The Official Moncton, NB Project Thread

[ErickMontreal]

:: Moncton/Greater Moncton International ::

Aircraft movements by class of operation, (2006 to 2007)

January : + 99.6 %
February : + 72.9 %
March : + 88.8 %
April : + 97.4 %
May : + 129.4 %
June : + 169.0 %
July : + 81.7 %

http://www.statcan.ca/english/freepub/51F0001PIE/2007001/part2.htm

[mmmatt]

:: Moncton/Greater Moncton International ::

Aircraft movements by class of operation, (2006 to 2007)

January : + 99.6 %
February : + 72.9 %
March : + 88.8 %
April : + 97.4 %
May : + 129.4 %
June : + 169.0 %
July : + 81.7 %

http://www.statcan.ca/english/freepub/51F0001PIE/2007001/part2.htm


Not bad, not bad. Most of those movements are small craft though IE from the Moncton Flight College, which is getting much larger, in fact so large it must expand to the next best airport in NB, the Freddy International Airport. We will continue to see that number rise with the addition of the direct Ottawa flight, and hopefully the addition of more flights when that stupid customs thing is fixed.

[ErickMontreal]

Not bad, not bad. Most of those movements are small craft though IE from the Moncton Flight College, which is getting much larger, in fact so large it must expand to the next best airport in NB, the Freddy International Airport. We will continue to see that number rise with the addition of the direct Ottawa flight, and hopefully the addition of more flights when that stupid customs thing is fixed.

Ok, I am looking for the passenger numbers for 2007, I never found it.

With Freddy and SJ that are back track, I guess a 3-5 % increase (575-600 000) could be the best that Moncton could get for 2007.

[mmmatt]

Ok, I am looking for the passenger numbers for 2007, I never found it.

With Freddy and SJ that are back track, I guess a 4-5 % (575-600 000) could be the best that Moncton could get for 2007.

You wont see those numbers untill 2008...we still have almost 1/2 the year to go :D

[ErickMontreal]

You wont see those numbers untill 2008...we still have almost 1/2 the year to go :D

ok... just too bad as SJ airport give a increase/decrease percentage for each month.

I would like the samething for Moncton....:)

[mmmatt]

ok... just too bad as SJ airport give a increase/decrease percentage for each month.

I would like the samething for Moncton....:)

Yeah that would be cool! Maybe if you e-mail them they will tell you...:tup:

[ErickMontreal]

error

[Seely32]

This is awesome for moncton


Reid Southwick
Telegraph-Journal
Published Tuesday August 28th, 2007
Appeared on page B3

MONCTON - A Moncton-based web company will announce today its plans to provide mobile high-speed Internet to customers of Future Inns Moncton.

Red Ball Internet will offer the hotel its iBurst web technology, a secure wireless service that can be accessed anywhere in Moncton, Riverview and Dieppe.

iBurst takes the traditional wireless fidelity technology, or wi-fi, a step further by allowing its customers to access a more secure network in a much broader range.

Today's announcement means Future Inns Moncton will be the first hotel in North America to provide fully mobile, fully secure, city-wide Internet to all of its guests.

Red Ball, which charges its customers per use, much like a cellphone, targets the technology to business customers, who often require wireless Internet as they travel between locations.

Sean Adams, vice-president of sales and marketing, said Monday the technology is designed to become a part of customers' daily lives.

"We see this as being what wi-fi did for the Internet years ago," he said.

Future Inns Moncton guests staying in traditional rooms will be charged $10 per night, while those staying in one of the hotel's 40 executive-level rooms will receive the service free.

Guests will be able to use the hotel's in-house wi-fi service, but as they travel throughout the city, they can access the iBurst service.

Red Ball has offered the technology to customers in the greater Moncton area since last November, charging an average of $50 per month for the service.

Red Ball holds exclusive rights over the technology in Canada, and is one of four companies with a licence to broadcast Internet channels in the province, along with Bell Aliant, Tellus and Rogers.

The technology was developed by Martin Cooper, the man credited with inventing the cellphone.

Adams said the company wants to continue expanding its operations in the province and across the country.

[ErickMontreal]

Indeed Seely32, thanks you for the new.
___________________________________________________________________

:: Enterprise Greater Moncton ::

2006-2007 Annual report

http://www.greatermoncton.org/uploadedfiles/2006-07_AnnualReport_April_25.pdf

[mmmatt]

Indeed Seely32, thanks you for the new.
___________________________________________________________________

:: Enterprise Greater Moncton ::

2006-2007 Annual report

http://www.greatermoncton.org/uploadedfiles/2006-07_AnnualReport_April_25.pdf

Wow! that report says they helped create 775 new jobs in Moncton between 2006-2007 thats pretty impressive.

[ErickMontreal]

Province, feds to bridge causeway discord
Politics Premier and cabinet minister agree to talks to smooth concerns over $68M project

Daniel McHardie
Telegraph-Journal
Published Wednesday August 29th, 2007
Appeared on page A1

Premier Shawn Graham and federal Tory cabinet minister Greg Thompson are opening political channels on the province's $68-million pitch to get the Petitcodiac River flowing again.

Graham and Thompson agreed at a meeting on Grand Manan Tuesday that provincial and federal officials would work together to smooth out concerns over the province's intention to replace a controversial causeway with a four-lane bridge across the silt-chocked river.

Graham deflected any criticism of the federal government's reticence to become a full partner in the project.

"Our government has taken the proactive decision to move on the restoration of this important river. Today I was very, very encouraged by minister Thompson's commitment to have officials to now begin looking at ways to start moving this project forward," Graham said from Grand Manan.

Since its construction in 1968 the causeway has crippled the river, destroyed its fishery and led to a drastic reduction in the tidal bore, a two-metre wave of water that travelled upriver from the Bay of Fundy. The decision to restore the river has quelled a four-decade debate. It has also ignited another among Bay of Fundy fishermen and residents along Lake Petitcodiac, the head ond created when the construction of the causeway diverted the river.

Since the province announced its intention to move ahead with the project the federal government has insisted environmental concerns had to be addressed before it agreed to become a funding partner.

The premier said the final $68-million figure is being discussed now and reaffirmed his position that the New Brunswick government intends to push ahead even if Ottawa is not on board.

"We are committed to seeing the project done and we are going to use all tools available to move it in that direction," he said.

The Liberal government announced its preferred Petitcodiac River fix on Aug. 7, which would see the 280-metre bridge built downstream of the existing causeway. The province anticipates the removal of the causeway will allow the river to open to between 72- and 225-metres wide.

Thompson said he still has reservations about the project but that doesn't mean the two levels of government cannot come to a compromise.

"We are going to work through some of those issues. We respect the premier's dedication on that and we have never said never ever on any of these projects," Thompson said.

In particular, Thompson said he's concerned about the livelihood of fishermen on the Bay of Fundy if the silt flows from the river onto their fishing grounds.

"Those are real issues that impact real people," he said.

The future of the Petitcodiac is posing one of the first real tests to Graham's positive relationship with Prime Minister Stephen Harper's government. Graham has gone out of his way to avoid confronting the federal government, which was noted by Harper on a recent trip to Fredericton.

One political scientist isn't convinced that Graham's is keen on pressuring Ottawa too hard on the issue, despite Tuesday's meeting.

"I'm sure he can go through the motions on raising the issue," said Geoff Martin, a political science professor at Mount Allison University.

"Is this something that he is going to spend political capital on?

"Think about the challenges in the province. How high of a priority is this really for the government?

"I suspect it isn't really all that high a priority but they are trying to cover themselves on it."

[ErickMontreal]

Province, feds to bridge causeway discord
Politics Premier and cabinet minister agree to talks to smooth concerns over $68M project

Daniel McHardie
Telegraph-Journal
Published Wednesday August 29th, 2007
Appeared on page A1

Premier Shawn Graham and federal Tory cabinet minister Greg Thompson are opening political channels on the province's $68-million pitch to get the Petitcodiac River flowing again.

Graham and Thompson agreed at a meeting on Grand Manan Tuesday that provincial and federal officials would work together to smooth out concerns over the province's intention to replace a controversial causeway with a four-lane bridge across the silt-chocked river.

Graham deflected any criticism of the federal government's reticence to become a full partner in the project.

"Our government has taken the proactive decision to move on the restoration of this important river. Today I was very, very encouraged by minister Thompson's commitment to have officials to now begin looking at ways to start moving this project forward," Graham said from Grand Manan.

Since its construction in 1968 the causeway has crippled the river, destroyed its fishery and led to a drastic reduction in the tidal bore, a two-metre wave of water that travelled upriver from the Bay of Fundy. The decision to restore the river has quelled a four-decade debate. It has also ignited another among Bay of Fundy fishermen and residents along Lake Petitcodiac, the head ond created when the construction of the causeway diverted the river.

Since the province announced its intention to move ahead with the project the federal government has insisted environmental concerns had to be addressed before it agreed to become a funding partner.

The premier said the final $68-million figure is being discussed now and reaffirmed his position that the New Brunswick government intends to push ahead even if Ottawa is not on board.

"We are committed to seeing the project done and we are going to use all tools available to move it in that direction," he said.

The Liberal government announced its preferred Petitcodiac River fix on Aug. 7, which would see the 280-metre bridge built downstream of the existing causeway. The province anticipates the removal of the causeway will allow the river to open to between 72- and 225-metres wide.

Thompson said he still has reservations about the project but that doesn't mean the two levels of government cannot come to a compromise.

"We are going to work through some of those issues. We respect the premier's dedication on that and we have never said never ever on any of these projects," Thompson said.

In particular, Thompson said he's concerned about the livelihood of fishermen on the Bay of Fundy if the silt flows from the river onto their fishing grounds.

"Those are real issues that impact real people," he said.

The future of the Petitcodiac is posing one of the first real tests to Graham's positive relationship with Prime Minister Stephen Harper's government. Graham has gone out of his way to avoid confronting the federal government, which was noted by Harper on a recent trip to Fredericton.

One political scientist isn't convinced that Graham's is keen on pressuring Ottawa too hard on the issue, despite Tuesday's meeting.

"I'm sure he can go through the motions on raising the issue," said Geoff Martin, a political science professor at Mount Allison University.

"Is this something that he is going to spend political capital on?

"Think about the challenges in the province. How high of a priority is this really for the government?

"I suspect it isn't really all that high a priority but they are trying to cover themselves on it."

[ErickMontreal]

Province, feds to bridge causeway discord
Politics Premier and cabinet minister agree to talks to smooth concerns over $68M project

Daniel McHardie
Telegraph-Journal
Published Wednesday August 29th, 2007
Appeared on page A1

Premier Shawn Graham and federal Tory cabinet minister Greg Thompson are opening political channels on the province's $68-million pitch to get the Petitcodiac River flowing again.

Graham and Thompson agreed at a meeting on Grand Manan Tuesday that provincial and federal officials would work together to smooth out concerns over the province's intention to replace a controversial causeway with a four-lane bridge across the silt-chocked river.

Graham deflected any criticism of the federal government's reticence to become a full partner in the project.

"Our government has taken the proactive decision to move on the restoration of this important river. Today I was very, very encouraged by minister Thompson's commitment to have officials to now begin looking at ways to start moving this project forward," Graham said from Grand Manan.

Since its construction in 1968 the causeway has crippled the river, destroyed its fishery and led to a drastic reduction in the tidal bore, a two-metre wave of water that travelled upriver from the Bay of Fundy. The decision to restore the river has quelled a four-decade debate. It has also ignited another among Bay of Fundy fishermen and residents along Lake Petitcodiac, the head ond created when the construction of the causeway diverted the river.

Since the province announced its intention to move ahead with the project the federal government has insisted environmental concerns had to be addressed before it agreed to become a funding partner.

The premier said the final $68-million figure is being discussed now and reaffirmed his position that the New Brunswick government intends to push ahead even if Ottawa is not on board.

"We are committed to seeing the project done and we are going to use all tools available to move it in that direction," he said.

The Liberal government announced its preferred Petitcodiac River fix on Aug. 7, which would see the 280-metre bridge built downstream of the existing causeway. The province anticipates the removal of the causeway will allow the river to open to between 72- and 225-metres wide.

Thompson said he still has reservations about the project but that doesn't mean the two levels of government cannot come to a compromise.

"We are going to work through some of those issues. We respect the premier's dedication on that and we have never said never ever on any of these projects," Thompson said.

In particular, Thompson said he's concerned about the livelihood of fishermen on the Bay of Fundy if the silt flows from the river onto their fishing grounds.

"Those are real issues that impact real people," he said.

The future of the Petitcodiac is posing one of the first real tests to Graham's positive relationship with Prime Minister Stephen Harper's government. Graham has gone out of his way to avoid confronting the federal government, which was noted by Harper on a recent trip to Fredericton.

One political scientist isn't convinced that Graham's is keen on pressuring Ottawa too hard on the issue, despite Tuesday's meeting.

"I'm sure he can go through the motions on raising the issue," said Geoff Martin, a political science professor at Mount Allison University.

"Is this something that he is going to spend political capital on?

"Think about the challenges in the province. How high of a priority is this really for the government?

"I suspect it isn't really all that high a priority but they are trying to cover themselves on it."

[ErickMontreal]

(::MAPLETON AREA::)

( :: MAPLETON SHOPPING CENTER :: )

City : Moncton
Corporation : Ascroft and Verdiroc Corp.
Status : Under constructon
Completion : 2007-2008
Style : Power center
Usage : Retail
Anchor : The Bricks
To be confirmed : Mountain Coop Equipment, Linens n Things, Jack Astor’s, Jacob, JYSK.

( :: LA PROMENADE SHOPPING CENTER :: )

City : Moncton
Corporation : TBA
Cost : $40-million
Status : Planned
Completion : 2007-2008
Style : Lifestyle centre
Usage : Retail
Anchor : TBA

http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=10898&size=600x0

http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=10899&size=600x0

( :: HAMPTON INN CENTER :: )

City : Moncton
Corporation : JRV
Status : Under construction
Completion : 2007-2008
Usage : Retail/Hotel
Rooms : 100
Anchor : Hampton Inn hotel

[mmmatt]

Those renderings are of La Promenade...a recently proposed retail development planned to go directly below Mapleton Power center arent they?

[ErickMontreal]

Are you serious?

I thought it was Mapleton, I`m confusing myself...

[ErickMontreal]

Dp

[mmmatt]

Are you serious?

I thought it was Mapleton, I`m confusing myself...

not a problem...I just remember seeing that render in the paper recently.

[ErickMontreal]

Update Of The Projects Page (1)

[mmmatt]

Update Of The Projects Page (1)

Great job!

[mmmatt]

Projects on page 1 majorly updated! Check it out by either clicking "Page 1" or follow this link:

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=124750

[ErickMontreal]

The most important issue in that french paper is the fact Assumption Corp has a plan to build a new headquarter called "Assumption Vie tower" while being involved in other downtown projects such as Courthouse and Convention center as well. Finally, this tower could become the higher tower in Moncton. (20+ stories).

This is the most dynamic corporation in Moncton !!!!! .
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

FRENCH ONLY

Assomption Vie s’approche du milliard $ d’actif

Mise à jour le 24 mars 2007
Par: l'Acadie Nouvelle

MONCTON - Les profits d’Assomption Vie sont en baisse. Elle a toutefois connu malgré tout une très bonne année 2006, ce qui permet à la compagnie d’avoir de grands projets pour les années à venir.

L’actif sous gestion de 2006 d’Assomption Vie a affiché près de 930 millions $, du jamais vu dans toute l’histoire de l’entreprise centenaire.

"L’année prochaine, nous espérons atteindre le milliard", a souligné le directeur général Denis Losier lors de l’assemblée générale annuelle de la compagnie.

L’avoir des titulaires de la compagnie s’élève à 70,4 millions $, une augmentation de près de 8 %. Le ratio de solvabilité se chiffre à 259 %, de loin supérieur aux exigences du Bureau du surintendant des institutions financières du Canada. Pour sa part, avec un actif sous gestion de 1,4 milliard $, Placements Louisbourg a réalisé un profit de 930 000 $.

La compagnie a atteint des profits nets de 5,1 millions $. Il s’agit d’une diminution de 16 % par rapport aux 6,1 millions $ de profits de 2005. Assomption Vie explique cette importante diminution par l’abandon de ses activités aux États-Unis.

Projets immobiliers

Ce succès permettra à la compagnie de réaliser de nombreux projets, notamment dans le développement immobilier dans la région de Moncton.

"Nous avons des intérêts à ce que le développement du centre-ville se fasse de façon logique et organisée. On en parle depuis longtemps et j’espère que 2007 sera l’année où tout se mettra en branle. Malheureusement, je ne suis pas le maire de Moncton pour décider cela", remarque Denis Losier.

M. Losier a d’ailleurs annoncé que l’idée d’une tour à bureaux Assomption Vie flotte maintenant dans l’air et qu’il n’est pas impossible que celle-ci deviendrait le plus haut édifice de la ville.

"Ce sont des projets qui sont sur la table. Évidemment, il faudra songer à augmenter les espaces de stationnement. Mais je crois qu’il y a une demande et un certain engouement dans le secteur du détail et des bureaux pour de tels projets."

M. Losier a souligné qu’il souhaitait être un partenaire actif dans les projets de construction du palais de justice et de centre des congrès à Moncton.

À l’automne 2004, l’entreprise acadienne a publiquement fait part de son désir de s’impliquer dans le développement du centre-ville de Moncton. Elle proposait entre autres la construction d’un palais de justice de 75 000 pieds carrés qui serait relié à l’actuel édifice d’Assomption Vie.

La Ville de Moncton a plutôt préféré renouveler une quatrième fois l’entente qui la lie avec Verdiroc, une entreprise ontarienne. Verdiroc n’a jusqu’à maintenant pas livré la marchandise.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________-

Moncton to host world curling championships?

Official announcement expected in weeks for 2009 Men's World Curling Championships

Published Thursday August 30th, 2007
Appeared on page A11
Moncton curling fans may be in for a treat, as the city is expected to be awarded the 2009 Men's World Curling Championships.

A source told the Times & Transcript yesterday that Moncton will receive the championship, although it may not be officially announced for a few weeks.

Those involved with curling in the province are hopeful, but still a bit uncertain.

"It's semi-official," said Sandra Franey, when asked about the status of Moncton's bid for the World Championships. Franey is the president of the New Brunswick Curling Association.

She says the last she had heard, "it was everything but the contract signed."

Al Forsyth, president of the Canadian Curling Association, confirmed that Moncton is one of the frontrunners, but says it isn't yet a guarantee.

"It's not a done deal yet, there's no contract signed or anything," he said.

Moncton's bid may have been aided by Les Harrison, a Monctonian who is the president of the World Curling Federation. He could not be reached for comment.

New Brunswick has a history of successfully hosting the world tournament, with the 1980 men's championship held in Moncton and the 1999 championship held in Saint John.

Moncton has also twice hosted the annual Canadian men's championship, the Brier, in 1956 and 1985.

Between 1989 and 2004, the men and women's championships were held together. Since 2005, the championships have been held separately, with Canada hosting one of the events each year. The 2009 women's championships will be held in Gangneung, South Korea.

An official announcement on the men's championship is expected to be made in mid-September.

[ErickMontreal]

( :: Assumption Life Tower/La tour Assomption Vie :: )

City : Moncton
Corporation :Assomption Vie/Assumption Life
Status : Planned
Completion : First quarter of 2009
Usage : Office
Stories : 15-25 stories

This project could be part of a master plant that could include a Convention center, Courthouse and a Hotel.

Rendering is in process.

[westcoast604]

Exciting news about the Assumption tower proposal. Another 20 storey tower would do wonders for the skyline and add some balance.

WRT the Mapleton power centre's; I dont see how that area can absorb any more of that type of retail. I was visiting Moncton earlier this month and was amazed at the chaotic mess of surface parking, roads, and big box stores all segregated from one another. Surely that area could have been planned a lot better than that. But now it seems a lot of the stores are repeating themselves in types of services and goods offered. I just dont see how they will all stay in business, so close together, and in such a small market as Moncton.

[kirjtc2]

The Moncton retail market is larger than it looks at first glance...

Moncton has managed to successfully position itself as the retail destination for the entire province, and parts of PEI and NS. Virtually every national chain, when expanding to the east coast, opens their second location (after Halifax) in Moncton; mainly because they have more attractive demographics than Saint John. The effect is that *many* people from Fredericton Saint John and elsewhere go to Moncton for a shopping trip every so often.

But you're right about how they've done a horrible job planning things along Mapleton Road and trying to piece them together. It can be a chore just getting from Wal-Mart or Costco to Home Depot across the street.

[mmmatt]

WHAT!!!! Are they serious about this tower?! Because if there is even a hint of thruth to this I will be quite excited :D

[michael_d40]

The Moncton retail market is larger than it looks at first glance...

Moncton has managed to successfully position itself as the retail destination for the entire province, and parts of PEI and NS. Virtually every national chain, when expanding to the east coast, opens their second location (after Halifax) in Moncton; mainly because they have more attractive demographics than Saint John. The effect is that *many* people from Fredericton Saint John and elsewhere go to Moncton for a shopping trip every so often.

But you're right about how they've done a horrible job planning things along Mapleton Road and trying to piece them together. It can be a chore just getting from Wal-Mart or Costco to Home Depot across the street.




Regarding that saint john remark.... I am from Saint John, and honestly nobody from here goes to moncton anymore to shop, Up until 2005 they used to, but really. It just doesnt happen anymore.
Fredericton perhaps, Hell they even come here to shop. I was at Pier One and Old Navy the other day and was amazed with the amount of people that were from Fredericton down in Saint John shopping....

So yeah... I guess Saint John is promoting itself just fine lately. Its ok, your not from Saint John and all so its understandable that you wouldnt know many facts about this city.


:)

[mmmatt]

Regarding that saint john remark.... I am from Saint John, and honestly nobody from here goes to moncton anymore to shop, Up until 2005 they used to, but really. It just doesnt happen anymore.
Fredericton perhaps, Hell they even come here to shop. I was at Pier One and Old Navy the other day and was amazed with the amount of people that were from Fredericton down in Saint John shopping....

So yeah... I guess Saint John is promoting itself just fine lately. Its ok, your not from Saint John and all so its understandable that you wouldnt know many facts about this city.


:)

I am from Moncton and I have to say the ammount of times I see cars in the parking lots of stores at Trinity drive with "Saint John Toyota" etc. on them tells me that they obviously do still come here. Dont forget we still have 50 more national retail chain stores in Moncton including Costco, a huge draw in itself. Champlain is always packed with cars and last time I was there about 1/4 of them were Nova Scotia licence plates. Moncton is the CENTER of the maritimes, we will always have more of a retail draw for that reason alone. If you didnt notice on the updated project list on the first page we currently have TWO new power centers under development, so this retail supremacy is not over yet. We already have The Brick confirmed (yet another big box store in Moncton only). The fact that Saint John has decided to act as if it is retail king lately is something I find hilarious to tell you the truth, not to be mean or anything but its a bunch of BS...but its ok...you are not from Moncton and all so its understandable that you wouldnt know many facts about this city.

[Haliguy]

Oh come on Moncton and Saint John stop your squabbling...lol...

[ErickMontreal]

WHAT!!!! Are they serious about this tower?! Because if there is even a hint of thruth to this I will be quite excited :D

It was in the Acadie-Nouvelle newspaper, there is a need for Class A office in Moncton, plenty of tenants are looking for more spacious spaces.The best example of that is the new Blue Cross building is already full.

I really like the fact it could be the higher tower in Moncton, maybe in NB.

We will see... this company is really proactive, in financial health, really less conservative than Moncton City Council.

[michael_d40]

I am from Moncton and I have to say the ammount of times I see cars in the parking lots of stores at Trinity drive with "Saint John Toyota" etc. on them tells me that they obviously do still come here. Dont forget we still have 50 more national retail chain stores in Moncton including Costco, a huge draw in itself. Champlain is always packed with cars and last time I was there about 1/4 of them were Nova Scotia licence plates. Moncton is the CENTER of the maritimes, we will always have more of a retail draw for that reason alone. If you didnt notice on the updated project list on the first page we currently have TWO new power centers under development, so this retail supremacy is not over yet. We already have The Brick confirmed (yet another big box store in Moncton only). The fact that Saint John has decided to act as if it is retail king lately is something I find hilarious to tell you the truth, not to be mean or anything but its a bunch of BS...but its ok...you are not from Moncton and all so its understandable that you wouldnt know many facts about this city.

Are you that stupid Matt ?
We have cars @ McAllister Place parking lot that sat Taylor Ford... So your Saint John toyota theory is just crap.
And that list of 50... wasnt even 50... you cant count "Comming Soon" stores, and another handful of stores we already have as well. not to mention we have things here as well that mocnton doesnt have.... LIKE AN ACTUAL UPTOWN CORE..... Oh Matt, get over urself man.

Its ok... Half the population of Saint John knows, that Moncton is a hurtin spot with their french selves.... and dont call me racist, cuz im french as well,

[ErickMontreal]

Are you that stupid Matt ?
We have cars @ McAllister Place parking lot that sat Taylor Ford... So your Saint John toyota theory is just crap.
And that list of 50... wasnt even 50... you cant count "Comming Soon" stores, and another handful of stores we already have as well. not to mention we have things here as well that mocnton doesnt have.... LIKE AN ACTUAL UPTOWN CORE..... Oh Matt, get over urself man.

Its ok... Half the population of Saint John knows, that Moncton is a hurtin spot with their french selves.... and dont call me racist, cuz im french as well,

Come on, the facts are the facts, Moncton has a better shopping area... and SJ has a better Uptown. Its over.

En passant t`es vraiment un vrai colonisé.

[michael_d40]

Come on, the facts are the facts, Moncton has a better shopping area... and SJ has a better Uptown. Its over.

En passant t`es vraiment un vrai colonisé.

Nah, I prefer SJ for the shopping area, Its set up a heck of a lot better than in Moncton, especially with the new connection between Rothesay Ave/Westmoreland/McAllister Drive Corridor..... and for all you not familiar with the set up, East Point has a map on their website @ www.eastpointshopping.ca

Peace !

[ErickMontreal]

Nah, I prefer SJ for the shopping area, Its set up a heck of a lot better than in Moncton, especially with the new connection between Rothesay Ave/Westmoreland/McAllister Drive Corridor..... and for all you not familiar with the set up, East Point has a map on their website @ www.eastpointshopping.ca

Peace !

Its your choice, I respect that but it does not seem to be the choice of the majority.

Keep in your mind we will get two new centers such as east point.

Anyway

[Wishblade]

Nah, I prefer SJ for the shopping area, Its set up a heck of a lot better than in Moncton, especially with the new connection between Rothesay Ave/Westmoreland/McAllister Drive Corridor..... and for all you not familiar with the set up, East Point has a map on their website @ www.eastpointshopping.ca

Peace !

Is it just me, or is East Point the smallest power centre in the history of man? If you want a real retail/office/hotel park, check out Dartmouth Crossing: www.dartmouthcrossing.com

[ErickMontreal]

Is it just me, or is East Point the smallest power centre in the history of man? If you want a real retail/office/hotel park, check out Dartmouth Crossing: www.dartmouthcrossing.com

I guess Dartmouth Crossing is one the most important retail project in Canada.

Its really impressive, the most important thing is the fact the project does not de-mailling either Mic Mac and Halifax shopping center.

[michael_d40]

Its your choice, I respect that but it does not seem to be the choice of the majority.

Keep in your mind we will get two new centers such as east point.

Anyway

Eastpoint isnt even finished yet fool, Phase two is going to be announced in a couple weeks

[Haliguy]

Is it just me, or is East Point the smallest power centre in the history of man? If you want a real retail/office/hotel park, check out Dartmouth Crossing: www.dartmouthcrossing.com

I was over there last weekend for the first time in a while. It really is amazing. It has the feel of something you would see down in the States. I really like the boutique area that is set up like a small town and that Canadian Tire store is huge.

[ErickMontreal]

Eastpoint isnt even finished yet fool, Phase two is going to be announced in a couple weeks

East point likely be the shopping mecca east of Montreal, its ok ? :haha:

Second phase?, there are vacant spaces yet

[ErickMontreal]

I was over there last weekend for the first time in a while. It really is amazing. It has the feel of something you would see down in the States. I really like the boutique area that is set up like a small town and that Canadian Tire store is huge.

They did not seem to get trouble to lease space too, I`ll take a trip in Halifax next month, I gonna take a look at. I would like to know where is located Halifax Shopping center... and is it the same quality than Mic mAc?

[Haliguy]

They did not seem to get trouble to lease space too, I`ll take a trip in Halifax next mouth, I gonna take a look at. I would like to where is located Halifax Shopping center... and is it the same quality than Mic mAc?


Halifax Shopping Centre just went through a major renovation although I like it the way it was before better I think. There's a few new stores in there such as the Banana Republic for example. Overall I like it better than the Mic Mac Mall.

[kirjtc2]

It's not like Dartmouth Crossing hasn't caused casualties elsewhere. Penhorn Mall anyone?

Saint John, Moncton, Fredericton, Halifax and Sydney *all* have large new shopping centres under development/construction. Can we just leave it at that?

[ErickMontreal]

Halifax Shopping Centre just went through a major renovation although I like it the way it was before better I think. There's a few new stores in there such as the Banana Republic for example. Overall I like it better than the Mic Mac Mall.

Thanks you and is it close to the Downtown area ?

[ErickMontreal]

It's not like Dartmouth Crossing hasn't caused casualties elsewhere. Penhorn Mall anyone?

Saint John, Moncton, Fredericton, Halifax and Sydney *all* have large new shopping centres under development/construction. Can we just leave it at that?

Yeah, its always the same story anyway

[Haliguy]

Thanks you and is it close to the Downtown area ?

No its in the West end area just off Mumford Rd. Heres a Google Earth image of where it is located.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j260/a_gallant/HalifaxShoppingCentre.jpg


http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j260/a_gallant/Shopping.jpg

[Haliguy]

Yeah, its always the same story anyway

True that

[ErickMontreal]

No its in the West end area just off Mumford Rd. Heres a Google Earth image of where it is located.


Wow, Thanks you !!! Halifax really amaze me.

[mmmatt]

It was in the Acadie-Nouvelle newspaper, there is a need for Class A office in Moncton, plenty of tenants are looking for more spacious spaces.The best example of that is the new Blue Cross building is already full.

I really like the fact it could be the higher tower in Moncton, maybe in NB.

We will see... this company is really proactive, in financial health, really less conservative than Moncton City Council.

Sweet! :cheers: Hope the city will go along with it!

[GUB]

I think Dartmouth Crossing is the stupidist development going.
What a colossal waste of land, not to mention enviro. degradation. All you see in the news is how environmentally responsible the developers were---bull s--t!
I mean this development is Bayer's Lake all over again, and everyone knows what a mess Bayer's is. I drive by on the way to and from Saint John and consider this development an eye-sore. I hope this infatuation with big-box shopping eventually ends, but then again I guess Moncton would be screwed. All this happening while we talk of revitalizing our downtown cores, which continue to slowly fade.

[ErickMontreal]

Metro leaders frustrated over convention centre
Lack of federal gov't interest in funding project has civic leaders rethinking approach

By Kate Wright
times & transcript staff
Published Monday September 3rd, 2007
Appeared on page A8

OTTAWA - Metro community leaders are growing frustrated with the lack of federal interest in building much-needed convention centre space in the growing city.

After years of thriving economic growth, the city is in desperate need of space to host conferences and conventions, but federal money hasn't been easy to come by for city councils in the past.

Last week, the city decided to move ahead with the project "" with or without a federal contribution.

Former Moncton mayor and Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe MP Brian Murphy said the fight for a city convention centre has been "frustrating."

He said now that the city and the provincial governments are on board with moving forward on the project, the federal government is dragging its heels.

The federal Conservatives boast a $33-billion infrastructure fund, set to help municipalities across the country better their economic prosperity.

But the federal money has yet to be allocated and communities across the country have not been able to access it.

"We can say that this is a government of helping municipalities," said Murphy.

"No one can find a napkin to write an application for new infrastructure money. If you can't apply, there is no program."

The city is using the opportunity to take a step back and think strategically about its next step.

Toronto firm PKF Consulting has been hired at a cost of $55,000 to study the situation.

City spokesman Paul Thomson said the change in government at the federal level didn't help the project and the council had to start over in its funding request.

He said the city has tried a number of avenues to gain federal funds, including the Atlantic Canada Opportunity Agency and lobbying Infrastructure Minister Lawrence Cannon.

"We continue to make the ask and we will continue to make the request, to try to make a business case," he said. "We're focusing on the reality of trying to attract conventions here "" do we have the airport capability, to we have the bed room capability."

Cannon spokeswoman Natalie Sarafian said as soon as negotiations on the $33-billion infrastructure fund are complete, the federal government will be able to look at specific projects for funding.

Until then, cities will have to wait.

Sarafian would not say when negotiations were set to wrap up or how far along the department is in those negotiations.

She would not say whether the department had completed talks with the provincial government.

"I can't give a timeline "" negotiations are supposed to go through the summer," she said.

"I couldn't tell you. I don't know because I'm not part of the negotiations."

Sarafian would not say whether the Moncton convention centre project has been discussed.

The city of Fredericton is having similar problems with securing federal funds for a convention centre and also decided last week to go ahead with the project.

City councillors say they remain hopeful the federal government will contribute to the project.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Metro employers face major workers crunch
Stores, restaurants have trouble finding people to work later shifts

By James Foster
Times & Transcript Staff
Published Monday September 3rd, 2007
Appeared on page A3

Don't tell her boss, but Susan Smith will quit her job next week.

Susan (not her real name) has a better job waiting elsewhere and is building up the nerve to tell her fast-food employer that she's leaving. Quitting will take guts, she says, because her boss says if she loses one more night-shift employee, she might no longer be able to open during weekday evenings.

The phenomenon is already happening across Metro Moncton, with service industries that formerly operated all night or late into the evenings cutting back their hours -- not due to a lack of customers, but because of a lack of staff.

"It's not uncommon, and it's going to become more common," says Valerie Roy, CEO of the Greater Moncton Chamber of Commerce.

Roy has experienced it herself -- she's stepped out for an evening coffee or a bite to eat with friends, only to find the restaurant doors locked and the lights off.

"It's becoming more of a trend, especially in retail and in hospitality,"

Eric Pelletier, Enterprise Greater Moncton's manager of investment attraction and community relations, says the phenomenon is well known in the region.

"Part of it is because this region is heavily staffed in the service industry," Pelletier says.

"There are a lot of employers fighting for the same employees, or the same types of skill sets."

That means workers that formerly felt they must grab onto the first service-sector job they could find now can pick and choose -- particularly at this time of year when the traditionally youth-heavy sector sees many young people quitting to go back to school.

Stores, restaurants even call centres are not immune to the trend. Overnight positions are being hit particularly hard because most people want coveted daytime shifts, leaving 24/7 operators like gas stations, contact centres and convenience stores scrambling to put people behind their counters, if they can at all.

"Those employees exist," Pelletier says, "it's just that there's limited numbers of them."

An employer's options are limited. Company operators can increase pay rates, but they cannot do that if the operation is barely making money during the late hours. They can fish for workers in other demographics, such as retirees looking to supplement their pensions. They can poach from other employers, which they are already doing. Or they can increase benefits with perks like day care services, gym memberships, flexible hours and the traditional health and dental coverage in a bid to make their jobs as attractive as they can be to fussy job-seekers who now hold all, or most, of the cards.

"They have to deal with it," Roy says, citing a number of companies that have developed an "older worker strategy" to combat the dearth of younger people in what has been traditionally a young person's field.

It's not a crisis, most observers insist.

"In greater Moncton, our glass is still half full," Roy says.

"We are aware of it. There are people working on it within companies and we will be able to fulfill our labour needs."

Just like in commodities, Pelletier says, it's a case of supply and demand. When labour is in great demand, the cost of that labour will go up.

Companies suffering from this phenomenon contacted for this story declined to comment, with some citing concerns that they would seem to be in dire straits, or that their clients would stop coming for fear of bad service due to a lack of staff. Most said they were coping by either carefully managing what staff they now have or aggressively recruiting more, while two said they had slashed their late-night operating hours out of necessity.

The service-industry labour crunch is no secret in the industry, nor to anyone paying attention, one observer said.

"You only have to walk down Main Street or drive up Mountain Road and see all those restaurants or gas stations that have Now Hiring signs."

[kwajo]

I think Dartmouth Crossing is the stupidist development going.
What a colossal waste of land, not to mention enviro. degradation. All you see in the news is how environmentally responsible the developers were---bull s--t!
I mean this development is Bayer's Lake all over again, and everyone knows what a mess Bayer's is. I drive by on the way to and from Saint John and consider this development an eye-sore. I hope this infatuation with big-box shopping eventually ends, but then again I guess Moncton would be screwed. All this happening while we talk of revitalizing our downtown cores, which continue to slowly fade.
Here, Here!

I agree 100%, I loathe these shopping centres, and to argue who has the bigger one is even more ridiculous considering they are all horrid developments that I'd rather see Saint John avoid entirely. Here we are getting new hotels in Saint John finally, and they are all in the East Side, well away from the Uptown core, I mean WHY? I realize there is a place for discount hotel chains, but we can't promote Uptown development AND urban sprawl at the same time, the city just isn't big enough to support both. East Point Shopping centre is a tens of millions of dollars project - imagine that much money going into Uptown! The sugar refinery, coast guard site, and more could all have been built or restored by now!
But I guess having Home Depot and Costco are more important to people these days than culture, the environment, walking/public transportation and architecture.
bleh.

[ErickMontreal]

New court takes first step
Long-awaited project begins today with request for expressions of interest from interested contractors

Times & Transcript STaff
Published Tuesday September 4th, 2007
Appeared on page A1

The development of several mega projects for downtown Metro Moncton takes a leap forward today as the first phase of the new justice complex gets underway.

The Times & Transcript has learned a request for expressions of interest from potential contractors will be issued today by the provincial government -- spurring movement on the long-awaited justice centre.

"This request is essentially what's called phase one of the project," said a government source. "So they're asking the private developers to come forward and demonstrate their expertise and experience, as well as their capacity to develop the project." Earlier this year, the Liberals announced they would seek a public/private partnership to build the justice centre.

The province is seeking a private developer to build, own, operate and lease the facility back to the province.

Interested contractors must submit their expressions of interest by Sept. 27. Shortly after, a second request will be made for proposals of interest from a shortlist of contractors.

"You evaluate the qualifications and then you evaluate the plan itself," said the source.

Construction could begin early in 2008 and the project is expected to be completed by 2009-2010.

The province is still open to building the new courthouse at the former Beaver Lumber property -- the site selected by the former Conservative provincial government.

However, contractors can also submit proposals for other acceptable, alternative, sites as long as they're located in the downtown.

"The developers can submit their proposals for the project based on the design that has been developed for the current site," said the source. "They can modify if they're proposing a second site, but there are specifications that need to be in there." The project, which Premier Shawn Graham has pegged at $47 million, will include 15 courtrooms, sheriff services, victim services, probation services, family support services, Crown prosecutors and a law library.

Supply and Services Minister Roly MacIntyre indicated earlier this summer that the province would also support non-government space in the building, as long as the tenants are somewhat connected to the field of justice.

Two developers who have already expressed interest in the project are Denis Losier of Assomption Vie and Dick Carpenter of Heritage Developments.

The move sets the stage for a trio of important projects slated for Metro Moncton that are vital for downtown development.

The former Beaver Lumber property has also been mentioned as a prime site to locate a state-of-the-art convention centre and entertainment centre, following the release of the province's gaming policy.

After years of waiting for a commitment from the federal government towards a convention centre, the City of Moncton has decided to spend $55,000 to a consulting group to study every option -- from dropping the idea of a convention centre to whether the project can move ahead without Ottawa.

Meanwhile, the release of the gambling policy has been delayed for more than a year.

In December, Graham said the release of the gaming policy "dovetails" into his commitment to a convention centre in Moncton.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Islanders take to Moncton ice
NHL team to hold training camp at Tim Hortons 4-Ice Centre from Sept. 14-23

Times & Transcript Staff
Published Tuesday September 4th, 2007
Appeared on page A4
Moncton is getting ready for major league hockey excitement, with the NHL's New York Islanders training camp set to begin on Sept. 14 at the Tim Hortons 4-Ice Centre.

The training camp's arrival was announced in Moncton in March by former Islanders goaltender-turned-general manager Garth Snow.

"For us, we loved our experience coming to Moncton last year and really that's what made us say 'You know what, why not have training camp here in Moncton,'" Snow said in March, referring to their pre-season game at the Coliseum last season against the Boston Bruins.

Warren Frizzell, general manager of the 4-Ice Centre, says he met with Snow in March, and believes while previous camps were "strictly business", the Islanders have every intention of integrating themselves into the community during their stay from Sept. 14-23.

"They are going to try to embrace the minor hockey kids as much as they can and they are going to get involved in the community much more than any other teams in the past," Frizzell said.

Last year, the Moncton Coliseum played host to an NHL mini-camp hosted by the Pittsburgh Penguins. The last full NHL training camp to be held in Moncton was held by the now-defunct Winnipeg Jets back in 1988.

Larry Haley is the chairman of the committee responsible for organizing the training camp, and says it is a great opportunity for all of Moncton, hockey fans or not.

"I think it keeps us in the major leagues. Again, compare what's going on in the city around us, I think it's great to have a full NHL roster coming in for their training camp," he said. "This is how they want to open their season. I think that's first-class."

Haley and the rest of the committee are in the process of organizing the camp and finalizing the schedule, but he says there will be a variety of off-ice activities set up for the team throughout the 10-day camp.

Included among those is a team breakfast, where Islanders alumni are expected to meet, eat and greet with the public. Among the former stars could be Mike Bossy, who Haley says is "reasonably confirmed" to being in attendance.

Haley is also in the process of trying to get Main Street closed down on Sept. 14 so they can "Introduce the Islanders" in a formal ceremony to drum up excitement downtown.

"I think the biggest thing is that we just welcome the Islanders," Haley said. "There are hockey teams and camps all over, why not make Moncton the best place to hold a hockey camp too, on top of concerts and all the other festivals. I think it fits right in."

The facilities are certainly adequate to house the camp, and the Islanders are expected to make use of at least three of the four ice surfaces to best maximize their time.

Haley says multiple rinks are one of the appeals of the 4-Ice Centre that other locations cannot offer.

"It's no different than minor hockey; you don't want people standing around. You want people moving in a hockey practice," he said.

Frizzell says the team coming to town has a lot to do with Islanders head coach Ted Nolan being very familiar with the area and its facilities.

Nolan was the head coach and director of hockey operations for the Moncton Wildcats during the 2005-06 season. He led them to a President's Cup as QMJHL champions and to a runner-up finish in the Memorial Cup, before accepting a job as head coach with the Islanders.

Now Nolan is set to return to Moncton, along with Islanders stars like Rick DiPietro, Jason Blake and Ryan Smyth.

In addition to frequent intersquad scrimmages, the Islanders will also play exhibition games against the University of New Brunswick Varsity Reds and the Université de Moncton Aigles Bleus, who finished first and second respectively in the 2007 CIS Championship.

"It's a wonderful opportunity for Monctonians because it will be the first and probably last time we'll see an NHL rookie squad be able to play against the Number 1 and Number 2 university squad in Canada," Frizzell said.

The game against UNB will be held Sept. 17 at the 4-Ice Centre, with the game against UdeM on Sept. 20 at the Coliseum.

Tickets will cost $10 with special rates for students and family packs.

Tickets will be available at Coliseum and are expected to go on sale soon.

The Islanders will also play host to the Montreal Canadiens in an NHL preseason game on Sept. 19 at the Coliseum.

Tickets are still available and can be purchased at the Coliseum box office.

More details and a full schedule of events for the training camp are expected to be released in the upcoming week.

[ErickMontreal]

Dp

[ErickMontreal]

Supply and Services / Justice
Province issues request for expressions of interest on Moncton courthouse (07/09/04)

NB 1095

Sept. 4, 2007

MONCTON (CNB) - The Government of New Brunswick has issued a request for expressions of interest from the private sector for the development of the new Moncton courthouse, Supply and Services Minister Roly MacIntyre announced today.

"This request for expressions of interest represents phase one of a two-stage proposal process," MacIntyre said. "We are asking private developers to come forward and demonstrate their expertise and experience as well as capacity to develop this project. They must be able to construct, finance, operate and maintain the new justice complex. They will also be asked to identify their proposed site for the new building and complementary space."

The approach the province is using is for a private developer to build, own and operate and then lease the facility back to the province. The facility must accommodate the government's courthouse requirements and appropriate non-government space.

MacIntyre said government is open to proposals to build the new courthouse at the former Beaver Lumber property in downtown Moncton, or at other acceptable alternative sites located within the city's downtown core. Interested developers can submit their proposals for the project based on the design that has been developed for the current site, or they have the option to propose moving the courthouse and, modifying the design, to suit another acceptable downtown location.

The request for expressions of interest is being advertised on the New Brunswick Opportunities Network (NBON) and in provincial newspapers. Submissions will be received by Supply and Services until 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 27. These will be evaluated by the department before a second-stage request for proposals is issued this fall to selected proponents for construction of the new courthouse at approved sites. Only those proponents who have been qualified under the expressions of interest will be invited to proceed to the second phase.

The new state of the art courthouse will house 15 courtrooms and court staff as well as Sheriff Services; Victim Services; Probation Services; Family Support Services including mediation; Crown prosecutors and a law library. It is expected to be under construction in the spring of 2008 with completion planned for 2009-2010.

[ErickMontreal]

Site of new Moncton courthouse not settled
Province now accepting expressions of interest for downtown project

HELPBy MARY MOSZYNSKI
Times & Transcript Staff
Published Wednesday September 5th, 2007
Appeared on page A10

Although it's not yet known exactly where Moncton's new justice complex will be built, one thing's for certain -- it's a downtown project.

The call for expressions of interest -- that will determine a contractor's ability to carry out such a significant project -- sets out specific parameters on where the complex must be built.

The provincial government is still open to building the project on the former Beaver Lumber site, said Supply and Services Minister Roly MacIntyre.

But developers can suggest an alternative site in the downtown.

"We want to use it for downtown development," he said.

The building must be located on land that has significant frontage on Main Street, between Vaughan Harvey Boulevard and Hall's Creek, or on land within the area bounded by Main Street, Assomption Boulevard and Lutz Street.

"We felt we needed to tell potential developers what boundaries they needed to work in and what we've given them is a reasonably broad boundary, but it has to be in the downtown core and that's something everybody agreed on," said MacIntyre.

Earlier this year, the Liberals announced they would seek a public/private partnership to build the justice centre.

The province is seeking a private developer to build, own, operate and lease the facility back to the province.

Interested contractors must submit their expressions of interest by Sept. 27.

"It will give developers a chance to look at the plans, decide if they want to be part of the process," he said.

Shortly after, a second request will be made for proposals of interest from a shortlist of contractors.

The $47 million justice complex is a significant project for downtown Moncton.

It could also set in motion two other projects for the downtown, including a convention centre and an entertainment/gaming centre.

The justice centre will include 15 courtrooms, sheriff services, victim services, probation services, family support services, Crown prosecutors and a law library.

The province is also asking developers for non-government space in the building, as long as the tenants are somehow connected to the field of justice.

"We are saying that we want at least 10 per cent of the space to be available for other offices," said MacIntyre. "Part of the process is to try and generate some development in downtown Moncton."

[ErickMontreal]

New Moncton courthouse finally guaranteed

MONCTON, NB - The long awaited arrival of a new courthouse in Downtown Moncton is getting a lot closer.

Supply and Services Minister Roly MacIntyre made the announcement today saying the provincial government is going ahead with its plan to build a new courthouse in Downtown Moncton.

The exact location has yet to be determined but he emphasizes it will be downtown.

MacIntyre said its finally guaranteed and a tender could be selected in a couple of months, with construction starting early spring of next year, with an expected completion date of 2009-2010.

[ErickMontreal]

BMW-Mini store set for Moncton

http://www.rideaucon.ns.ca/images/bmw_moncton.jpg

Lounsbury Company Limited has been chosen to own and operate the new MINI and BMW retail outlet in Moncton, New Brunswick. Ed McNally, vice-president of Lounsbury Company Limited, states, “BMW Group Canada has a fantastic retailer network and we are honoured to be the newest edition to the BMW Group retail family.” Regarding the new retailer, Lindsay Duffield, President and CEO of BMW Group Canada, states, “We are delighted to partner with Lounsbury, and are confident they will represent BMW and Mini well…We look forward to bringing our product line-up to New Brunswick and to serving new and existing customers in this region.”

[ErickMontreal]

New construction worth $96M so far
Moncton on track for all-time record year for development; August building permits up 79% over same month last year

By James Foster
Times & Transcript Staff
Published Tuesday September 11th, 2007
Appeared on page A1

The value of building permits issued by the City of Moncton in August soared 79 per cent compared to the same month last year.
Advertisement

It's part of what is shaping up to be an all-time record year for construction activity in Moncton, says Kevin Silliker, business development officer for the City of Moncton.

"Through the second quarter and into the third quarter, 2007 has been a banner year for builders and developers," Silliker says.

"These numbers reflect a solid and diversified economy, as well as strong consumer confidence."

Last month the city issued 121 building permit, valued at more than $21 million. In August of last year, they issued permits valued at $11.9 million.

So far this year, the city has issued 816 permits valued at more than $96 million.

The value of residential permits rose by 16 per cent last month over the previous August as well, to 94 units from 81. The total value of residential construction permits topped $7 million last month and brings the year-to-date total value of residential permits to almost $45 million.

Twenty commercial and industrial building permits totalling more than $10 million were issued as well, bringing the year-to-date figure for commercial and industrial permits to almost $42 million, an increase of 85 per cent over the same time span last year.

Highlights of last month's permits include one for the construction of a 124-room Hampton Inn and Suites at 700 Mapleton Road, valued at almost $7 million.

Construction of a two-storey special-care home at 1031 Salisbury Road is valued at $3.3 million.

Also, a permit valued at $1.2 million will allow the construction of a two-storey addition to the building at 100 Westmorland St.
___________________________________________________________________________________________


Work on new blvd. continues

Times & Transcript staff
Published Tuesday September 11th, 2007
Appeared on page A7

Work continues on Riverview's Gunningsville Boulevard, linking the Gunningsville Bridge to Findlay Boulevard, but don't expect an early opening, Mayor Clarence Sweetland said last night.
Advertisement

Street lights to be installed along the two-lane road are expected to arrive by the end of the month but will still require time to install and there is still work to be done at the Pine Glen Road intersection, he said.

The road will likely open in late November or early December.

The town approved a bid from Roadway Systems for lighting along Pinewood at a cost of just under $67,900, the lower or two bids. The town had set aside $70,000 for the project.

Sweetland noted that the town has undertaken considerable work replacing water mains in several areas including Trites Road. The money comes from the town's gas-tax rebate of more than $300,000.

Town parks and recreation officials will examine other measures to help protect against vandalism after someone smashed all the lights at the bandstand over the weekend.

Two people were spotted by a security camera before it apparently malfunctioned, said a department spokesman.

There is a curfew but it is difficult to enforce, said a Codiac Regional RCMP spokesman at the meeting, prompting councillor Sherry Wilson to quip that youths shouldn't be out around town at 3 a.m.

Town council approved a request from Trinity United Church on Old Coach Road to hold its annual Fall Fun Day parade Sept. 22 beginning at 10 a.m. the Gunningsville Tennis Court on Old Coach Road to the church at 85 Old Coach Rd. to launch the day's festivities.

[ErickMontreal]

Moncton to host 2009 World Men's Curling Championship

September 11, 2007 - 10:57 am
By: Rebecca Davis, News 91.9 Staff

MONCTON, NB-It's official, Moncton will host the 2009 Ford World Men's Curling Championship.

The event will be held from April 4th to the 12th in 2009 at the Moncton Coliseum.

It will also be the final championship of the season for Member Associations of the World Curling Federation to gain points to qualify countries for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.

Al Forsyth is the President of the Canadian Curling Association, and says he's not surprised that the Hub City was picked for the 2009 worlds.

He says to sum it up, the Hub City has good, down east entertainment and hospitality.

When the event is held it will also mark the 50th anniversary of the championship.

This will be the third time that New Brunswick has hosted it, and the 19th time for Canada.

Tickets are expected to go on sale in February.

[ErickMontreal]

Scaffolding won't come off federal building until 2009
Expert to begin survey of building's repair needs soon

http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=25207&size=300x0

Times & Transcript STaff
Published Wednesday September 12th, 2007
Appeared on page A3

OTTAWA - Metro Monctonians will have to get used to the scaffolding and construction fencing surrounding the federal building at Main and Highfield Streets -- it's going to be there until at least 2009.

A spokesman for Public Works and Government Services said despite knowing about the need for repairs on the decaying structure since 2004, it will be years before the department is in a position to fix the problem.

"That scaffolding is going to be there for awhile," spokesman Rory Matchette said yesterday. During a routine building condition report in October, 2004, public works was told an inspection of the building's mortar was immediately needed.

The review also suggested that the building's limestone exterior appeared to be deteriorating and in need of major repair. A piece of the building's limestone actually fell off in January, 2005.

Despite the numerous warning signs over the years, public works has failed to move quickly on the renovation. Instead, the department has opted to erect scaffolding and fencing to protect pedestrians walking down the busy end of Main Street from falling limestone.

At one of the busier intersections in the downtown core, the scaffolding and fencing around the building has become a nuisance for pedestrians and an "eye sore" for the community, Downtown Moncton Inc.'s Daniel Allain said.

He believes the city's downtown cannot continue to attract new companies until the historical structure is cleaned up.

"We have to keep that architecture -- it's a great building for downtown in terms of historical value and we have to keep it as it was before," he said. "We realize it has to go through due process, but it's been years now. Give us a plan."

Matchette said the department plans to hire a masonry expert by month's end. That person will inspect the building's exterior and determine the cause of the limestone's deterioration. He said he expects the inspection to take until next May, when the department will review the report over the summer.

Then, the department must determine a next course of action by designing a document and sending it to tender.

Since the extent of the building's damage isn't known, it will likely be some time before repair work can begin.

Matchette maintains that the department conducts bi-annual scaling on the building and physically checks the structure for bits of loose limestone to protect pedestrians. He wouldn't say how much the department is anticipating the overhaul of the structure's exterior will cost.

With Crombie Properties looking to expand their Highfield Square operations and with significant road work reshaping the city's expanding downtown core, Allain said now is the time for investment in the structure.

[mmmatt]

Great news! Construction is booming :D

Glad to hear about the BMW Mini dealer, alot of peole in Moncton have BMWs and Minis already so I imagine they will do quite well. Loundsbury is going through renovation right now too, as is Moncton Mitsubishi.

The Curling is also great news :)

We seem to have a couple of new traditions arising in Moncton, one big sporting event and one big concert every year:

2005 - Rolling Stones (80,000+) - None
2006 - Country Rocks the Hill (45,000+) - Memorial Cup
2007 - Country Rocks the Hill II (50,000+) - CIS Cup
2008 - TBA - CIS Cup
2009 - TBA - World Curling
2010 - TBA - IAAF World Junior Championships in Athletics

One bad thing though is that stupid scaffolding on that beautiful building downtown. I hate that :hell:

Anyways, keep up the good work Erick! :cheers:

[mmmatt]

Took a quick drive down Main st. and snapped these:

-New Sobeys (frame is all up)
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f232/stu_pendousmat/newer%20Moncton/DSCN0003.jpg

-Primer on Terminal Plaza (will be painted black over this)
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f232/stu_pendousmat/newer%20Moncton/DSCN0002.jpg

-And a couple new ones of the Marriott
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f232/stu_pendousmat/newer%20Moncton/DSCN0006.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f232/stu_pendousmat/newer%20Moncton/DSCN0007.jpg

(lots of new brick :))
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f232/stu_pendousmat/newer%20Moncton/DSCN0008.jpg

[mmmatt]

Heres the logo for the 2009 Ford World Men’s Curling Championship:

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f232/stu_pendousmat/newer%20Moncton/FordWorldMen_2009_s.jpg

[ErickMontreal]

Thanks you for the shot Stu!
________________________________________________________________

Does Moncton need a convention centre?
Consultants hired by city asked to come up with three options, and recommend best one

HELPBy Brent Mazerolle
Times & Transcript Staff
Published Friday September 14th, 2007
Appeared on page A1
The City of Moncton has been trying for years to get one built in downtown, but the question begs asking again: Do we need a convention centre?

Advertisement

The city has hired one of the hospitality, real estate, and tourism industries' top consulting firms to answer that question. Representatives of PKF Canada were in the city yesterday to begin addressing the issue with area stakeholders.

The push toward a convention centre stems back to a feasibility study carried out by Horwath Consultants in 2000 that found Moncton was under-served in terms of meeting space. As a result, the city began exploring the idea of a convention centre in earnest.

But much has changed in the interim, and the convention market now isn't what it was in 2000.

With city council, city staff and other community leaders beginning to wonder if the missing piece of the convention centre puzzle -- federal investment to match funds put up by the city and province -- would ever materialize, the city decided last month to re-appraise the need with a $55,000 study expected to be finalized by November.

The consultants have been asked to come up with three options and recommend the best one for the city, investigating whether a stand-alone convention centre, a centre attached to an existing structure or combined with something like a casino, or simply increasing meeting space in the city in other ways is the best course of action.

All this delay in getting a convention centre off the drawing board might not necessarily have been a bad thing.

While consultants Brian Stanford, Fran Hohol and Rebecca Pickford were in town yesterday to merely start looking at Moncton's particular situation, the background information they brought with them on what Stanford called "the realities of the convention centre business in Canada," might help Metro Moncton residents see better what they could be getting into.

First off, "the financial reality of convention centres is they don't make money, they lose money," Stanford said. In fact, he added, only two of the 17 top performing convention centres in Canada don't need subsidies to break even. And the two that are self sufficient owe their financial situations not to conventions, but to renting the excess capacity of their parking lots.

"Most convention centres need in excess of $30 per square foot in operating subsidies (each year)," Stanford said, meaning the floor space sizes being considered for Moncton would cost anywhere from $250,000 to $500,000 per year.

On the other hand, each convention delegate visiting a city can be expected to pump $1,000 into the local economy, with more than half of that going to businesses besides hotels.

The consultants said if the business case is there, there is huge economic benefit to a whole community from having a convention centre.

The convention business is seasonal and cyclical though. "April, May and June and September, October account for 75 per cent of convention activity," Fran Hohol said. As well, large national conventions, no matter how successful they might have been in Metro Moncton, will still not come back for several years as the annual gathering is rotated around the different regions of the country.

Meanwhile, the consultants said they would only look at the two previously identified potential sites for a convention centre, the Beaver Lumber and Assumption Life properties, as well as anything else in the downtown core. Stanford said it didn't matter how great a plot of land a city might have elsewhere. "Building outside the downtown is not an option."

Moncton is, of course, not the only city looking to get into the convention business. Regionally, Charlottetown and Fredericton are both actively pursuing centres. And last week, the same federal government that has been silent on footing a $9-million share of an estimated $18-million Moncton convention centre nevertheless gave Niagara Falls $35 million to build one.

PKF said if all convention centres that have been proposed or are under construction in Canada get built, the convention space in Canada will increease by 40 per cent in the next few years. By contrast, the convention business grows by about eight per cent per year.

The trick for Moncton will be to compete with other destinations -- not the Tier 1 facilities in places like Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver, not the Tier 2 facilities in cities like Calgary, Edmonton, Quebec City or Winnipeg, or even the Tier 3 facilities like those in Halifax, Hamilton and Penticton. Rather, we would compete against places like Saint John or Fredericton or Charlottetown.

The consultants also came armed with a preliminary survey of Canadian meeting planners' perceptions about Moncton, which give some idea of how we might compete. Since meeting planners' perceptions matter as much as reality, their answers are indicative.

Moncton gets its highest ratings for a friendly atmosphere first, its green practices second, and the safety and security of its city third. Its fourth highest rankings came in perceptions about service.

Where the city fares most poorly in the minds of Canadian meeting planners is in its "airlift" -- industry jargon for whether or not delegates have easy air travel to and from a city. Moncton has just 117 domestic flights a week compared to Halifax's 480 and the 172 that serve St. John's, Newfoundland, the latter a convention hotspot because it's considered an atrractive tourist destination.

Moncton also gets drubbed by meeting planners for its overall location and destination appeal and the lack of large blocks of hotel rooms in the downtown core.

Among Atlantic Canadian destinations, meeting planners ranked the city fourth behind Halifax, St. John's and Charlottetown.

While Halifax has a Tier 3 facility in the World Trade and Convention Centre, the consultants noted demand is currently 25 per cent below the average for other Canadian Tier 3 centres, a statistic that might give pause to other regional cities.

The consultants briefed Moncton City Council yesterday morning and spoke largely to hoteliers at a public meeting yesterday afternoon also attended by Rob Robichaud of the Greater Moncton International Airport Authority, Riverview Mayor Clarence Sweetland, and various tourism and economic development officials.

They will investigate the Moncton situation over the next several weeks and plan to present a draft report to Moncton council by the end of October. They hope to present their final report by the end of November
_________________________________________________________________

Airport marks 10-year success story
But Moncton paid heavy price as pioneer of privatized airports

Times & Transcript Staff
Published Friday September 14th, 2007
Appeared on page A1
Tomorrow, Metro Moncton's airport marks the 10th anniversary of privatization.

Today, its proponents agree there is much to celebrate, yet challenges lie ahead and ironically, many of them stem from the federal government which launched privatization in the first place.

Moncton's airport was not only the first medium-sized airport in Canada to be privatized by Ottawa on Sept. 15, 1997 but, a decade later, is also one of the greatest achievements of the federal airport privatization program, a shining example of the success that can be achieved when the free market and the entrepreneurial spirit are permitted to call the shots.

On Sept. 15 1997 the volunteer members of the Greater Moncton Airport Authority inherited a terminal building that was deteriorating and soon to be condemned.

They also paid a heavy price for being the first; a $4.8 million debt to rebuild one of the airport's two runways and a $2.1 million chattel debt owed to Transport Canada. Subsequent privatization at other medium-sized airports across the country did not come with those debts.

In the last full year of Transport Canada ownership, the airport offered two passenger airlines serving 240,000 passengers to three destinations in Halifax, Montreal and Toronto and had seven cargo services handling 14,000 tonnes of cargo.

The airport operated at a deficit of $2 million, which was predicted to continue climbing under federal control -- indeed mounting costs were the reason Ottawa wanted out of the airport business.

Ten years later the old Moncton Airport is now the Greater Moncton International Airport and a glittering new terminal offers five passenger airlines that in the last fiscal year served 558,000 passengers, an increase of 133 per cent from 1997.

Destinations include the original three as well as a direct flight to Paris in the summers, various direct 'sunflight' destination in the winters, a direct flight to New York City year-round and next month, a new direct flight to Ottawa. Continental Airlines is also considering a second daily flight to New York within a year.

GMIA's private board of volunteers and the Vancouver-based company it hired a decade ago to run the airport operated at a $1-million profit and is also paying down those old debts, says Rob Robichaud, GMIA's general manager and CEO.

"We are paying down that $4.8 million debt -- it's now down to $3 million -- and, as was the case with other airports across the country, we've managed to get rid of the $2.1 million chattel payment and we've even had some success with the rent."

Another often-overlooked aspect of the privatization deals across the country is that privatized airports still sit on government-owned land and in 2016 they're supposed to start paying rent to Ottawa -- $900,000 a year in Moncton's case.

"That figure would just about take out our current annual profit," says Robichaud. "So far the board has managed through negotiations to reduce that to $200,000, but we still ask why we should be paying rent -- basically just free money for Ottawa -- in the first place."

But new challenges keep popping up. In 2001 Nav Canada, the private company that arose out of Transport Canada to take over air traffic control from Ottawa, tried to shut down its control tower at the Moncton airport, putting it at a disadvantage to Halifax.

It took Metro's entire business community joining up with GMIA to put the kibosh on that plan.

This year, a new issue arose with the Canada Border Services Agency, the federal agency that provides security services at borders and international airports. Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day gave additional staff to Halifax's airport so that it can operate its customs terminal 24-7, while Moncton has only enough officers to operate weekdays, and only during regular office hours.

When the customs office isn't staffed, any international flights coming into GMIA have to be diverted to Halifax, putting Moncton at a tremendous disadvantage.

GMIA's board and, once again the rest of the Metro business community is lobbying to alleviate the situation and, in fact, are hopeful after stating their case directly to Prime Minister Stephen Harper a month ago, but the fact remains Moncton has to fight for every scrap that Halifax seems to receive as a matter of course.

Moncton shares challenges with all other airports in the country, adds Robichaud; particularly a seemingly continuous stream of obstructive new regulations from Transport Canada.

"It seems to all of us that Transport Canada's bureaucracy somehow wants to get back into the business of operating the airports while not having to pay the costs or cover the debts," says the former Canadian Forces fighter pilot.

Despite privatization, bureaucratic attitudes still run deep in the industry suggests Bill Whalen, the original chairman of the 1997 airport authority which is actually rooted in Metro privatization study groups that began here in the mid-1980s, a decade ahead of the pack.

Moncton indeed paid a heavy price for going first, says Whalen, but even the first study groups "felt we had no choice because Transport Canada had given up on Moncton; they had no vision for us as anything but a spoke leading to Halifax. As a result, Moncton, the southeast and all of New Brunswick would be greatly disadvantaged. We were determined that we would not only transfer but be the first tier-two (medium) airport to do it."

During the negotiations, Transport Canada stated Moncton's second runway -- the 'bad weather' runway -- was deteriorating and would have to close, recalled Whalen. The Moncton group refused on the argument that runway was one of the few advantages Moncton had over Halifax, which is frequently fogged in.

Ottawa wouldn't refurbish it, but offered $2 million if the airport authority agreed to cover the rest of the $6.8 million project.

"As a result we had to start out $4.8 million in debt," said Whalen, although there were assurances from Transport Canada at the time that if later (privatization) deals (with other airports) improved, our deal would be reopened. To my knowledge that never happened."

Indeed it did not, even though dozens of other airports across the country, including Saint John and Fredericton, signed privatization deals much later that did not require renovation funding by the new local authorities, which in fact received federal assistance instead.

Like others in Metro, Whalen remains hopeful GMIA will eventually get an even break on the debt but like Robichaud, notes the challenges are manifold. Federal and provincial governments, for example, assisted in building the terminal and the required approach roads, but won't go all the way.

Eastbound traffic on Highway 15 (Veteran's Highway) has a ramp into the terminal but westbound traffic does not, again putting GMIA at a tremendous disadvantage for cargo customers from P.E.I., northern Nova Scotia or even Fredericton.

That could be a clue to the overall problem for GMIA given that the highway work would be a provincial decision, suggests Whalen.

"It's a matter of political will," he says. "We here feel Moncton has earned the right and deserves to be New Brunswick's leading airport but we see no one here with the political will to do that.

Both senior levels of government support Saint John's port and well they should, all New Brunswickers should support it, and to an extent Fredericton is developing an Information Technology sector which also deserves support.

"Just as with those cities, Moncton should be supported with its airport and I think many of the people in this debate would agree privately but in public, well, politics are what they are."

Brian Baxter, chairman of Enterprise Greater Moncton, sees GMIA as a key to continued growth in Metro. "When you're trying to attract industry to this province people want to know how they're going to get to their markets and how they're going to travel so one of the first questions they ask is 'what type of air service do you have?'

Baxter says he can sympathize to an extent with a federal government that feels it has to concentrate on the 'Big Eight' airports -- those located in the nation's largest cities -- because that's where most of the people, political clout and tax revenue are located.

But government must look beyond the 'Big Eight' at least for a few of the smaller airports and the obvious focus is on the successful ones, he says. "Moncton is a very successful one and we have to convey that to both Prime Minister Harper and Premier Graham, that Moncton is a very successful place and the airport is one of our best successes.

"You have to invest in success."

[mmmatt]

September 13, 2007 - 3:52 pm
By: Darrell Quann - News 91.9 Staff

MONCTON, NB - Moncton is a good place to do business.

Canadian Business magazine has come out with its 2007 rankings on the best places in the country to do business.

Moncton moved up 14 places to number 4 in Canada.

Moncton business development officer Kevin Sillinker tells the "Afternoon News with Tom Young" that it proves what the city is doing is working.

Sillinker says they are happy with the 4th overall ranking for now, but the plan for next year is to be number one.

T&T also mentioned:

"Atlantic Canada was well represented, with Charlottetown and Moncton in the top five and St. John's, Nfld., and Saint John coming in at seventh and eighth. "

[GUB]

Does Moncton have a downtown?
I don't want this to be misinterpreted or anything, but I just don't know where it is.

[michael_d40]

Does Moncton have a downtown?
I don't want this to be misinterpreted or anything, but I just don't know where it is.

Lol.... They do, but its a pretty hurtin set up.

[ErickMontreal]

Lol.... They do, but its a pretty hurtin set up.


Maybe but since 1997, Moncton downtown has added 400 000 s/f of office space, two new hotels as well as plenty of stores/restaurants/bars/appartments and at least there is a decent nightlife for a city located in New-Brunswick.

[michael_d40]

Maybe but since 1997, Moncton downtown has added 400 000 s/f of office space, two new hotels as well as plenty of stores/restaurants/bars/appartments and at least there is a decent nightlife for a city located in New-Brunswick.

Want a biscuit?

[kwajo]

Guys, don't start this again

[ErickMontreal]

Well ok, you`re right kwajo

[ElevatorGuy]

I wish we could get rid of the 14 year olds on this site. It would be a better place.

[mylesmalley]

someday, maybe. personally, though, i think both the SJ and moncton threads would benefit a lot if people kept to talking about the city in question.

on a totally different note. does anyone know anything about the condo project that was supposed to be built on st. george blvd, accross from the rotary lodge parking lot? i heard a lot of talk quite some time ago, and they even put up a fairly fancy sign there, as well. since then, though, i haven't heard anything.

[P Unit]

I'm pretty sure that the homeowners on Dickson, who are some pretty powerful people, got the thing scuttled.

[mmmatt]

Times & Transcript
Mon 17 Sep 2007


For a lot of people in east Moncton, the wait for a new Lewisville community centre to replace the Kay Arena seemed almost endless. But now that work has finally begun, progress on the almost $7 million project has been surprisingly swift.

And no one is happier about that than the City of Moncton's Ron LeBlanc, the man tasked with overseeing the work. "We have a tight schedule but we're on it, " LeBlanc said Friday, adding the project is also on budget.

Actually, there might be someone even happier to see the project come together than LeBlanc is. Veteran Ward 1 councillor Norm Crossman has been visiting the construction site every day -- literally -- and is delighted by what he's seen. "This is just terrific," he said on one of his recent tours.

The construction of the new centre marks a sort of coming full circle for Crossman. Canada's longest serving politician was mayor of the village of Lewisville when the Kay Arena was built.

But it's a larger circle being built now. The new centre will have an NHL sized ice surface, a large canteen and six dressing rooms, with one of those dressing rooms geared for the skating public. The facility will also house community use rooms and even a fitness centre, with the latter pending a city request for proposals.

It will also reflect changing times.

There will be two referee rooms to accommodate male and female officials, an elevator and ramps for wheelchair accesibility, and wi-fi (wireless) internet access.

Other technical improvements to the 470 seat structure will be natural gas in-floor heating, piping shaped to the oval rink surface to avoid the frosty floors that extend beyond the boards at other Metro Moncton rinks, and specially insulated walls for energy efficiency, better ice quality, and less possibility of indoor fog in the warmer months.

A state of the art dehumidification system will pick-up where the walls leave off.

The overall design will allow a gymnasium and walking track to be seamlessly grafted onto this first phase at a later date.

"We should be pouring the slab for the ice surface in November," LeBlanc said, meaning the public should be using the facility, as planned, by the end of the year.

[mmmatt]

Times & Transcript
Mon 17 Sep 2007
Brent Mazerolle City Hall Report

Moncton City Council will look at the question of expanding the boundaries of Moncton's downtown Business Improvement Area at tonight's regularly scheduled meeting.

Council is also poised to donate another fire truck to Honduras, part of an ongoing project spearheaded by Moncton Fire Department firefighter Paul Jennings to help the developing nation build a professional fire service. The "bombaderos" have already received surplus Moncton firefighting equipment, including a fire engine, in the past.

As well, Mayor Lorne Mitton will also present a certificate of recognition to seniors' advocate and community volunteer Flora Dell in honour of her induction into the Order of Canada.

[mmmatt]

someday, maybe. personally, though, i think both the SJ and moncton threads would benefit a lot if people kept to talking about the city in question.

on a totally different note. does anyone know anything about the condo project that was supposed to be built on st. george blvd, accross from the rotary lodge parking lot? i heard a lot of talk quite some time ago, and they even put up a fairly fancy sign there, as well. since then, though, i haven't heard anything.

I dont know anything about that...but welcome to the forum Myles, always good to see a new face around here. :)

[mylesmalley]

I'm pretty sure that the homeowners on Dickson, who are some pretty powerful people, got the thing scuttled.

Doesn't surprise me at all. I live not far from there, and honestly, I wasn't terribly thrilled about it, either. That part of St. George looks great with trees on either side-a lot like Morton, by the university.

[GUB]

Times & Transcript
Mon 17 Sep 2007


For a lot of people in east Moncton, the wait for a new Lewisville community centre to replace the Kay Arena seemed almost endless. But now that work has finally begun, progress on the almost $7 million project has been surprisingly swift.

And no one is happier about that than the City of Moncton's Ron LeBlanc, the man tasked with overseeing the work. "We have a tight schedule but we're on it, " LeBlanc said Friday, adding the project is also on budget.

Actually, there might be someone even happier to see the project come together than LeBlanc is. Veteran Ward 1 councillor Norm Crossman has been visiting the construction site every day -- literally -- and is delighted by what he's seen. "This is just terrific," he said on one of his recent tours.

The construction of the new centre marks a sort of coming full circle for Crossman. Canada's longest serving politician was mayor of the village of Lewisville when the Kay Arena was built.

But it's a larger circle being built now. The new centre will have an NHL sized ice surface, a large canteen and six dressing rooms, with one of those dressing rooms geared for the skating public. The facility will also house community use rooms and even a fitness centre, with the latter pending a city request for proposals.

It will also reflect changing times.

There will be two referee rooms to accommodate male and female officials, an elevator and ramps for wheelchair accesibility, and wi-fi (wireless) internet access.

Other technical improvements to the 470 seat structure will be natural gas in-floor heating, piping shaped to the oval rink surface to avoid the frosty floors that extend beyond the boards at other Metro Moncton rinks, and specially insulated walls for energy efficiency, better ice quality, and less possibility of indoor fog in the warmer months.

A state of the art dehumidification system will pick-up where the walls leave off.

The overall design will allow a gymnasium and walking track to be seamlessly grafted onto this first phase at a later date.

"We should be pouring the slab for the ice surface in November," LeBlanc said, meaning the public should be using the facility, as planned, by the end of the year.

I admire how aggressive Moncton is in pursuing athletic facilities/complexes.
As everyone knows, these facilites serve to greatly enhance the quality of life for local citizens and aid in attracting large-scale events that are a tremendous boon to the economy. I think SJ needs to do more in terms of its Rec. facilities.

[mylesmalley]

I dont know anything about that...but welcome to the forum Myles, always good to see a new face around here. :)

Thanks

I've been reading the forums for over a year, now. Finally got around to joining them just recently. I take it you're at STU? i'm taking business at UNB.

[mmmatt]

Thanks

I've been reading the forums for over a year, now. Finally got around to joining them just recently. I take it you're at STU? i'm taking business at UNB.

Cool...Im pretty sure everyone just reads as a guest for a while and finally builds up the courage to join, thats how I did it, and now Im a seasoned member (haha not really)...and hey! let this be a message to all you other guests in this forum...join! we wont bite :D

yeah Im at STU...taking Criminology.

[mmmatt]

September 18, 2007 - 4:54 am
News 91.9


MONCTON, NB-People will soon be able to travel the Vaughan Harvey Boulevard extension to the Gunningsville Bridge in Moncton.

City Engineer, Jack MacDonald, tells us the road will open to traffic Wednesday, September 26th.

The overall project, that includes the new Gunningsville Bridge, which was completed two years ago, is funded in three equal shares by the municipal, provincial and federal governments.

Meanwhile, the new Sobeys store, to be located at the corner of Vaughan Harvey and Main, is expected to be done before Christmas.

It will replace the one in the Highfield Square Mall, and will include an NB Liquor store that will cause the St. George NB Liquor location to close.

[ErickMontreal]

Welcome MylesMalley! :)
_______________________________________________________________________

Metro ignored by feds?
Political analysts say federal Tories may be holding back funding announcements until they can be used in an election campaign

HELPBy Kate Wright
Times & Transcript Staff
Published Wednesday September 19th, 2007
Appeared on page A1

OTTAWA - Despite the urgent need for federal funding for a handful of projects in Metro Moncton, political leaders are growing frustrated that the federal government has seemingly ignored their requests for help.

There is a growing list of projects on city council's agenda that require pressing attention from the federal government, including money for a city convention centre and sports stadium, increased customs staff at the Greater Moncton International Airport and funding for the restoration of the Petitcodiac River.

The city's MP said municipalities across the region have become weary of the promises made by the federal government because of the lack of movement on many of these files.

Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe MP Brian Murphy said the area is receiving the "short end of the stick" from the federal Conservatives and the prime minister sees no urgency in being a friend to New Brunswick.

Despite the growing list of projects the federal government claims to have money to spend on, Murphy said Stephen Harper's lack of action speaks volumes.

"They're taking old money and making new announcements and there are a lot of nervous communities in Atlantic Canada," he said. "I would say there are no big electoral gains for him here, so why bother."

One of the major points the federal Tories have touted is an improved, multi-billion dollar infrastructure fund, aimed at giving municipalities a shot at federal funds to get major economic generating projects off the ground.

But Murphy said it remains unclear how much of that fund is old money with a new title.

"They claim this is the largest fund ever, but they better make clear what they're doing for communities because it's not clear right now," he said. "There's a heavy dose of nervousness and shyness in municipalities about saying anything -- it's biting the hand that feeds."

Harper has been careful to limit his promises to the region since taking office in 2006. Some funding, including the recent $400-million highway announcement, was money set aside last year but only announced this summer.

Some government spending programs, such as the gas tax rebate for municipalities, were introduced by previous governments.

The province's political observers say that the federal Tories may be holding back funding announcements in the province until they can use them to transition into an election campaign.

Rick Myers, a political science professor at St. Thomas University, said Harper is likely holding off on putting his cheques in the mail until they have maximum political value. "Momentum is the key word," he said. "He wants to be able to do that in run up to an election, to make these announcements in succession and ideally, you'd want to do that a couple of months before an election is called."

Until there is a better sense of when the next federal election may come, Myers said many projects may end up on hold.

While "election goodies" can be a popular strategy for political leaders, Tamara Small, a political scientist at Mount Allison University, said infrastructure projects may never have been on Harper's radar.

She said the Tories set out their priorities, such as cracking down on crime, cutting the GST and increasing financial assistance to parents; Anything beyond that may have been on the chopping block.

"The Conservatives were clear that everything else in platform, if it wasn't in their five priorities, was up for debate," she said. "Now that Parliament is prorogued and there will be a new throne speech, they won't be apologetic about not doing the other things."

Small said Harper is careful not to dedicate more to provinces than he can deliver on. "You can't say he's the biggest promise breaker in Canadian history," she said. "He keeps promises because he's not promising too much. It gives one level of credibility about who they are and the way they govern, which may not be a bad thing."

[ErickMontreal]

Moncton mayor will not seek re-election

September 20, 2007 - 11:52 am
By: Rebecca Davis, News 91.9 Staff

MONCTON, NB-The mayor of Moncton has announced that he will not be running again for mayor in the next municipal election in May.

Lorne Mitton announced today that he's decided to end his time on the political stage.

Mitton spent 13 years on the Greater Moncton District Planning Commission, 10 years on city council, and more than three of those years as mayor of the city.

He says, after 23 years in service it's time to turn his attention elsewhere.

He says he wants to spend more time with his family, and catch up on long neglected political pursuits.

There are numerous things Mitton says he's proud of from his political career.

He says, to name a few, he's proud of the signed agreement for the kay Community Centre, and the secured funding for a new stadium.

Mayor Mitton says though, there will be no coasting up until the next election.

He says he'll still be in the office everyday, as often the first one there in the morning, and the last one gone at night.

He says his focus will stay on what's best for the city.

[mylesmalley]

I have to say, I'm a bit surprised there hasn't been more buzz around that Assumption announcement. You'd think something so potentially significant would have sparked a little more debate...

[PinballWizard]

I have to say, I'm a bit surprised there hasn't been more buzz around that Assumption announcement. You'd think something so potentially significant would have sparked a little more debate...

me too

[ErickMontreal]

I have to say, I'm a bit surprised there hasn't been more buzz around that Assumption announcement. You'd think something so potentially significant would have sparked a little more debate...

Well, I tend to be agree with you, the news has been launched in a french newpaper though. Maybe, they will include the tower project in their courthouse proposal as the government requires 10 % of extra office space outside of courthouse.

At the end of the day, Assumption seem to be the only corporation in Moncton who know the meaning of urbanity and vision as well.

[mmmatt]

Times & Transcript (Moncton)
Sat 22 Sep 2007
Page: A8


The 10th annual Communities in Bloom National Symposium goes into the history books tonight when the awards gala celebrates those communities that best exemplify civic pride, environmental awareness and municipal beautification through community involvement through the challenge of CIB's national program.

And the winners are?

"Of course we won't be releasing anything until the ceremony," teases CIB spokeswoman Ann Carriere.

The more than 200 delegates -- the most ever for a CIB symposium -- had a busy week. This year's theme was Parks and Green Spaces for Healthy Living. Experts spoke on the value of parks and green spaces, the protection of urban forests, the principles of active living, the impact of global warming on green spaces and the direct benefits of green tourism.

It's the first time Metro Moncton has hosted the organization's premiere event, which promotes quality of life and civic pride in communities across the nation.

Local groups and experts played a prominent role in the sessions.

For example, delegates took tours of the Westmorland Albert Solid Waste facilities on Berry Mills Road and to the Greater Moncton Sewerage Commission plant in Riverview.

They also visited the Moncton SportPlex, where sports fields and a four-ice- surface complex was built on a reclaimed, once-contaminated industrial site.

One presentation reviewed the history of the Moncton waterfront from downtown to Hall's Creek and how it was reclaimed by the public thanks to an extensive boardwalk system.

Delegates also were offered an in-depth view of Riverview's proposed Fundy Gateway project, designed to brand the town as the official gateway to the Bay of Fundy tourism zone.

Those are just a sample of the busy week that is now behind them.

Yesterday, the event was capped with a town hall meeting where everyone could share their suggestions with CIB's network of community leaders, volunteers, judges and board members and their partners.

There was also a tree-planting ceremony honouring the 10th national symposium, held with delegates from Winnipeg, the city that hosted the very first such event a decade ago.

A cocktail hour and gala banquet wrapped up the official functions last night.

This morning, next year's hosts, the city of Lethbridge, Alta., hosts a western pancake breakfast at the Delta Hotel Beauséjour, the site of most of the conference. The breakfast is designed to give delegates a taste of what awaits them in 2008.

The national awards ceremony takes place at the Capitol Theatre this afternoon at 4 p.m., ending with a Maritime kitchen party for the delegates at the Moncton Coliseum tonight.

The party has been dubbed a celebration of pride in our communities.

[mmmatt]

Times & Transcript (Moncton)
Fri 21 Sep 2007


There were a lot of doubters at first, and in fact some people still get a quizzical look on their faces when they learn that one of Canada's finest professional ballet companies is based in Moncton.

Those reactions are getting fewer all the time, Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada CEO Susan Chalmers-Gauvin said yesterday during the official opening of their dazzling new quarters at 68 Highfield St., the site of the former YMCA building.

"It was not an easy sell," Chalmers-Gauvin said, recalling her first glimpse of the inside of the building after it had been abandoned for more than two years.

"When we first came through, the pigeons had roosted in the building. It was dark. It was damp. It was dirty. I thought, 'I think I might have made a mistake.'"

Now that new owners Ashford Investments have finished the building's transformation, there is no thought of mistakes. The open spaces and high ceilings are exactly what a six-year-old and growing ballet company needs for work space -- and to expand their community-outreach initiatives.

Located on the second floor of the building, the dancers have gone from cramped, older quarters downtown to airy, bright confines -- and even a rooftop patio right beside their kitchen and rest area. In the old Y, this beautiful, sunny relaxation area was the mechanical room -- so cramped you couldn't even walk through it.

"These dancers work very long hours, so it's important they have a place to relax in," she notes.

The dancers in this professional, internationally touring company, do indeed work hard -- six days per week and sometimes seven. And they now have two spacious, bright studios in which to work, fashioned out of the former gym.

The studios feature mirrored walls and a floating floor with a special rubberized covering designed to be easier on a dancer's body as they toil for the sake of their art. The floor is so specialized that it can add five years to a dancer's career, which is significant since a dancer's career span is notoriously short.

It's such an asset that when the company is on tour, they roll it up and take it with them.

Office space is separate from the dancers' noisy work areas.

The dancers are from all over the world, though two have recently secured their Canadian citizenship.

"This is their home away from home," Chalmers-Gauvin said of the new headquarters.

"It is wonderful that they now have a comfortable and suitable space to create."

Artistic director Igor Dobrovolskiy heaped praise on the new building, which was pretty much gutted and rebuilt. "So many companies in the world would be lucky to have what we have," he said.

Chalmers-Gauvin noted their new premises would help attract and retain some of the great performers of the ballet world.

Moncton Mayor Lorne Mitton pointed out that when outsiders consider investing in Moncton, they always ask about the local cultural scene, making the ballet company not only an integral part of the city's cultural community but much more than that.

"And the dancers have become unofficial ambassadors for our region," Mitton said after a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The occasion was also used to launch the company's new season, which starts Oct. 12 at the Capitol Theatre with the world premiere of Don Juan, which will feature Dobrovolskiy's comedic, revisionist take on the old classic.

"I wanted to consider the story from a new perspective and I read much of what has been written around the legend, including Byron, Pushkin," he said.

"In the Spanish legend, Don Juan is the archetype villain, a heartless, remorseless seducer. The Don Juan character in this ballet is young and somewhat naive. Every woman who meets him finds him irresistible and he agreeably returns their affections with hilarious consequences."

The company will perform more than 40 times in the new season, including two showcases at prestigious performing arts conferences in the United States.

[JasonL-Moncton]

Law School, U de Moncton

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f232/stu_pendousmat/top%205/201227599_c2bb19e791_b.jpg



http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f232/stu_pendousmat/top%205/402847062_1372e41702_b.jpg



Hello all...first time poster...I discovered this forum/thread yesterday upon searching for something else and started to read through it. I love the thread and what it is doing in keeping us up to date of the 'growth' our city is experiencing, but... To my surprise I found two photos that I had taken used in this thread with no noting that they were taken by me or used with my permission (which they were not).

Now, not that I mind, as I realize I have placed these photos in a public storage site (flickr) and are readily available, I also would have very likely been happy to allow the use of these photos...but it would be my recommendation that if you do use someone's photo's in this manner that you 1) ask their permission and 2)that you 'credit' the owner/photographer of the photo.

Thank-you...and keep up the good work.

Jason Lorette

[mmmatt]

Hello all...first time poster...I discovered this forum/thread yesterday upon searching for something else and started to read through it. I love the thread and what it is doing in keeping us up to date of the 'growth' our city is experiencing, but... To my surprise I found two photos that I had taken used in this thread with no noting that they were taken by me or used with my permission (which they were not).

Now, not that I mind, as I realize I have placed these photos in a public storage site (flickr) and are readily available, I also would have very likely been happy to allow the use of these photos...but it would be my recommendation that if you do use someone's photo's in this manner that you 1) ask their permission and 2)that you 'credit' the owner/photographer of the photo.

Thank-you...and keep up the good work.

Jason Lorette

Hey Jason...that was me posting your pics, sorry bout that. We have already spoken on facebook about the same issue (after I posted these). Welcome to the forum though, hope to see you around! :)

[JasonL-Moncton]

Oh! You're the same person...cool!?

I don't mind with some photos...just want credit for it... ;)

JL

[mylesmalley]

Does anyone know what the parking situation for the new Mariott is? Are they building a parking structure, or are they going to use the rest of that lot for (another) god-awful surface lot? That lot is easily large enough to fit another large building.

[ErickMontreal]

Does anyone know what the parking situation for the new Mariott is? Are they building a parking structure, or are they going to use the rest of that lot for (another) god-awful surface lot? That lot is easily large enough to fit another large building.

"Adjacent to the Hotel structure will be an above ground parking garage, also constructed from pile foundations and structural concrete floors similar to the Hotel. " from Marco groups construction.

I don`t know where it will exactly be located on the land though

[ErickMontreal]

Construction begins

http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=29138&size=600x0

Construction has started on a Hampton Inns hotel on the northwest corner of Mapleton Road and Highway 2 (the Trans-Canada Highway).
____________________________________________________________________________________________

Vaughan Harvey Extension opens to public

September 26, 2007 - 5:30 am
By: Rebecca Davis - News 91.9 Staff

MONCTON, NB - Today is the day many motorists in Greater Moncton have been waiting for.

The new Vaughan Harvey Boulevard extension to the Gunningsville Bridge opens this morning.

The new section of road runs between connects Vaughan Harvey Boulevard to Assomption Boulevard and the Gunningsville Bridge, improving traffic flow throughout the Tri-Communities.

There are still minor construction projects left to be completed on the road.

An official opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony and all three levels of government will take place at a later date.

Meantime....the first phase of the Riverview East-West Corridor is expected to open later this Fall.

That runs from the Gunningsville Bridge to Pine Glen Road in Riverview.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Metro business needs surveyed
In effort to promote growth and retention, initiative to assess needs, challenges of 300 area companies

By Brent Mazerolle
Times & Transcript Staff
Published Wednesday September 26th, 2007
Appeared on page A1

Where does the lion's share of our community's economic growth come from?
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It comes from right here.

A community's existing business base, at any given time, accounts for 80 per cent of the growth it can expect in the future, so that's why Enterprise Greater Moncton unveiled an initiative yesterday to assist in the retention and future growth of local companies.

The BRE, or Business Retention & Expansion initiative, targets businesses in Moncton, Dieppe and Riverview.

Between now and spring, Enterprise Greater Moncton will conduct one-on-one interviews with 300 area companies to better assess their needs.

The companies will be contacted in a mail out and publicity blitz planned for mid-October. Denis Melanson, EGM's Chief Operating Officer, said the companies they hope will take part have been identified based on factors such as numbers of employees, their representation in the three communities, and whether or not they have their head offices here.

Melanson said the interviews would focus on issues like local workforce development, export markets, product development and other challenges.

"It's not meant to be an interrogation," he said. "We hope to keep interviews within an hour, but business people are very passionate about their businesses. If they want to spend the time and give us a tour, we'll spend the three or four hours if that's what it takes."

"We want to identify issues affecting businesses in our region," said John Thompson, the CEO of Enterprise Greater Moncton, who noted even the seemingly good economic news about things like a strong Canadian dollar and a low local unemployment rate can represent real challenges in some business sectors.

The belief is the collective information will identify common challenges that affect individuual companies. The goal is also to make EGM ever more responsive to the needs of the communities and businesses it serves.

The BRE will also be used as a tool when promoting the region as a viable location to live and do business, said Terry Malley.

Malley, the president of Malley Industries, was one of the key community and business leaders invited to a breakfast of champions yesterday in the sixth floor boardroom of Moncton's city hall. With the room's bird's-eye view of all three communities, the space was judged the perfect location to kickstart the initiative, which is being championed by members of various sectors of the economy in the various communities.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Moncton Technology Planning Group releases its first report

times & transcript staff
Published Wednesday September 26th, 2007
Appeared on page A8

The Moncton Technology Planning Group, a partnership of community leaders whose aim is to accelerate the growth of technology sectors in Metro Moncton, has released its first implementation report.
Advertisement

The report highlights lessons learned from a visit by a Moncton delegation last spring to Oulu, Finland, a city recognized as a technology industry leader in Europe and beyond.

It also outlines nine recommendations for action, including the development of a technology incubator facility and the founding of Innovation Moncton, an organization to see that the MTPG's strategy is realized.

It would be an entity organized in a similar way that economic development agencies are run.

"Every successful community we've looked at has some sort of organization in place," said city councillor Doug Robertson, chairman of the technology planning group. Robertson said he hoped Innovation Moncton would be up and running by spring.

The report comes as delegates from Oulu visit the area this week to further build a relationship between the cities.

[mylesmalley]

"Adjacent to the Hotel structure will be an above ground parking garage, also constructed from pile foundations and structural concrete floors similar to the Hotel. " from Marco groups construction.

I don`t know where it will exactly be located on the land though

Ahh. good stuff. thanks.

[ErickMontreal]

Vaughan Harvey link opens to traffic
New connection to Gunningsville Bridge expected to change Metro traffic

http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=29468&size=400x0

http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=29469&size=400x0

By Brent Mazerolle
Times & Transcript Staff
Published Thursday September 27th, 2007
Appeared on page A3

Admit it. You drove the new Vaughan Harvey Boulevard Extension yesterday not because you needed to go somewhere, but just because.
Advertisement

Lots of cars took the newly opened link between the Gunningsville Bridge and Main Street yesterday, and a surprising number of them could be seen coming in the opposite direction just moments later.

Maybe it's because Metro Moncton is still a small enough community that simple pleasures excite us. Or maybe it's because we have all been waiting so long to see what seems such a natural transportation link finally come to pass.

It's hard to imagine anyone being happier about the opening of those last few hundred metres than City of Moncton traffic guru Stephane Thibodeau.

"It's been an exhausting 15 years," he said yesterday, estimating that is how long it's been since planning began in earnest for a Vaughan Harvey link to an extended Assomption Boulevard and new Gunningsville Bridge.

Probably the only thing people complain about more than the weather is roads and traffic, so it is Thibodeau who often has to shoulder the criticism of every irked motorist, cyclist and pedestrian. That's why it was a refreshing change for the engineer to have motorists honking their appreciation and giving their thumbs up as he was interviewed by a reporter yesterday at roadside.

The roadway looks good, even though the landscaping is not finished. The rail overpass, like the nearby Gunningsville Bridge, was given a decorative stone facade. The bridge's decorative lighting continues along the new stretch and it is hard to remember the last time a Moncton roadway had trees planted along its length from day one.

Thibodeau said he hoped the public could appreciate that when it comes to most of the cosmetic work, "we got that much accomplished in just the past two-and-a-half weeks." It's in those last couple weeks that a public able to see the end in sight has been most impatient for the road to open, but Thibodeau says the work wouldn't have run so smoothly -- and safely if they'd opened earlier.

Workers are still on-site, but have got to a stage they can generally stay well away from the traffic. However, with a road worker killed on a Moncton roadway just last week, Thibodeau was asking the public to use extra caution.

Meanwhile, the anticipation for years has been that the link would have a radical impact on traffic patterns and commercial development in Metro Moncton. Though it was hard to detect any significant changes after just one day, they are liable to grow over the years and decades.

We at the Times & Transcript did some completely unscientific but interesting experiments yesterday afternoon to gauge what the road might mean for people on the move. It is now an eight-minute drive from the Riverview end of the Gunningsville Bridge to the front door of The Moncton Hospital, that after we managed to hit every intersection at a red light. Every single one.

Repeating the experiment, but detouring around those few hundred metres the way motorists had to do until yesterday added four-and-a-half minutes to the travel time to get to the hospital. That detour to downtown was travelled via Assomption Boulevard, Foundry Street and Main. Take Lutz instead of Foundry and attempt a left turn onto Main and anyone who works downtown will tell you can double that four-and-a-half minutes.

More interesting yesterday, the same trip from the south end of the Gunningsville Bridge to the hospital via the causeway, Wheeler Boulevard and Connaught Avenue took just 10 minutes yesterday, with the 100 km/h speed limit on Wheeler strictly obeyed. How the four-and-a-half minute downtown detour and 10 minute Wheeler trip may have been sped up by all the traffic diverted to the Vaughan Harvey Extension was not so simple to calculate, though the Causeway traffic circle at least seemed to have less traffic than usual for the time of day.

Stephane Thibodeau was not surprised to hear that the trip between Riverview and The Moncton Hospital took roughly the same travel time whether Wheeler or Vaughan Harvey was used. He said the new roadway should "balance out" a lot of traffic flow rather than assuming the bulk of it as some might have guessed.

Vaughan Harvey might be a direct route and central north-south artery, but it with 10 sets of traffic lights from Coverdale Road to Connaught, it is by no means an expressway.

The Riverview bypass road may look complete at the Gunningsville Bridge end may look complete, but it will not open until December. When that happens, the way all the recent road projects link together is sure to have a significant impact on Riverview development and how people get around.

On the Moncton side of the bridge, Mayor Lorne Mitton said people had to look no further than the Sobey's and NB Liquor outlet being built at Main and Vaughan Harvey to see the development impact of the this final Moncton roadway link. He said he could also see a future when the Emmerson Technology Park and the Greater Moncton YMCA were seen as part of downtown, thanks to road links such as the one completed yesterday.

An official ribbon cutting with three levels of government represented will come at a future date once the landscaping and other crews are gone.

"Our intention all along was to get it opened up for traffic. We'll have the official opening later on."

[ErickMontreal]

( :: Moncton downtown :: )
http://www.branchdesign.com/monctonpixels/P1120737_orange_lane.jpg

www.branchdesign.com

[mmmatt]

cool picture...Brian can sure take em...It really shows just how much of an impact the new Marriott is making downtown. It looks great! :D

On an unrelated note, I want that Mini cooper!

Soooo happy that extension is finally open, been waiting for that now forever. Looks really good too from the pictures. Ill have to see for myself next time I go up. cant wait!

[mmmatt]

September 27, 2007 - 11:47 am
By: Darrell Quann - News 91.9 Staff

MONCTON, NB - The Moncton Molson Brewery opens in 15 days.

It is the first new brewery in Canada in 52 years.

So it will be a party and that means that bracelets for the backyard barbeque and brewery tours are now available.

Molson has planned a number of events for that weekend including some bands and the Coors Light FX freestyle motocross team.

Also, if you are of legal age, you just might get to test some brew.