spot for a month or so now.


According to that reputable source "The Sleuth", H&M will be located down on the Sobey's wing of the mall, occupying the space of the former "Brass Decor" and "Fairweather". Presumably Fairweather will be moving elsewhere in the mall, there is a lot of activity going on in the mall right now which is not related to the general renovations.

BTW Matt, Tabi moved into the former RW&Co location. The stores are all shuffling about. I think the general mall renovations are giving some stores the impetus to move to new locations in the mall and to renovate themselves.

[Wishblade]

I'm not sure which location will be the first, but there are also rumours of it coming to Halifax though I'm not sure where exactly. I heard Mic Mac Mall but I also heard downtown.

I actually believe its already being worked on in mic mac. The area where its to go is boarded off and if I remember correctly (but Im not sure) it has H&M posters up outside of it.

[mmmatt]

According to that reputable source "The Sleuth", H&M will be located down on the Sobey's wing of the mall, occupying the space of the former "Brass Decor" and "Fairweather". Presumably Fairweather will be moving elsewhere in the mall, there is a lot of activity going on in the mall right now which is not related to the general renovations.

BTW Matt, Tabi moved into the former RW&Co location. The stores are all shuffling about. I think the general mall renovations are giving some stores the impetus to move to new locations in the mall and to renovate themselves.

Sounds good...I didn't really know what that store was but I mentioned to my g/f yesterday and she flipped out haha...guess she went there in Germany, says its a really awesome store.

The mall is nuts right now with all the activity I went there a few days ago after not going for a couple of weeks and it was like a whole new mall haha...not just cause of the renovation but stores are shifting like you said...really exciting time for Champlain.

[MonctonRad]

Moncton Hospital expansion to open in December
Published Tuesday October 14th, 2008

Health minister says delays in construction of $47M ambulatory care unit not unexpected in project of this complexity
BY ALAN COCHRANE
TIMES & TRANSCRIPT STAFF

Construction of the new ambulatory care unit at The Moncton Hospital may be more than a year behind schedule, but Health Minister Mike Murphy says it should be open sometime in December.

"When it opens, it will be opened right with everything working the way it should be," Murphy said.

The Moncton MLA said it has taken more than originally expected to get all the systems up and running for the new wing, which will house the amubulatory care, trauma and emergency department, modern laboratory and parking garage.

Construction of the $47-million project has been under way for over two years and was scheduled for completion in the fall of 2007. The $29-million contract for Phase 2 was awarded in August of 2006 to Maxim 2000 Inc. Construction of Saint John. At the time, then-Premier Bernard Lord said completion of the entire project was scheduled for the fall of 2007.

Murphy said he has been keeping an eye on the project but couldn't say exactly what is causing the delays. He said there are many systems -- electrical, plumbing, air conditioning and others -- which must be finished properly and tested before the building is handed over to the health authority.

Construction projects funded by the province usually fall under the Department of Supply and Services.

A spokeswoman for the department said there is no question the project is behind schedule but that is somewhat normal when dealing with the challenges of such a sophisticated project.

Pat Hanlon, a spokesman for Maxim 2000 Construction in Saint John, declined to offer any comment about the project or the delays. He referred all questions to the Department of Supply and Services.

Murphy said he doesn't see the delay as a major problem and could actually be a blessing in disguise because the health authority won't start paying for the building until it has been handed over.

However, he said space inside the hospital is at a premium and employees will be glad to be moving into the new space. Part of the provincial government's current health reforms is to reduce the amount of space through the restructuring of health authority administration, and thereby cut down on the duplication of efforts around the province.

Last week, Jeff Carter, vice-president of support services for the Regional Health Authority B, said there have been a number of delays in the process but the atmosphere remains positive with an eye toward opening it at some point between now and Christmas.

Carter said the work of checking systems will continue over the next four to six weeks. He said there were many similar delays during construction of the new $110-million Miramichi Regional Hospital a few years ago. He said the authority won't sign off on the project until everything is done according to its specifications.

The new ambulatory care unit is a massive structure attached to The Moncton Hospital with a long glass-enclosed entryway and parking garage.

It will have six major clinics, laboratories, diagnostic centres and treatment centres, including a cardiac assessment clinic. One of the goals of the centre is to allow day surgeries to be done in a different area so they can free up the major operating rooms.

[MonctonRad]

Driving into work today I noticed that the lot between the Lounsbury Plaza and Frenchy's on Mountain Road is being cleared and levelled. It definitely looks as if this is site preparation activity. Does anyone know what is going to be built here?

[mylesmalley]

Chrysler plant closure continues decline for Moncton
Last Updated: Wednesday, October 15, 2008 | 11:33 AM AT
CBC News

Chrysler is closing a car parts distribution centre in Moncton at the end of November, leaving 16 people without jobs and signaling further decline in what was once a bustling industrial zone.

Just one of several major businesses to leave St. George Boulevard, an industrialized area located in west end section of Moncton, Chrysler announced in early October it would close the distribution centre.

"Having those big empty warehouses out on St. George Boulevard is not a positive thing," said economic development consultant David Campbell.

"It's the end of an era from the perspective of the auto manufacturers having retail distribution centres in Moncton, so it's a sad day," Campbell said. "Those were good paying jobs and they've been in the community for many, many years."

Peter Ford, who owns and runs a pharmacy located on St. George Boulevard, recalls the spinoff activity generated in the past by the presence in the area of companies like General Motors and Goodyear.

"There used to be train tracks. There used to be cars that came across at two in the morning to wake you up," Ford told CBC News on Tuesday.

"And then they took the train tracks out and they put in a road to Westmount Boulevard behind the drug store so there has been a lot of changes and it's gone to being a big high traffic area," he said.

While large auto manufacturers are centralizing their distribution centres in places like Montreal and Ontario, Campbell said the latest closure in Moncton isn't catastrophic like the closure of CN Shops was in the early 1980s.

Campbell said he hoped city officials will look at ways to reuse the large empty warehouses for other industries such as high-tech companies or reconfigure them to be used by several smaller companies.


_______________________________

CBC proves that they can write misleading headlines with the best of them. First, Moncton has never had a Chrysler Plant. This place was a parts warehouse. Calling it a plant closure conjures up images of Thornhill, where 1400 people just lost their jobs. This most certainly isn't the case.

Calling this a continuation of Moncton's decline is also inaccurate. Yes, that stretch of St George Blvd has seen a decline in the past few years because three or four companies have moved out, but that's hardly a sign of a city-wide decline. As we've discussed in earlier posts, this isn't a reflection of a downturn in the Moncton economy, but a downturn in the Canadian automotive sector in general.

While the city may see some slower times as the national economy slows, I don't think 16 jobs lost here is going to be the the first step towards a reversal of hte huge growth the city has seen in the last few years.

[mmmatt]

CBC proves that they can write misleading headlines with the best of them. First, Moncton has never had a Chrysler Plant. This place was a parts warehouse. Calling it a plant closure conjures up images of Thornhill, where 1400 people just lost their jobs. This most certainly isn't the case.

Calling this a continuation of Moncton's decline is also inaccurate. Yes, that stretch of St George Blvd has seen a decline in the past few years because three or four companies have moved out, but that's hardly a sign of a city-wide decline. As we've discussed in earlier posts, this isn't a reflection of a downturn in the Moncton economy, but a downturn in the Canadian automotive sector in general.

While the city may see some slower times as the national economy slows, I don't think 16 jobs lost here is going to be the the first step towards a reversal of hte huge growth the city has seen in the last few years.

Quite true Myles...when I read that title I was thinking the same thing...it implies that Moncton has taken a massive blow from this, when in fact the city gained like 4,000+ jobs last year...I dont think 16 will make a huge difference. The main issue here is the empty buildings. There needs to be something done to that stretch of St George...maybe once central St George is cleaned up in the next few years this area will be next.

[mmmatt]

Driving into work today I noticed that the lot between the Lounsbury Plaza and Frenchy's on Mountain Road is being cleared and levelled. It definitely looks as if this is site preparation activity. Does anyone know what is going to be built here?

I noticed that too...I drove by one day and there was a little house surrounded by dense trees...drive by the next day and there is level ground haha...I have no idea what will go there, but I assume retail of some sort. Maybe Frenchy's expanding?

[mylesmalley]

I noticed that too...I drove by one day and there was a little house surrounded by dense trees...drive by the next day and there is level ground haha...I have no idea what will go there, but I assume retail of some sort. Maybe Frenchy's expanding?

I'd love to see their balance sheet. How do those guys manage to stay in business?

[mmmatt]

I'd love to see their balance sheet. How do those guys manage to stay in business?

hahaha...I think they buy their clothes in massive bulk quantities from the States...at very low prices...they turn around and sell them for 5$ a shirt etc...from what Ive heard they make a decent profit.

I doubt they will expand, but its a possibility...who knows really...until a sign shows up.

Maybe the city bought the land to make an exit lane onto that street for quicker access to the Shoppers and surrounding neighborhood?

I could guess all day haha.

[MonctonRad]

Chrysler plant closure continues decline for Moncton
Last Updated: Wednesday, October 15, 2008 | 11:33 AM AT
CBC News


CBC proves that they can write misleading headlines with the best of them. First, Moncton has never had a Chrysler Plant. This place was a parts warehouse. Calling it a plant closure conjures up images of Thornhill, where 1400 people just lost their jobs. This most certainly isn't the case.

Calling this a continuation of Moncton's decline is also inaccurate. Yes, that stretch of St George Blvd has seen a decline in the past few years because three or four companies have moved out, but that's hardly a sign of a city-wide decline. As we've discussed in earlier posts, this isn't a reflection of a downturn in the Moncton economy, but a downturn in the Canadian automotive sector in general.

While the city may see some slower times as the national economy slows, I don't think 16 jobs lost here is going to be the the first step towards a reversal of hte huge growth the city has seen in the last few years.

I agree Myles, 110%!!! "Decline for Moncton me arse!!!!"

There are only 16 jobs to be lost at the Chrysler Distribution Centre. When GM closed the other year, I believe only about 35 jobs were lost. If you add in the other two distribution centres that were closed in the last several years on St. George, I bet total job losses do not exceed 100. This is easily dwarfed by the job growth that has occurred in other sectors of the Moncton economy during the same time frame!!!

What we have here in fact, is a golden opportunity; a large amount of closely adjacent real estate on a major four lane street, connected directly to downtown. This land is surrounded by schools and major sporting facilities. The area is in the process of rapidly de-industrializing and is now ripe for commercial/residential development.

The north side of St. George Blvd. therefore should be viewed as a major development opportunity. This is a good news story. Hopefully this area will catch some developer's eye sometime in the next couple of years.

[gehrhardt]

I think those warehouses would be a good opportunity for some big box retailers to swoop in and renovate. Maybe a Lowe's, Rona, or even a Sam's Club would be nice. It has to be cheaper to renovate an existing large warehouse than to build from scratch. That's assuming they're still in reasonable shape.

Not everyone likes big box stores, but they do tend to spark further development in the areas surrounding them. Look at what happened when Costco was built. That used to be a fairly rural area. Now it's one of the busiest parts of the city.

There's lots of infrastructure on St George already, so traffic shouldn't be much of an issue, with easy access from both Vaughn Harvey and Wheeler. There is no shortage of homes in that area, so it would be close to potential customers as well.

[JasonL-Moncton]

That's a good idea gerhardt...a really good idea....a Lowes down there would be awesome.

[mylesmalley]

I think those warehouses would be a good opportunity for some big box retailers to swoop in and renovate. Maybe a Lowe's, Rona, or even a Sam's Club would be nice. It has to be cheaper to renovate an existing large warehouse than to build from scratch. That's assuming they're still in reasonable shape.

Not everyone likes big box stores, but they do tend to spark further development in the areas surrounding them. Look at what happened when Costco was built. That used to be a fairly rural area. Now it's one of the busiest parts of the city.

There's lots of infrastructure on St George already, so traffic shouldn't be much of an issue, with easy access from both Vaughn Harvey and Wheeler. There is no shortage of homes in that area, so it would be close to potential customers as well.

...you're probably right, but that doesn't mean I like it:haha:

The only downside to those buildings, insofar as being turned into big box stores, is the lack of parking. The GM building is pretty big, but since it only had a few staff and a couple loading docks, it doesn't have much parking. Compared to most of the industrial parks in town, those buildings are also quite densely packed, so you'd really need to demolish stuff to make any significant expansion.

It would be nice to see some local companies move in and keep them in use, but the best future for that land would be medium to high density residential. Anything higher than 1 or 2 floors would have a great view of Jones lake and the hill on the other side. The site backs onto Franklin Yard, which is being turned into parkland and dense residential, and adjoins the park trail system too.

[mylesmalley]

Actually, come to think of it, that whole stretch of road is nearly empty now. On the other side, NB Liquor moved to their new store on Vaughan Harvey and Centenial Shakers closed a couple months ago too. That's a lot of valuable land that could be substantially redeveloped...

[JasonL-Moncton]

Driving into work today I noticed that the lot between the Lounsbury Plaza and Frenchy's on Mountain Road is being cleared and levelled. It definitely looks as if this is site preparation activity. Does anyone know what is going to be built here?

In today's paper:

http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=198069&size=500x0

http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=198070&size=500x0

Mount Pleasant Plaza will be home to five new retail outlets
By Aloma Jardine
Times & Transcript Staff

A new retail development is under construction on Mountain Road. The Corey Craig Group began work on the structure, located on the north side of Mountain Road at the corner of Mount Pleasant Road, this past week.

Brian Foster, director of real estate and development for Corey Craig, says the 8,000-square-foot (745-square metre) building will house five individual retail outlets.

Foster says they are not yet in a position to release the names of any of the tenants who will take up residence in the development, which is known as Mount Pleasant Plaza.

Although Corey Craig is synonymous with Tim Hortons outlets in Metro Moncton, Foster did confirm a Tim Hortons will not be one of the businesses in the new building.

Foster says the structure is built to look like a little village, with each of the five outlets having its own individual colour and facade.

"It is going to look really nice," he says. "We wanted to do something different, make it different and make it stand out."

The estimated cost of the development is $800,000. Foster says they expect it to open sometime early in the new year.

Jason

[ErickMontreal]

Regional Minister reaffirms support for Metro Centre

October 16, 2008 - 10:38 am
By: Cathy LeBreton, News 91.9 Staff

MONCTON, NB - Moncton's Mayor says he's pleased to hear the new Harper Government intends to make good on a pre-election pledge to help with a Metro Centre in the city.

Just days prior to Tuesday's election, local Tory candidate Daniel Allain secured a promise from Regional Minister Greg Thompson to support building a Metro Center in the Hub City.

Yesterday, Thompson re-affirmed that pledge, saying he in no way would ever punish Moncton for voting Liberal.

Mayor George LeBlanc says he's pleased to hear that and says the city's next move is to conduct a feasibility study.

He says once the study is complete, it will be up to the city to make the case to the Federal Government.

LeBlanc says the city will fund the study using money that was previously set aside for a downtown convention center.

Development of a convention centre was rendered moot as plans for a casino in the city's North End will boast a large convention facility.

[ErickMontreal]

https://www.hm.com/static/images/common/hm_logo_print.gifhttps://www.hm.com/ca/working_jobsavailable__welcome_toppic_img.img


NEW STORE OPENING 2009! Greater Moncton Area, New Brunswick

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With that kind of stores Moncton will, without a shadow of a doubt, set in stone his own position as the retail hub of the province.

[P Unit]

Big box stores? On St. George, across the street from one of the most desireable neighbourhoods in the city? Next to the best park in the city? Really?

Tear the buildings down, along with that tractor trailer dealership. They're hideous and completely out of character with the rest of the area. Build something of actual benefit to the city... Christ.

[mylesmalley]

Big box stores? On St. George, across the street from one of the most desireable neighbourhoods in the city? Next to the best park in the city? Really?

Tear the buildings down, along with that tractor trailer dealership. They're hideous and completely out of character with the rest of the area. Build something of actual benefit to the city... Christ.

I couldn't agree more. However I'd much sooner see that stretch of land get ruined by big box stores than the area along Vaughan Harvey that's being power-centerized as we speak.

[mmmatt]

https://www.hm.com/static/images/common/hm_logo_print.gifhttps://www.hm.com/ca/working_jobsavailable__welcome_toppic_img.img


NEW STORE OPENING 2009! Greater Moncton Area, New Brunswick

Job Title Location
Visual Merchandiser Greater Moncton Area, NB, Canada
Department Manager Greater Moncton Area, NB, Canada
Cash Office Manager Greater Moncton Area, NB, Canada


https://hm.recruitmax.com/main/careerportal/Job_List.cfm?szSearchType=Advanced

With that kind of stores Moncton will, without a shadow of a doubt, set in stone his own position as the retail hub of the province.

Indeed...a great retail accomplishment to attract international stores like H&M :)

I think the last point has been set in stone for quite a while now :P

[mmmatt]

In today's paper:

http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=198069&size=500x0

http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=198070&size=500x0


nice! man Mountain is really moving this year with the strip malls, this is the third in the last few months...I guess everyone is trying to get their piece of the pie for when the traffic increases around there due to the casino.

Nice thing is the three new strip malls have very distinctive designs...one is stone, the other has a unique roof design...and this one with its colours etc.

[MonctonRad]

Big box stores? On St. George, across the street from one of the most desireable neighbourhoods in the city? Next to the best park in the city? Really?

Tear the buildings down, along with that tractor trailer dealership. They're hideous and completely out of character with the rest of the area. Build something of actual benefit to the city... Christ.

I agree, These parcels of lands are begging to be developed in a manner that will benefit the city as a whole.

I don't have anything against big box stores but not in this particular location. A mixed medium density residential/commercial development is what I would like to see. This area is close enough to downtown that people could walk/cycle to work. It is adjacent to Centennial Park and the Sportsplex and could be connected directly to them by walking/cycling trails. The area could be integrated with the Franklin Yard development to make something really interesting.

Hillcrest School is just across the street. McNaughton High is just down the street. There are many nearby places of worship. Johnathon Creek and Jones Lake would increase the aesthetic appeal. Centennial Place, the old and the new west ends as well as the Fernwood subdivision mean that the area is already well established as a desireable residential area. Downtown, Emmerson Business Park and MID are nearby.

Something very interesting and exciting could easily be sited here. Come on people, lets use our imagination!

[MonctonRad]

Casino construction
Published Thursday October 16th, 2008

http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=198094&size=800x0
Construction is in high gear on a fence that will act as a sound barrier between the new Moncton casino and homes on neighbouring Sunshine Drive and surrounding streets.

[MonctonRad]

School site chosen at last
Published Friday October 17th, 2008

New north-end Moncton school set to open in September 2010
By Aloma Jardine
Times & Transcript Staff

Moncton's promised new north-end school finally officially has a home.

The province announced Thursday that it has purchased a 22-acre (8.8 hectare) parcel of land at 1392 Ryan Road, directly across from where Augusta Terrace meets Ryan.

Supply and Services Minister Jack Keir had previously said the province was looking at that property, but it had not finalized the deal.

The land cost $1.2 million.

The purchase comes as a relief for those who have been watching and waiting for the project to go ahead.

"There has been so much discussion about the north end school for five years," says District 2 superintendent Karen Branscombe. "Knowing the land has been purchased . . . having that confirmed, really cements it for us that it is going to move forward."

The two-storey K-8 school is being constructed to accommodate 650 students. It will be accessed directly off Ryan Road.

Construction is expected to begin in the spring with the aim of opening the school in September 2010.

In addition to 27 classrooms, the school will have a gymnasium, a cafeteria, one special education classroom, a resource centre, science and technology labs, an art room, a music room, and a student services area. Athletic fields will also be included.

Now that the school district knows the location, Branscombe says they can move ahead with the necessary boundary changes.

The main function of the new school is to relieve overcrowding at Evergreen Park and Magnetic Hill Schools as well as to accommodate the ever-growing number of new students in the rapidly expanding north end. Branscombe says there are already at least 300 students they would like to move from Evergreen and Magnetic Hill schools to the new one.

She says it will take some time to redo the boundaries as the district will have to take into account not only the current student population, but future growth, however, she says they aim to have a plan in place by this spring so parents get at least a year to prepare for the changes.

Branscombe says what to do with students already enrolled at one school who are impacted by the boundary changes will have to be part of their consideration.

"We will have discussions with the school community as well," she says. "The most important thing is to have a long-term plan at this point, so if we are able to grandfather some students, we would consider that."

Branscombe says they just don't want to end up having to change the boundaries more than once. When it became apparent Evergreen Park was becoming overcrowded and a new school was necessary, Branscombe promised parents the district wouldn't change boundaries until the new school was built, a promise that has been hard to keep as the north end has continued to grow with no new school in sight.

The north end school is being built as a private-public partnership and a call for expressions of interest is expected to be made by the end of this month.

The province has elected to package the north end school and the new Eleanor W. Graham Middle School in Rexton together as one project.

The middle school, which is being built on a 27-acre (10.8-hectare) site on Albany Road off Route 134, will accommodate 350 students in Grades 6 to 8. In a press release, Keir says packaging the two together will offer developers the chance to bid on a larger-scale project.

Presumably it could also save the province some money if developers are able to offer more competitive pricing because of the size of the project.

Design plans for the Moncton school are still in the process of being drawn up, but the idea is to have both it and the Rexton school meet the silver rating in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), a measure of "green" building practices.

The school is being built in Moncton Crescent MLA John Betts' riding. Betts has been speaking out about the need for the new school for years, pushing government -- first his own and now the Graham administration -- to move ahead with the project.

"For the sake of the parents and teachers and the kids especially, I'm glad they are going forward with it," he says. "It is certainly needed. That area of the city is the fastest growing area and the fact the school (in the neighbourhood) was overcrowded was a detriment to the natural growth of the north end. It has been a very difficult time, but I'm very pleased they have announced the site. To have only one school in the fastest growing area of the city is just not adequate."

Betts is still disappointed that the construction was delayed when the government changed hands -- the Lord government had plans in place to open the school in September 2009 before it was defeated in 2006 -- but says he is very glad to see the project go ahead at last.

"I want to be positive and encourage them for what they are doing," he says. "It is vital to the parents, to the kids. It has been a heart-wrenching ordeal every year for parents to wonder if they are going to get to go to Evergreen or for new people moving in and being able to see the school and not getting to go there."

Evergreen Park has become so crowded that a significant number of students are being bused out of the neighbourhood to Queen Elizabeth School.

[sdm]

Published Thursday October 16th, 2008


Construction is in high gear on a fence that will act as a sound barrier between the new Moncton casino and homes on neighbouring Sunshine Drive and surrounding streets.

Man each time i think of this development the more i believe Moncton shot itself in the foot allowing it to be built out of the core.

Hardly substainable development practices being employed here.

[MonctonRad]

Man each time i think of this development the more i believe Moncton shot itself in the foot allowing it to be built out of the core.

Hardly substainable development practices being employed here.

I don't think the city could do anything about it. It was presented to city council as a fait accompli by the provincial government. It was more or less "take it or leave it".

The province handled the tendering process and was the sole entity involved in choosing the winning proposal. The city could do nothing to influence that the project be built downtown.

Most everyone who posts here on the forum would have rather seen it built downtown but what can you do?

[mmmatt]

Man each time i think of this development the more i believe Moncton shot itself in the foot allowing it to be built out of the core.

Hardly substainable development practices being employed here.

I agree, it would have been 1 million times better in the core...Im assuming that the lone urban casino proposal was not properly presented for one reason or another, I know the province went with the one they knew would make the most financial sence...not the one that was best for the city.

In the end though it is being built in a very "tourist-y" end of town, near many hotels, shopping, Magnetic Hill, the Zoo, The concert site, Magic Mountain etc...So its not like it is a random location in the middle of nowhere or anything.

Also we always have to think "its better than nothing" it will create quite a few jobs for the area, during construction and afterward, and it will help shape Moncton into an even larger tourist destination.

[MonctonRad]

I thought that the province was supposed to have announced the winning proposal and the location for the new Moncton courthouse by now. Has this decision been delayed further? Does anyone have any info?

[mylesmalley]

I thought that the province was supposed to have announced the winning proposal and the location for the new Moncton courthouse by now. Has this decision been delayed further? Does anyone have any info?

We've been waiting for -three freaking years-. Last I heard, an announcement is supposed to be made this month sometime.

[Sony500]

Hello, I have been reading the forums for quite some time, and I figured it was time to sign up. I do a lot of travelling through the city streets. I find the forum very interesting, and you guys have very good comments and ideas. I do alot of reading and don't do a lot of commenting, but maybe that will change.

[Sony500]

Chrysler plant closure continues decline for Moncton
Last Updated: Wednesday, October 15, 2008 | 11:33 AM AT
CBC News

Chrysler is closing a car parts distribution centre in Moncton at the end of November, leaving 16 people without jobs and signaling further decline in what was once a bustling industrial zone.

Just one of several major businesses to leave St. George Boulevard, an industrialized area located in west end section of Moncton, Chrysler announced in early October it would close the distribution centre.

"Having those big empty warehouses out on St. George Boulevard is not a positive thing," said economic development consultant David Campbell.

"It's the end of an era from the perspective of the auto manufacturers having retail distribution centres in Moncton, so it's a sad day," Campbell said. "Those were good paying jobs and they've been in the community for many, many years."

Peter Ford, who owns and runs a pharmacy located on St. George Boulevard, recalls the spinoff activity generated in the past by the presence in the area of companies like General Motors and Goodyear.

"There used to be train tracks. There used to be cars that came across at two in the morning to wake you up," Ford told CBC News on Tuesday.

"And then they took the train tracks out and they put in a road to Westmount Boulevard behind the drug store so there has been a lot of changes and it's gone to being a big high traffic area," he said.

While large auto manufacturers are centralizing their distribution centres in places like Montreal and Ontario, Campbell said the latest closure in Moncton isn't catastrophic like the closure of CN Shops was in the early 1980s.

Campbell said he hoped city officials will look at ways to reuse the large empty warehouses for other industries such as high-tech companies or reconfigure them to be used by several smaller companies.


_______________________________

CBC proves that they can write misleading headlines with the best of them. First, Moncton has never had a Chrysler Plant. This place was a parts warehouse. Calling it a plant closure conjures up images of Thornhill, where 1400 people just lost their jobs. This most certainly isn't the case.

Calling this a continuation of Moncton's decline is also inaccurate. Yes, that stretch of St George Blvd has seen a decline in the past few years because three or four companies have moved out, but that's hardly a sign of a city-wide decline. As we've discussed in earlier posts, this isn't a reflection of a downturn in the Moncton economy, but a downturn in the Canadian automotive sector in general.

While the city may see some slower times as the national economy slows, I don't think 16 jobs lost here is going to be the the first step towards a reversal of hte huge growth the city has seen in the last few years.

I do not see anywhere in the article saying anything about a plant. And it didn't say that its a continuation of Moncton's decline, it said its a further decline in what was once a bustling industrial zone. Which is true that you guys have been mentioning.

[MonctonRad]

I do not see anywhere in the article saying anything about a plant. And it didn't say that its a continuation of Moncton's decline, it said its a further decline in what was once a bustling industrial zone. Which is true that you guys have been mentioning.

Welcome to the forums Sony500. looking forward to your input. Do you live in Moncton?

I think our objection is to the title of the CBC article, which mentions a "continued decline for Moncton" without qualifying this statement in any way. They did clarify the point in the main body, but the title of the article contributes strongly to the impression that Moncton is somehow an economic basket case (which is most definitely not the case).

[mylesmalley]

Welcome to the forums Sony500. looking forward to your input. Do you live in Moncton?

I think our objection is to the title of the CBC article, which mentions a "continued decline for Moncton" without qualifying this statement in any way. They did clarify the point in the main body, but the title of the article contributes strongly to the impression that Moncton is somehow an economic basket case (which is most definitely not the case).

Welcome Sony500!
That's the problem with titles. It seems that news agencies -cough- Times&Transcript -cough-, use very (mis)leading titles to get people to read on. The real problem though, is that a lot of people just scan the headlines and take them as they are.

Take a news story I just made up:

JACK LAYTON MURDERS HUNDREDS
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3f/LaytonPortrait.jpgTimes&Transcript
Random Reporter
October 22nd, 2008
on page A1

NDP Leader Jack Layton admits that, while he did not win as many seats as he had hoped, he certainly killed in his own riding of Toronto-Danforth....

[MonctonRad]

It looks like they have completed the structural steelwork on the new federal office building on Weldon Street. It may only be three stories tall, but it is a pretty large building (big footprint).

I imagine that it will be connected directly to the existing federal office complex on Main Street as they are adjacent to one another.

Between this building and the Ashford building going up on Main/Vaughn Harvey, the West Main Street area is beginning to take off.

[mylesmalley]

It looks like they have completed the structural steelwork on the new federal office building on Weldon Street. It may only be three stories tall, but it is a pretty large building (big footprint).

I imagine that it will be connected directly to the existing federal office complex on Main Street as they are adjacent to one another.

Between this building and the Ashford building going up on Main/Vaughn Harvey, the West Main Street area is beginning to take off.

There wouldnt' happen to be a current picture of that building floating around...?

[MonctonRad]

There wouldnt' happen to be a current picture of that building floating around...?

Matt had a picture on his recent "Downtown Moncton Phototour". It just looks like a three storey steel cage at present, pretty nondescript.

Also, they are putting in the stoplights at Mapleton & Frampton Lane. The new intersection is going to be pretty nice, complete with turning lanes and islands for the traffic control lights. There is also a second pad being put in at the Mapleton Power Centre, backing on Mapleton Road itself.

[ErickMontreal]

We might forget Linens 'N Things in the Mapleton Power center due to the fact they seeked protection.

http://www.financialpost.com/story.html?id=893248

[Sony500]

Welcome to the forums Sony500. looking forward to your input. Do you live in Moncton?

I think our objection is to the title of the CBC article, which mentions a "continued decline for Moncton" without qualifying this statement in any way. They did clarify the point in the main body, but the title of the article contributes strongly to the impression that Moncton is somehow an economic basket case (which is most definitely not the case).
You are so correct, as i was trying to find my post to see what responses i got, i saw it in the title and i do apologize . Yes i live in Moncton, i have been living here since 1985, and i am part owner of Codiac Courier. I do a lot of travelling around town. If this was a forum on how the engineering dept. screws up intersections, then there would be a lot to tell.

[Sony500]

Welcome Sony500!
That's the problem with titles. It seems that news agencies -cough- Times&Transcript -cough-, use very (mis)leading titles to get people to read on. The real problem though, is that a lot of people just scan the headlines and take them as they are.

Take a news story I just made up:

JACK LAYTON MURDERS HUNDREDS
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3f/LaytonPortrait.jpgTimes&Transcript
Random Reporter
October 22nd, 2008
on page A1

NDP Leader Jack Layton admits that, while he did not win as many seats as he had hoped, he certainly killed in his own riding of Toronto-Danforth....
Nice example, think he will jail time? haha

[mylesmalley]

You are so correct, as i was trying to find my post to see what responses i got, i saw it in the title and i do apologize . Yes i live in Moncton, i have been living here since 1985, and i am part owner of Codiac Courier. I do a lot of travelling around town. If this was a forum on how the engineering dept. screws up intersections, then there would be a lot to tell.

It comes up from time to time. You'd need a full time staff of ten to keep track of them though.

[MonctonRad]

We might forget Linens 'N Things in the Mapleton Power center due to the fact they seeked protection.

http://www.financialpost.com/story.html?id=893248

Yes Erick, I read the link. Since they are closing all their stores in North America, I guess there is no hope for Mapleton. Oh well.

Too bad, I was in one of their stores in Halifax and they had some interesting stuff. They also had a store in Charlottetown as well.

[MonctonRad]

Moncton shows strong consumer confidence
Published Tuesday October 21st, 2008

Close to $100 million in construction permits issued to date in 2008
By Yvon Gauvin
Times & Transcript staff

Construction activity in Moncton has reached "a new plateau" with the construction sector "not about to cool off anytime soon," Ben Champoux, Moncton's Business Development Specialist, said this week after reviewing the 2008 building permits for the city.

The total value of construction permits issued to date in 2008 exceeds $99 million, with several important construction projects expected in the near future.

Housing construction remains an important segment of the building boom, in spite of the housing crisis and financial uncertainties being experienced in the United States, says Champoux.

"The construction activity in Moncton remains strong," he said. "Housing affordability and employment opportunities in many industries continue to attract people to Moncton and to fuel construction activity.

Last month, more than 74,000 people were employed in the community, a record high, he said.

So far this year, the residential sector accounted for $49 million worth of building permits, half of the total to date. Commercial and industrial construction permits totalled $40 million to date.

That means the private sector is responsible for more than 90 per cent of all construction permits so far this year. "(That's) another indication that consumer confidence remains strong," he said.

The average annual value of building permits for Moncton in the 1990s was $58 million. That has more than doubled to $128 million in the years since 2000.

Among the large commercial projects on the horizon for Metro are the casino, a downtown Metro Centre, hotels, a stadium and the retail centre on Mapleton Road.

Statistics released for September 2008 for the City of Moncton show 116 building permits valued at $11,362,000, an increase in comparison to September 2007 which had a total of 114 permits valued at $8,337,000.

The total number of permits to date this year is 927 with a value of $99,682,000.

[JasonL-Moncton]

Any more news, rumors on where the justice center is going?

[MonctonRad]

Any more news, rumors on where the justice center is going?

We are all waiting with baited breath and keen anticipation for the announcement, which should come before the end of the month. Of course, it has already been delayed about a half dozen times.

We should get people to vote where they think the Justice Complex will go! My guess is that it will go on the site of the present Subaru dealership on Main. It's kitty-corner from the existing police station and there have been rumours that it could be connected by pedway across Main, perhaps via a second building to be constructed next to Bore Park in front of the Treitz Haus.

Of course I could be wrong....:D

[Sony500]

I would like to see the Justice center go in the old Beaver Lumber lot, handy to the detention center. As far as Highfield Square goes, that whole "mall" should be torn down, and use that property for a new convention center, hotels, just a really big building with a ton of useful stuff. You could drive a car in that mall blind folded and not have to worry about hitting anyone.

[Mistymel]

I was born and raised in Toronto and have been living here in Moncton for the past 5 years. I came across this forum a few months ago and love it! I miss all the shopping and restaurants available in Toronto and am really excited about all the new development here (Thank you KEG!). Five years ago my husband and I found it difficult to get used to the lack of choice, but things are looking better! I'm really excited about the new Cora's that will be built in or near the Mapleton Power Centre (500 Mapleton). I also emailed Swiss Chalet and told them we need one in North Moncton. I can't stand driving all the way to Dieppe for chicken.

Keep up the good work guys ... love the info you provide.

[MonctonRad]

I was born and raised in Toronto and have been living here in Moncton for the past 5 years. I came across this forum a few months ago and love it! I miss all the shopping and restaurants available in Toronto and am really excited about all the new development here (Thank you KEG!). Five years ago my husband and I found it difficult to get used to the lack of choice, but things are looking better! I'm really excited about the new Cora's that will be built in or near the Mapleton Power Centre (500 Mapleton). I also emailed Swiss Chalet and told them we need one in North Moncton. I can't stand driving all the way to Dieppe for chicken.

Keep up the good work guys ... love the info you provide.

Welcome Mistymel, we seem to have a flurry of new members on the forum all of a sudden. Looking forward to you input!

The news about Cora's is a surprise to me. I had not heard that. That would be the third Cora's in Greater Moncton.

There may in fact be a Swiss Chalet going into the Mapleton Power Centre. On one of the maps of the development from earlier this year, one of the pads was clearly labelled "Swiss Chalet".

[mylesmalley]

Welcome Mistymel, we seem to have a flurry of new members on the forum all of a sudden. Looking forward to you input!

The news about Cora's is a surprise to me. I had not heard that. That would be the third Cora's in Greater Moncton.

There may in fact be a Swiss Chalet going into the Mapleton Power Centre. On one of the maps of the development from earlier this year, one of the pads was clearly labelled "Swiss Chalet".

Welcome Mistymel!
Two new members in as many days. The more the merrier!
Having never been to a Swiss Chalet, I cant' say much about one going up at Mapleton. It's definitely good to see more classier places to eat in that end of town though.

I just wish something other than subway and two tim horton's would open up in the west end. now that Centennial has closed for good, the eating options are a little lacking.

[mikeohara]

The news about Cora's is a surprise to me. I had not heard that. That would be the third Cora's in Greater Moncton.

There may in fact be a Swiss Chalet going into the Mapleton Power Centre. On one of the maps of the development from earlier this year, one of the pads was clearly labelled "Swiss Chalet".

Actually from what I understand talking to various restaurant owners (the owner of coras downtown being one) the Coras on Mapleton is definite, in fact if you see the coras van driving around, it already has the address for the Mapleton road location already on it.

as for the Swiss Chalet, it is not. its going to be a St. Hubert. the current location on Mountain road has already started hiring and training staff for the new location.

[MonctonRad]

Actually from what I understand talking to various restaurant owners (the owner of coras downtown being one) the Coras on Mapleton is definite, in fact if you see the coras van driving around, it already has the address for the Mapleton road location already on it.

as for the Swiss Chalet, it is not. its going to be a St. Hubert. the current location on Mountain road has already started hiring and training staff for the new location.

Good to hear that Cora's is a definite. BTW, where exactly is 500 Mapleton Road? Is it as far out as the Power Centre district or is it closer in, by the old K-Mart?

The proposed Swiss Chalet is different than the St. Hubert's (which is already under construction). St. Hubie's is being built in the Home Depot plaza. The proposed Swiss Chalet is going to be further down the road in the Mapleton Power Cente proper.

[MPSE]

I found this forum the other day while googling the law courts, I am very interested in that project and waiting for an update. I thought the annoncement was supposed to come at the end of Septemeber....

[mmmatt]

Big welcome to all our new members :D

Always great to see new faces! (or read new peoples writing...whatever haha)

MPSE: we have all been waiting patiently for an announcement, but the delays are becoming annoying...Im hoping to see some advancement by mid November at the latest.

[mylesmalley]

Big welcome to all our new members :D

Always great to see new faces! (or read new peoples writing...whatever haha)

MPSE: we have all been waiting patiently for an announcement, but the delays are becoming annoying...Im hoping to see some advancement by mid November at the latest.

Three new members in as many days!

I hate to break it to you Mat, but you've probably just jinxed it.:haha:

This begs the question though. What exactly is it that's taking so long? You would think site selection would be a pretty cut and dry task, but perhaps the private-public partnership they've been working towards has been a harder sell to business?

And I do see a bit of a silver lining in all of this. I don't particularly see the corner of Lutz and Assumption as being a good spot for a courthouse. The old design the conservatives wanted to build wasn't all that hot either. This delay has raised the prospect of the building going somewhere more appropriate. More importantly, the most recent plans called for a much larger building with more services and a law library.

I'm still tired of waiting though. This is starting to look like the casino all over again...

[JasonL-Moncton]

I believe the Cora's will actually be part of the new McManaman Orthodonist building on the ground floor in the planned retail space...but that's just a guess, but I thought I saw a diagram of that somewhere.

I also think that the Justice Center should go right behind the new Marriott, then it could be connected to the police station via Pedway/tunnel...then replace the Police station with a new one, making it larger and expand it out to the edge of Bore park. Blue Cross could also be connected via Pedway to the justice center and then you would have City Hall, Blue Cross, Justice Center, and Police station all connected.

[MonctonRad]

I believe the Cora's will actually be part of the new McManaman Orthodonist building on the ground floor in the planned retail space...but that's just a guess, but I thought I saw a diagram of that somewhere.

I also think that the Justice Center should go right behind the new Marriott, then it could be connected to the police station via Pedway/tunnel...then replace the Police station with a new one, making it larger and expand it out to the edge of Bore park. Blue Cross could also be connected via Pedway to the justice center and then you would have City Hall, Blue Cross, Justice Center, and Police station all connected.

Jason - Congrats on your 200th post!

I think you are probably right about Cora's, I drove down Mapleton today counting civic addresses (I'm off this week and have nothing better to do with my time :D ), and that would seem appropriate.

re: the Law Courts, I think your suggestion is an excellent one but I don't think anyone is actively promoting that particular site. There is a proposal on the table however for the Subaru site, and I think that it is a frontrunner.

[mylesmalley]

Jason - Congrats on your 200th post!

I think you are probably right about Cora's, I drove down Mapleton today counting civic addresses (I'm off this week and have nothing better to do with my time :D ), and that would seem appropriate.

re: the Law Courts, I think your suggestion is an excellent one but I don't think anyone is actively promoting that particular site. There is a proposal on the table however for the Subaru site, and I think that it is a frontrunner.

I've been actively promoting that site:notacrook: I doubt it'll end up there though. I know Dick Carpenter was quoted in the paper saying he wanted to build it between bore park and hte police station, with a pedway over that little street that leads down to the water. Even if it went to the Beaver Lumber site, I'd still much prefer to see it along Assumption.

[JasonL-Moncton]

Jason - Congrats on your 200th post!


Thanks....I didn't even notice lol! :banana:

I think you are probably right about Cora's, I drove down Mapleton today counting civic addresses (I'm off this week and have nothing better to do with my time :D ), and that would seem appropriate.

lol...Go to the dentist and then have Breakfast...but I think that would be a good spot for it...near to the housing behind Trinity.

re: the Law Courts, I think your suggestion is an excellent one but I don't think anyone is actively promoting that particular site. There is a proposal on the table however for the Subaru site, and I think that it is a frontrunner.

Thank-you...I just think that it's a much more logical location. I understand some want to continue the buildings down Main by having at Suburu...but I'd rather see another 'assumption building' type structure built on that footprint and put the Justice Center where I suggested.

One thing no one has considered for down town that I'd love to see is an outdoor skating rink over looking the city and the river like:

Wollman Rink NYC:
http://www.z-mation.com/phpbb/files/ny_wollman_rink_central_park_ice_skating_christmas_05_205.jpg

Rockefeller Center NYC:
http://www.wirednewyork.com/manhattan/rockefeller_center/rockefeller_skating.jpg

Boston Common Boston (lumierefl-flickr):
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3144/2366481563_10b945a49d.jpg?v=1206738856

Nathan Phillips Square Toronto (Britannica):
http://media-2.web.britannica.com/eb-media/19/95619-004-3384E6BA.jpg

Old Port Montreal (Quebec Tourism):
http://www.visitquebec.com/images/Bassin_ice_skating.jpg

to name a few...that would be cool.

That would bring people downtown in the 'winter' and help the businesses downtown.

Jason

[Sony500]

Good to hear that Cora's is a definite. BTW, where exactly is 500 Mapleton Road? Is it as far out as the Power Centre district or is it closer in, by the old K-Mart?



The old K-Mart is 80 Mapleton Rd, the apartments of Mapleton Apts.end at 260, at the other end, Hampton Inn is 700 Mapleton, Aliant is at 555 Mapleton Rd, so 500 would be around across from Aliant somewhere

[Mistymel]

The old K-Mart is 80 Mapleton Rd, the apartments of Mapleton Apts.end at 260, at the other end, Hampton Inn is 700 Mapleton, Aliant is at 555 Mapleton Rd, so 500 would be around across from Aliant somewhere

If you look in the most recent Moncton and area Yellow Pages / phone book, you'll see their ad on page 431 promoting a new location coming soon at 500 Mapleton. That's how I discovered it.

[JasonL-Moncton]

The old K-Mart is 80 Mapleton Rd, the apartments of Mapleton Apts.end at 260, at the other end, Hampton Inn is 700 Mapleton, Aliant is at 555 Mapleton Rd, so 500 would be around across from Aliant somewhere

Guy's read the other post's...I already said, Cora's is (very likely) going in the new Orthodontic Clinic on the corner of Frampton/Mapleton which is at the bottom of the hill directly behind Costco.

Jason

[mmmatt]

One thing no one has considered for down town that I'd love to see is an outdoor skating rink over looking the city and the river

That would bring people downtown in the 'winter' and help the businesses downtown.

Jason

Great Idea!...I never really thought of it for Moncton, but thinking even closer to home there is Officers Square in Freddy...which I have skated on many times. Its a great way to bring people downtown in the winter.

http://www.downtownfredericton.ca/thumbnail.php?id=9266&size=large&width=400&height=400
credit: downtownfredericton.ca