The Official Moncton, NB Project Thread

[MonctonRad]

Colour for the Page

Photos from today's T&T

http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=325022&size=0x400

The fake lighthouse at the casino begins to take shape. It is tall enough that you can see it above the treetops from the TCH almost as far away as Mapleton Road. I can hardly wait for that rotating searchlight to be installed on the top!! :haha:

http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=324956&size=500x0

Again, on a less preposterous note........The renovations to the old Riverview firehall to create the Chocolate River Station are progressing nicely. This will turn out to be quite a nice project I think........For those not in the know, tenants will include a tourism information centre, an Olivier Soapery store, A Ganong Chocolate store and I believe a restaurant.

[BlackYear]

I'm on vacation in a couple of days and now that it looks like the summer weather is finally here, I plan to ride my supermoto around town and take a few pics with the D50. Stay tune!

[mmmatt]

Hey mmmatt, I think it's about time for a new Moncton construction phototour........What do you think? ;)

Yeah Ive been kinda busy lately, but Ill see what I can pull off...Im off this weekend, so we shall see :)

[MonctonRad]

:previous:

Thanks mmmatt..........Lucky you, I'm working all weekend. In my specialty, being on call means working 12 days in a row. It gets kinda tiring towards the end. :(

And on a different note.......I've just become aware that my favourite magician, David Copperfield, is staging a Maritime tour this fall. Tour dates have been announced for Saint John, Halifax, Sydney and even Charlottetown but not Moncton!!!!!!

I imagine that the low roof at the coliseum has struck again. We need a new downtown arena now!!!!!

[David_99]

And on a different note.......I've just become aware that my favourite magician, David Copperfield, is staging a Maritime tour this fall. Tour dates have been announced for Saint John, Halifax, Sydney and even Charlottetown but not Moncton!!!!!!

I imagine that the low roof at the coliseum has struck again. We need a new downtown arena now!!!!!

Maybe he can make one appear!?!

[MonctonRad]

Thay have begun work on the west grandstand for the new World Track & Field Stadium. Forms have been laid and the first support columns now have rebar installed.

[ErickMontreal]

Dieppe development nears completion
Loft-style apartment complex a split between residential, retail worlds

http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=327046&size=500x0
GREG AGNEW/TIMES & TRANSCRIPT
The recently completed Le Nuvo, a split residential/retail building on Av. Principale-Ouest in Dieppe, was developed by the Frederic Group and is part of phase one of Uptown Dieppe. The project is an urban development initiative which combines high-end residential and retail buildings into one neighbourhood.


Published Saturday July 11th, 2009
D2
BY JAMIE ROSS
TIMES & TRANSCRIPT STAFF


There's a new building in Dieppe that will combine the urban shopping experience with high-end two-story lofts.

"It's quite unique in terms of design layout and concept," said Valdo Grandmaison, president of the Frederic Group. "It's a product you'd find in Central Canada and out West."

The development has been dubbed Le Nuvo, and the building will feature retail stores on the ground floor and nine loft-style apartments on the second flood, accessible by stairs.

It's located at 3331 Av. Principale-Ouest in Dieppe.

The mixed-use building boasts more than 20,000 square feet of residential space and more than 15,000 square feet of retail space.

The open concept apartments will have 21-foot ceilings with living space ranging from 11,000 to 14,000 square feet.

Construction on the building has been going on for about a year, and workers are just putting the finishing touches on it now, said Grandmaison.

He said vacant spaces haven't been marketed yet, but the group plans to rent the apartments for $1,050 per month.

Each apartment has two bathrooms.

The building is part of the Uptown Project in Dieppe, an initiative to turn the area into a lively and dynamic eco-community.

Grandmaison said the goal is to create high-density, ecological developments near one another to provide residents with all the services they need without having to drive anywhere to get them.

"So you can shop go to the gym, the pool, connect to a walking trail for a jog, and it's all within walking distance," he said. "You should be able to access all services within the same development. We want a neighborhood that's self-supporting.

This type of suburban lifestyle that has people living right on Main Street has been increasingly popular across North America over the past five years, he said, adding about 80 per cent of all retail centres built across the continent have followed a similar theme.

The Frederic Group is also in the process of building two other apartment buildings next door the Le Nuvo.

Those buildings should be done by May 2010, Grandmaison said.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Metro Moncton workforce expands
Unemployment rate shows slight increase but officials say job numbers already improving

Published Saturday July 11th, 2009
D2
By Mary Moszynski
Times & Transcript Staff
Source: Times & Transcript


FREDERICTON - More people are living and working in Metro Moncton compared to last year, according to the latest figures from Statistics Canada.

The labour force in the Moncton-Richibucto region grew to 114,800 last month, up from 111,400 in the previous June. Of those people, 105,000 were employed -- an increase of 2,500 from the previous year.

However, the unemployment rate also increased slightly to 8.5 per cent, up from eight per cent.

Kevin Silliker, business development officer for the City of Moncton, said the increase in the unemployment rate isn't too worrisome.

"That's not too concerning or too surprising. What we're experiencing is more people moving into the region and seeking work and, at this point, it takes a while for them to enter the labour market so that can bump up our unemployment rate on the short-term," he said.

Silliker said a recent study ranked Moncton as the fifth-hottest job market in Canada right now and pointed out that 30 per cent of employers planned on hiring over the next couple of months.

"I would say that we actually right now our condition is improving. These employment numbers are strong and the building permits that we're seeing right now in this construction period are very strong."

Silliker said he expects the figures to remain strong in the coming months.

"The diversification of our economy is a big reason why we're able to sustain these kinds of challenges while other centres are suffering economically."

Provincially, employment rose by 2,000 and the unemployment rate dropped slightly compared to last year. However, the month-to-month figures show that June's unemployment rate jumped to 9.2 per cent, up 0.4 per cent from May. The labour force jumped by more than 3,000 people.

Labour Minister Donald Arseneault said the numbers show government's plan to weather the economic uncertainty is working.

"If you look year-over-year, New Brunswick is the only province in Canada that had a reduction in their unemployment rate. It shows that the plan that we put forward is actually working," he said.

Nationally, the unemployment rate edged up to 8.6 per cent.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


Dieppe continues growth

Published Wednesday July 8th, 2009
C2
Times & Transcript staff
Source: Times & Transcript

Dieppe's residential sector continues to show growth in 2009, with 74 building permits for residential construction worth $4.7 million issued last month.

The month of June saw a total of 82 permits for construction worth in excess of $6.8 million issued by the Dieppe Building Inspection Department.

Seven permits were for commercial projects totalling $1.5 million and one for institutional work valued at $600,000.

This brings the total worth of construction projects to date in 2009 at slightly more than $25.8 million.

"It is evident that the residential sector is in the forefront of activity," said Dieppe Mayor Jean LeBlanc.

"These figures indicate that Dieppe will experience much more development growth in the next few months," he said.

[MonctonRad]

This is re-posted from a reply that JRocca gave me on the Saint John thread.

Last project we did in Moncton was the land assembly and getting the key tenants for what is now the Trinity Power centre.We are presently looking at doing a seniors' housing project under the federal/Provincial affordable housing grant program downtown.We own the land with my cousin.Our conceptual plans are done.The next step is to see if it meets City hall's expectations and then we will go to NBhousing and the public.If all goes well, we'll be under cosntruction next spring.

So, there may be a new downtown senior's complex somewhere in Moncton with construction beginning in 2010.

[MonctonRad]

From "the Sleuth"

Did anyone notice the brush clearing a month or so ago at the intersection of the Horsman and Berry Mills roads? Sleuth did and he also knows well that the rapidly growing north end of Moncton has reached Ryan Road and beyond, making this now a truly busy intersection. What's the connection?

Coffee, of course! Especially Tim Horton's java, which Monctonians, boring or not, never seem to be able to get enough of. Where do new Tim outlets tend to get located? Right where the traffic is high! So is it speculation that a new Tims is in the works for one of the few major entry roads into the city still without one? Your gumshoe hears from sources in low places that it is more than just rumour. He also hears that if this comes to pass, the province isn't going to have much choice but to put a traffic light at this intersection.

So, if this is true, this would be what.......the 33rd or 34th Timmie's in the metropolitan area........:haha: :haha:

Seriously though; the city and province will have to place lights at the Berry Mills/Horsman intersection. This is already a dangerous intersection. Most cars on Berry Mills at that point are travelling at least 80-90 km/hr and there is heavy truck traffic as well heading to/from MID. Meanwhile, most cars exiting Horsman are attempting to turn left to head into the city against frequently heavy and high velocity traffic. If you throw a Timmies with all the attendant traffic congestion that can generate into the mix, the results would be pure suicide!!!

[mylesmalley]

There are 27 Tim Hortons locations within 30km of Downtown Moncotn:

10 Horton Lane
721 Main St
655 Main St
1100 Main St
1840 Main St
2 Park Lane
7 St. George St
740 St. George St
477 Paul St
473 Paul St (In champlain place)
135 MacBeath Ave
327 Elmwood Dr
430 Coverdale Rd
280 Amirault St
580 Champlain St
1166 Mountain Rd
500 Pinewood Rd
377 Killam Dr
748 Coverdale Rd
10 Plaza Blvd.
429 Rue. Adelard-Savoie
85 Harrisville Blvd
1810 Mountain Rd
1410 Elmwood Dr
2731 Mountain Rd
2980 Fredericton Rd (Salisbury)
534 Main St (Shediac)

My favorite Tims locations in town are the two on Harrisville/Dieppe Blvd. There are four buildings on that road between Adelard Savoie Blvd and the Caledonia Industrial Park. Half of those buildings are Tims outlets.

[benvui]

There are 27 Tim Hortons locations within 30km of Downtown Moncotn:

10 Horton Lane
721 Main St
655 Main St
1100 Main St
1840 Main St
2 Park Lane
7 St. George St
740 St. George St
477 Paul St
473 Paul St (In champlain place)
135 MacBeath Ave
327 Elmwood Dr
430 Coverdale Rd
280 Amirault St
580 Champlain St
1166 Mountain Rd
500 Pinewood Rd
377 Killam Dr
748 Coverdale Rd
10 Plaza Blvd.
429 Rue. Adelard-Savoie
85 Harrisville Blvd
1810 Mountain Rd
1410 Elmwood Dr
2731 Mountain Rd
2980 Fredericton Rd (Salisbury)
534 Main St (Shediac)

At first glance I didn't see the 3 in Riverview, but now I see them. That is a lot of Tim's coffee! Don't forget the one that O'Neil has in his house

[ErickMontreal]

Too much is as bad as not enough though that makes me understand why either Second Cup or Starburks are reluctant to set up shop here...

Whether I have to buy a Starbuck franchise for instance, obviously, Moncton would be my last choice.

[MonctonGoldenFlames]

At first glance I didn't see the 3 in Riverview, but now I see them. That is a lot of Tim's coffee! Don't forget the one that O'Neil has in his house

first, it's not his house anymore, he sold it. second, there never was a tim's in his basement, that was just a rumour.

[Dmajackson]

Too much is as bad as not enough though that makes me understand why either Second Cup or Starburks are reluctant to set up shop here...

Whether I have to buy a Starbuck franchise for instance, obviously, Moncton would be my last choice.

Lol I take it you've never lived in Halifax then?

With in the entire city theres only three Starbucks and all of them have a Tims next door.

I would be scared to count how many we have. Bedford alone has four which equates to one per 4'000 residents.

EDIT: Opps miscounted. Theres five in Bedford. So about one per 3'500 residents.

[mylesmalley]

This is going to disappoint, but there are only 30 within a 30 km radius of downtown Halifax. Still a lot, but Hali is 3x bigger with the same number of locations.

[michael_d40]

This is going to disappoint, but there are only 30 within a 30 km radius of downtown Halifax. Still a lot, but Hali is 3x bigger with the same number of locations.


Actually theres more than 30.... When you type in just halifax, it leaves a lot of dartmouth and bedford out. Change the search to bedford ns, and u will see the ones it leaves out... same goes with dartmouth..

Sorry to disappoint.. But Halifax is still the best East of Montreal... Even Tims knows it haha. :notacrook:

[Dmajackson]

This is going to disappoint, but there are only 30 within a 30 km radius of downtown Halifax. Still a lot, but Hali is 3x bigger with the same number of locations.

To put it simply consider this. The Peninsula itself has 23 locations.

Theres about 53 in urban/suburban HRM.

[MonctonRad]

Lol I take it you've never lived in Halifax then?

With in the entire city theres only three Starbucks and all of them have a Tims next door.

I would be scared to count how many we have. Bedford alone has four which equates to one per 4'000 residents.

EDIT: Opps miscounted. Theres five in Bedford. So about one per 3'500 residents.


I don't think you are counting the Starbuck's located in the Chapter's stores, that would give you guys five Starbucks.

There are three Starbucks in Saint John and two in Moncton.

[MonctonRad]

To put it simply consider this. The Peninsula itself has 23 locations.

Theres about 53 in urban/suburban HRM.

So, Halifax has double the Timmies of Greater Moncton but has three times the population............in this contest of caffeination we still win. :notacrook:

[Dmajackson]

I don't think you are counting the Starbuck's located in the Chapter's stores, that would give you guys five Starbucks.

There are three Starbucks in Saint John and two in Moncton.

I only know of Dartmouth Crossing, Spring Garden Road and the Chapters in Bayers Lake. Where are the others?

So, Halifax has double the Timmies of Greater Moncton but has three times the population............in this contest of caffeination we still win. :notacrook:

Well I didnt count all of them :P

I think the 23 on the Peninsular Halifax alone should win the caffeination award.

[MonctonRad]

I only know of Dartmouth Crossing, Spring Garden Road and the Chapters in Bayers Lake. Where are the others?

I went right to the source and came up with seven Halifax Starbuck's locations.

1. Halifax Professional Centre
5991 Spring Garden Road
Halifax, NS B3H 1Y6

2. Spring Garden Rd & Queen
5466 Spring Garden Rd
Halifax, NS B3J 1G3

3. Scotia Square
5201 Duke St
Halifax, NS B3J 1N9

4. Marriott Halifax Harbourfront
1919 Upper Water Street
Halifax, NS B3J 3J5

5. Chapters - Bayers Lake
188 Chainlake Drive
Halifax, NS B3S 1C5

6. Lacewood
20 Parkland Dr
Halifax, NS B3S 1P1

7. Chapters-Mic Mac Mall
41 Mic Mac Blvd.
Dartmouth, NS B3A 4N3

I knew of the Lacewood Drive standalone store. The others in Scotia Square, the Marriott and the Halifax Professional Centre must just be kiosk outlets.

I think we should start an Atlantic Canadian coffee shop thread.

[Dmajackson]

I went right to the source and came up with seven Halifax Starbuck's locations.

1. Halifax Professional Centre
5991 Spring Garden Road
Halifax, NS B3H 1Y6

2. Spring Garden Rd & Queen
5466 Spring Garden Rd
Halifax, NS B3J 1G3

3. Scotia Square
5201 Duke St
Halifax, NS B3J 1N9

4. Marriott Halifax Harbourfront
1919 Upper Water Street
Halifax, NS B3J 3J5

5. Chapters - Bayers Lake
188 Chainlake Drive
Halifax, NS B3S 1C5

6. Lacewood
20 Parkland Dr
Halifax, NS B3S 1P1

7. Chapters-Mic Mac Mall
41 Mic Mac Blvd.
Dartmouth, NS B3A 4N3

I knew of the Lacewood Drive standalone store. The others in Scotia Square, the Marriott and the Halifax Professional Centre must just be kiosk outlets.

I think we should start an Atlantic Canadian coffee shop thread.

huh never knew there that many.

The Mic-Mac Chapters will probalby be closed soon though. Chapters is moving to Dartmouth Crossing and there's already one out there which for some reason is not listed yet.

I think that'd be cool. Maybe we should make it Atlantic Canada Food and Beverage Thread? Or to make it cooler sounding the Kitchen Party Thread. :)

[kirjtc2]

Looks like Moncton's lost its per-capita Tim's title. I looked up the number in each of the major CMA/CAs in the region:

Halifax: 78 (1/4780)
Moncton: 26 (1/4862)
Saint John: 25 (1/4896)
CBRM: 21 (1/5044)
Charlottetown: 11 (1/5329)
St. John's: 33 (1/5488)
Fredericton: 11 (1/7790)

[Nashe]

Halifax: 78 (1/4780)
Moncton: 26 (1/4862)
Saint John: 25 (1/4896)
CBRM: 21 (1/5044)
Charlottetown: 11 (1/5329)
St. John's: 33 (1/5488)
Fredericton: 11 (1/7790)
It's OK, we'll get it back when that new one is built, dropping us to 1/4691. ;) You can probably call it a three-way tie when a single shop can tilt the ratios so much. It's like we're having a coffee-shop arms-race! And hey, the Shediac one should count for two... it's the busiest Tim's I've ever seen, even though it's one of the largest.

[mylesmalley]

Shediac (for some reason) is outside of Moncton CMA. The Salisbury one does count though.

...and I suppose so would the Hillsborough one.

[mylesmalley]

It's not worth copy/pasting, but there's a 68 unit apartment building going to council in Dieppe tonight. It'll be replacing 6 older buildings on Gould St.

[gehrhardt]

While it isn't exactly a skyscraper, on Main st in Salisbury, the Kubota tractor dealership is moving next door to a new building which appears to be almost complete.

It's quite large (for Salisbury) and is taking up a good portion of their lot. Since it's surrounded by houses and the library, I think it looks bigger than it actually is. The old dealership is in a gas/service station, so it's quite a step up regardless.

[josh_cat_eyes]

Shediac (for some reason) is outside of Moncton CMA. The Salisbury one does count though.

...and I suppose so would the Hillsborough one.

Since when is there a tims in Hillsborough? An where is it?

[mylesmalley]

My mistake. According to a friend, they're looking at selling a franchise in the area.

[JasonL-Moncton]

Driving by Mapleton on Wheeler this morning they seem to be putting in concrete "forms" where the expanded bridge is gonna be...progress is being made on that.

[q12]

I went right to the source and came up with seven Halifax Starbuck's locations.

1. Halifax Professional Centre
5991 Spring Garden Road
Halifax, NS B3H 1Y6

2. Spring Garden Rd & Queen
5466 Spring Garden Rd
Halifax, NS B3J 1G3

3. Scotia Square
5201 Duke St
Halifax, NS B3J 1N9

4. Marriott Halifax Harbourfront
1919 Upper Water Street
Halifax, NS B3J 3J5

5. Chapters - Bayers Lake
188 Chainlake Drive
Halifax, NS B3S 1C5

6. Lacewood
20 Parkland Dr
Halifax, NS B3S 1P1

7. Chapters-Mic Mac Mall
41 Mic Mac Blvd.
Dartmouth, NS B3A 4N3

I knew of the Lacewood Drive standalone store. The others in Scotia Square, the Marriott and the Halifax Professional Centre must just be kiosk outlets.

I think we should start an Atlantic Canadian coffee shop thread.

Actually there are 9, you missed the airport, and like it was said above there is 1 in Dartmouth Crossing now.

1. Scotia Square
5201 Duke St
Halifax, NS B3J 1N9
2. Spring Garden Rd & Queen
5466 Spring Garden Rd
Halifax, NS B3J 1G3
3. Marriott Halifax Harbourfront
1919 Upper Water Street
Halifax, NS B3J 3J5
4. Halifax Professional Centre
5991 Spring Garden Road
Halifax, NS B3H 1Y6
5. Chapters-Mic Mac Mall
41 Mic Mac Blvd.
Dartmouth, NS B3A 4N3
6. Lacewood
20 Parkland Dr
Halifax, NS B3S 1P1
7. Chapters - Bayers Lake
188 Chainlake Drive
Halifax, NS B3S 1C5
8. YHZ Halifax Main Term, 2nd level
1 Bell Boulevard
Halifax, NS B2T 1K2
9. Dartmouth Crossing

Also just for fun I did a search of Tim's awhile ago when their website was different and it all allowed me to search up to 100 km radius of Halifax and gave me a list of 100 locations.

[MonctonRad]

New restaurant open for business
Published Tuesday July 14th, 2009

Le Petit Cavalier offers customers intimate, unique dining experience seven days a week
By Stephanie Kukkonen
Times & Transcript Staff

If you don't have the time or money to get to Paris, France, then go to 52 Weldon St. in Moncton.

A brand new high-end French restaurant, Le Petit Cavalier, has opened its doors to Metro and is looking for people to come and enjoy an intimate experience in a house that was built in 1901.

Roger LeBlanc, chef and owner, says that he wants to create a romantic, intimate dining experience for his customers.

"The restaurant I worked at in Vancouver, B.C. was voted the most romantic restaurant in Canada 10 years in a row by Where Magazine," says Roger. "The house I am in now is a lot nicer. My wife (and co-owner) and I live upstairs."

Diners can expect true uniqueness when they choose Le Petit Cavalier. The restaurant provides table service, where they cook some dishes directly in front of the customers at their table. Customers also have the ability to create their own meals based on their dietary needs, likes and dislikes.

"I have a Carte Blanche option on my menu," says Roger. "The customers tell me what they want or need and I will design a meal based on what they tell me."

Roger -- who holds a Golden Plate Award for being ranked as one of Vancouver's top 11 chefs -- says the average price of an entree at his restaurant is about $28. He has different crepes, caesar and rack of lamb to name a few. He specializes in souffle dessert, a complicated concoction that deflates within about 30 seconds of coming out of the oven. It must be cooked to perfection, but Roger says that customers are sure to enjoy this light and fluffy dessert. It comes in both chocolate and grand marnier varieties.

"I have never received a complaint about this in my life," he says.

Le Petit Cavalier is open Monday to Friday from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. and again from 5 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday it's open from 5 p.m. until 10:30 p.m.

"The restaurant can hold 56 people," says Roger. "I highly recommend reservations. I'm here seven days a week, about 14 hours a day. If I have time I will be out making meals at our customers' table."

[josh_cat_eyes]

My mistake. According to a friend, they're looking at selling a franchise in the area.

Its about time!! It would do very well there I think.

Also what does everyone think about this idea I have had for a while. I know this is not Moncton but it's close enough. By the property in Port Elgin just to the left as you enter Port Elgin off the roundabout. Knock down the existing building and build a Esso/Tim Hortons. Would be good for the truckers/general public. Some day I hope to do that.

[MonctonRad]

:previous:

You want to live in Port Elgin!?!!

Seriously though, this is a good idea. The drive to the bridge is a long one and the nearest Timmies are in Cap Pele or Sackville. A new pit stop is needed. It would do well there!

[gehrhardt]

You mean where the liquor store used to be? That would be a good location, for sure. :tup:

[MonctonRad]

Moncton hires new city manager
Published Thursday July 16th, 2009

Jacques Dubé has experience at all three levels of gov't, strong New Brunswick roots
By Brent Mazerolle
Times & Transcript Staff

The City of Moncton has a new city manager after a nationwide search, and it's a New Brunswicker coming home.

Bathurst-born Jacques Dubé is leaving his job as chief of staff to Veterans Affairs Minister Greg Thompson to take on the running of the $160-million municipal corporation.

Dubé has vast experience at all three levels of government, as well as in economic development and private industry.

He said from Moncton yesterday that he and his wife Nancy are excited to be back in New Brunswick and settling in Moncton, a city both have spent much time in over the years. Some of that time here has been during the past three and a half years, at Thompson's regional office on Main Street.

Prior to his time working for Thompson, who Dubé says is supporting his decision to take on the exciting challenge of running Moncton's day-to-day operations, Dubé had held a number of high-level positions.

Following early career experiences as the managing editor of a French-language weekly newspaper in Bathurst and then as operator of a printing business, Dubé gained his first governmental experience at the municipal level.

He joined New Brunswick's Department of Municipal Affairs as a municipal services representative in 1983. After that, he served five years as the town manager of St. Andrews. From there he became president and general manager of the Greater Fredericton Economic Development Corporation, which served the development needs of 14 municipalities.

Dubé was named one of Atlantic Canada's top 50 CEOs by Atlantic Business Magazine during his time in Fredericton.

In 2000, he became vice-president of the Province of New Brunswick's Regional Development Corporation.

In 2001, he was appointed deputy minister of Business New Brunswick, chairman of the New Brunswick Industrial Development Board of the Regional Development Corporation and director of Provincial Holdings Limited. In 2003, he was named deputy minister of Service New Brunswick.

Moncton's former city manager, Al Strang, retired in May 2008 after 19 years at the helm of the city. The city then hired the executive search firm Robertson Surrette to launch a nationwide search. Dubé said when he and his wife saw the province's fastest growing urban area advertising the city manager post, they immediately knew it was "a perfect opportunity" to come back to New Brunswick and for him to carry on the sort of work that had inspired him to go to Ottawa to work for the regional minister, that is working towards New Brunswick's growth.

Mayor George LeBlanc expressed his delight yesterday at filling the important post with someone "so admirably qualified."

"Jacques' experience in economic development, working with elected officials and leading public sector organizations will be a great addition to our City of Moncton team as we continue to enhance the quality of life in our city and aggressively seek prosperity," the mayor said.

LeBlanc also took time out to thank assistant city managers Don MacLellan and Catherine Dallaire for their leadership in the interim.

As for getting the new city manager up to speed, the mayor said, "I think he will hit the ground running. He'll be a very quick study."

The mayor said all 11 members of council were involved in the hiring process and Dubé's appointment is expected to be ratified in public session at Monday's city council meeting. Dubé starts work August 31. His wife has also found work in Moncton and will actually start her job a week before he does.

The move from Ottawa also allows them to be closer to their two adult children, a daughter who lives in Saint John and a son who coincidentally just moved to Metro Moncton.

Personal note - Mr. Dube seems to be well qualified and he does have experience in all three levels of government. Hopefully he will be the best choice for this important job. When seeking federal monies for important civic infrastructure, it won't hurt that he is the former chief-of-staff for the regional minister Greg Thompson.

[JasonL-Moncton]

They are pouring concrete this morning on the 'pads' for the new Mapleton Overpass... :)

JL

[Jerry556]

they've got alot done on the courthouse foundation, i know theres a lot of little thing that haft to be done on something like this, but they will prob start framework in 2 or 3 weeks(i might be wrong lol).

[mylesmalley]

A lot of progress is being made on the new Ashford Offices as well.

[MonctonRad]

From the Moncton Industrial Development (MID) website.......

It’s been 50 Years and we are still at it. Version 2.0 is on the way!
Every 50 years or so, at Moncton Industrial Development we like to start something new. Well this time, we are doing it again. In 1960, MID acquired 128 acres of land on the west side of the City of Moncton and began to build the first phase of the Moncton Industrial Park.

Did it work? Eventually with further land acquisition, the park grew to a total of 600 acres. Today, that industrial park is home to some 285 companies of varying sizes who in turn employ about 6,200 people. In our books, that means it has been a success. But we didn’t stop there.

In the 1970’s, MID acquired land on the north side of the city to launch a wholly new industrial park, Caledonia Industrial Estates. The total park area today is some 1,660 acres with close to 1,000 acres in the serviced areas. Following considerable growth over the past dozen years, this park now is home to 96 businesses and some 2,600 employees.

That was then, this is now. Following recent infrastructure expansion within Caledonia, we have 310 acres available for new business development. But in the Moncton Industrial Park we are completely sold out, we have no sites available. In our view, it’s always healthy to offer our clients choice. Our success has in part come from being able to showcase two very different industrial parks, each with its own role in life. So with one sold out, what’s next?

For starters, MID has acquired 560 acres of land on the west side of the current Moncton Industrial Park. Well, we didn’t acquire it to build a recreation area or a nature park, although both have their merits. We acquired the land so we could build MIP 2.0. Sounds corny but for the moment, it’s an apt way to describe the fact that we are planning to build a new Moncton Industrial Park but just as in a software update, it will build on what’s there now but be upgraded and updated to be new. It’s our version 2.0.

Planning is well along for the first phase of development of this land. Engineering design is in the works and subdivision plans are being reviewed. Once this is all complete, we will be heading to the tender phase to award the initial construction contracts. It’s a big job and won’t happen overnight but the first steps have been taken and work is underway.

What does it all mean? At this time, we are pushing to have lots available for new development by the Fall of next year and then finish up Phase one of the development by the Spring of 2011, making a total of 120 acres available.

With Phase one, traffic to and from the new park will have access from Berry Mills Road. This road is a controlled access highway that runs straight to the Trans Canada Highway. It also connects to the ring road highway of Wheeler Blvd. Wheeler takes traffic around the city to the Moncton Airport and points east.

If your business needs a great location today, we have a lot of choice in Caledonia Industrial Estates. But if you prefer the west side of the city, then just be patient and then next year, drop us a line or give us a call and see the new sites of MIP 2.0.

So there you have it, every 50 years or so we build new industrial park capacity. Of course, we also do that at different times within those 50 year windows but this latest venture with MIP 2.0 is timely in that it will start opening for business 50 years after phase one of the beta version of MIP 1.0 started up. If you want to get a jump on things and get a preview of the possibilities, just call Peter Belliveau at MID.

So, did anyone else know that MID is well along on a major expansion to the Moncton Industrial Park? This came as news to me!! I am intrigued by the second access road onto Berry Mills Road. This is yet more ammunition re: the need to have more traffic control features on Berry Mills Road. Not only will they need lights at Berry Mills/Horseman, they will likely need new lights at this intersection as well.

[Sony500]

If they put up lights at Berry Mills and Horseman, then that would make a good intersection for the new part of the Moncton Industrial Park. Do you think that is what they have in mind?

[mylesmalley]

If you look at the area to the west of MID in Google Earth, you'll see that the area marked as industrial is considerably larger than the advertised area of the park. I always assumed that was just an error on Google's part, but maybe they knew about this proposed expansion and included the area?

[MonctonRad]

Here is a link to the .pdf file for the Greater Moncton Planning District Commission semi-annual report, which was released in June. http://www.gmpdc.ca/webcura/files/571.pdf

Main take-aways..........

Total value of building permits issued in Moncton/Riverview/Dieppe for the first 6 mos. of 2009:
- $156,802,000.......This constitutes a 44.5% increase over the same period last year

Total number of building permits issued in Moncton/Riverview/Dieppe for the first 6 mos. of 2009:
- 935.....................This is a decrease of 10.3% over the same time period last year.


Overall, not too shabby for the depths of the deepest recession since the 1930's.

[josh_cat_eyes]

:previous:

You want to live in Port Elgin!?!!

Seriously though, this is a good idea. The drive to the bridge is a long one and the nearest Timmies are in Cap Pele or Sackville. A new pit stop is needed. It would do well there!

I never said I wanted to live there. Perhaps start with owning another location, like in say Cap-Pele or Shediac, then opening one there in Port Elgin.

[MonctonRad]

:previous:

There are already Timmies and lots of gas stations in both Shediac and Cap Pele. I think you would be better off by starting your business empire in Port Elgin. There is a definite paucity of services on the road to PEI.

[MonctonRad]

Magnetic Hill Zoo is looking to expand
Published Monday July 20th, 2009

Money needed for new enclosures, washrooms, tigers
BY GILEAN WATTS
TIMES & TRANSCRIPT STAFF

The Magnetic Hill Zoo has some big plans in mind, but they won't be able to do anything about them unless funding increases.

With an operating budget of $1.5 million and a capitol works subsidy from the City of Moncton of just $100,000, the zoo does its best to set aside money for expansion.

Beside profits, the major source of funding for the zoo is through their Friends of the Zoo volunteer organization. Friends of the Zoo brings in $120,000 each year, which goes towards improving existing exhibits and bringing new animals in.

The latest expansion, the award-winning cougar exhibit, cost upwards of $1 million. The zoo was named as one of the top 10 places to take your kids by Saltscapes Magazine and ranked number four on the list of top 10 zoos in Canada.
But in order to maintain these rankings, the zoo needs to make some significant advancements, said Bruce Dougan, General Manager of the zoo.

"We really need more washrooms," Dougan said. "We only have one set of washrooms inside the zoo, the other is at the main entrance building. The zoo has tripled in size since I've been here but no more washrooms have been built, and as you move out to the African area there's a real need for more washrooms."

Dougan said according to a system used to calculate how many washrooms are needed accommodate the number of visitors the zoo sees each day, they are short by 12 women's stalls and 10 men's stalls.

To build just one additional set of washrooms would cost more than $150,000, which Dougan said is money they just don't have.

"I'm hoping that I can convince council to give me the money for that," he said. "There's a lot of families at the zoo and little kids can't wait to use the washroom sometimes."

In peak season, the zoo sees 120,000 visitors each year, an average of 1,800 people every day during the summer. With almost 2,000 people and only one set of washrooms for a 35 acre zoo, you can only imagine the line-ups.

Dougan also plans on expanding the award-winning African exhibit to include a new deck overlooking the ostriches and the Przewalski horses.

Aside from infrastructure, Dougan would like to see more exotic animals brought into the zoo. He would like to see giraffes added to the African exhibit and of course, he wants to bring tigers back.

"We're going to have to bump fundraising efforts up to really put a push on to bring tigers back before I retire," he said. "That's my pet project and it'll be our fundraising focus for the next few years."

The existing tiger enclosure, which has remained empty since the death of Tomar in 2007, is not up to current industry standards, so the zoo needs between $400,000 and $500,000 to build a new one.

"It's going to be a major push and there's going to be a lot of work done to raise that kind of money," Dougan said.

Construction on the new jaguar exhibit, which will cost up to a quarter of a million dollars, begins this month. The two jaguars will be moved from their current enclosure today so it can be torn down and a new one can be constructed. The new enclosure will be much larger and include a pool.

This project is funded entirely by the Friends of the Zoo program, through Adopt-a-Friend, Boo at the Zoo and the annual Easter Extravaganza programs.

[mylesmalley]

:previous:

There are already Timmies and lots of gas stations in both Shediac and Cap Pele. I think you would be better off by starting your business empire in Port Elgin. There is a definite paucity of services on the road to PEI.

There are some problems with that location though.

The local population is spread out and not very large, so it might be difficult to support during the off season. Elgin itself only has about 450 people. Granted you would get a lot of traffic through tourist season, but that dies down considerably once the poor weather kicks in. Truck traffic would also be an issue. I'd wager that most island-bound trucks from both NB and NS would stick to the TCH until Aulac, and that they'd be much more likely to patronize the Big Stop, and then continue straight through to their destinations.

All that said, it might turn out to be a draw, so who knows. I'd be pretty leery about fronting that much money - especially for the Tims franchise though. The gas station would probably have more success if it's built as close to the roundabout as possible for maximum visibility. Your best bet would be to grab the drivers coming from Shediac, as it's a pretty long way before you get to another gas bar.

[JasonL-Moncton]

The zoo only get's $100K from the city?!? Really?

The zoo in my mind is a huge economic generator for the city, combined with Magnetic Hill and Magic Mountain...the city should be proud of this zoo, and doing everything it can to make it 'more'!

JL

[mylesmalley]

According to http://www.day-trips.ca/content/top-10-zoos-canada, New Brunswick has some good zoos. Moncton ranks fourth in the country, behind Toronto, Granby QC and Calgary. The Cherry Brook Zoo in Saint John comes in 10th place nationwide.

It probably isn't based on any objective measures, but it's still nice to see NB's animal hotspots getting some recognition with the big boys.

[JasonL-Moncton]

According to http://www.day-trips.ca/content/top-10-zoos-canada, New Brunswick has some good zoos. Moncton ranks fourth in the country, behind Toronto, Granby QC and Calgary. The Cherry Brook Zoo in Saint John comes in 10th place nationwide.

It probably isn't based on any objective measures, but it's still nice to see NB's animal hotspots getting some recognition with the big boys.

Cherrybrook is a horrible zoo, and it came in tenth?

Everyone that I've ever talked to that is used to Mag Hill zoo, and goes to CB zoo, says it's a major let down....myself included.

JL

[mylesmalley]

Not sure what you were expecting from a place with a $1.5 million budget.

[MonctonRad]

The zoo only get's $100K from the city?!? Really?

The zoo in my mind is a huge economic generator for the city, combined with Magnetic Hill and Magic Mountain...the city should be proud of this zoo, and doing everything it can to make it 'more'!

JL

The capital works subsidy from the city is $100k. The overall operating budget of the zoo is $1.5M, I'm sure a portion of that budget comes from the city as well.

Regarding Magnetic Hill Zoo being #4 in the nation. While it is indeed quite a feather in their hat, it should be noted that there are not a lot of zoos in Canada. There are only three large zoos in the whole country (Metro Toronto, Granby and Calgary). Magnetic Hill Zoo therefore is the best of the rest. The fact that Cherry Brook Zoo comes in 10th, I think says something. :haha:

I agree with you that the zoo tends to be underappreciated by the civic administration. If properly funded, it could be quite a tourism generator, especially situated where it is; at Magnetic Hill, adjacent to the largest water park in eastern Canada.

I think the city should develop a master plan for the zoo and cough up about $5M to build some new enclosures, bring the tigers back and to get some new exotics, like giraffes and elephants. :tup:

The Magnetic Hill Zoo could become the regional zoo for Atlantic Canada.

[josh_cat_eyes]

There are some problems with that location though.

The local population is spread out and not very large, so it might be difficult to support during the off season. Elgin itself only has about 450 people. Granted you would get a lot of traffic through tourist season, but that dies down considerably once the poor weather kicks in. Truck traffic would also be an issue. I'd wager that most island-bound trucks from both NB and NS would stick to the TCH until Aulac, and that they'd be much more likely to patronize the Big Stop, and then continue straight through to their destinations.

All that said, it might turn out to be a draw, so who knows. I'd be pretty leery about fronting that much money - especially for the Tims franchise though. The gas station would probably have more success if it's built as close to the roundabout as possible for maximum visibility. Your best bet would be to grab the drivers coming from Shediac, as it's a pretty long way before you get to another gas bar.

What I thought was if I negotiated with Wilson's to get the Esso that is up the road and move it to the new location along with the Tims. I think that it would make enough in the tourist season to keep it going through the slow times. Also, a Tim's in Hillsbourgh, Memramcook and a second in Shediac, as well as a seasonal Tim's in Alma would probably be good ideas. What do you think?

[mylesmalley]

If you could negotiate a better rate with Tim Hortons, maybe. But I still think the huge franchise costs would be prohibitively high if all you can really count on is a decent tourist season. Getting Esso to move would definitely help your chances though.

Hell, Rogersville has a Tims. The through-traffic on Rt 126 keeps that place alive all year round.

[josh_cat_eyes]

If you could negotiate a better rate with Tim Hortons, maybe. But I still think the huge franchise costs would be prohibitively high if all you can really count on is a decent tourist season. Getting Esso to move would definitely help your chances though.

Hell, Rogersville has a Tims. The through-traffic on Rt 126 keeps that place alive all year round.

What do you think about the other Tim's locations I listed?

[gehrhardt]

I can honestly say that a second Tims in Salisbury would do well. There is a vacant lot on Main st next to the Home Hardware that would be perfect. The Tims on the highway is "crazy-busy" especially in the summer. A second small one for us locals would be perfect. :tup:

[mylesmalley]

Shediac would probably do fine, especially in tourist season. The only issue there would be wether or not the person who owns the other franchise has rights to the whole town. Salisbury could work, too. A seasonal one in Alma would be tempting if you could get it as close to the entrance to the park as possible. It'd have to be seasonal though because I really doubt 340 people could sustain one through a January. I think Memramcook might be a tough sell though. I think for the vast majority of people, Memramcook is just on the road between Moncton and Nova Scotia/Sackville. I think for the most part, people on the highway would probably get their coffees at their starting point, or in one of the bigger centres.

One place you might want to consider is where the new access road to the Scoudouc Industrial Park is being built. A lot of people work in the park and the new road will probably have a pretty dramatic effect on traffic patterns in the area. Plus, you might be able to take advantage of the commuters along the shore on their way into Scoudouc/Moncton for work.

[MonctonRad]

One place you might want to consider is where the new access road to the Scoudouc Industrial Park is being built. A lot of people work in the park and the new road will probably have a pretty dramatic effect on traffic patterns in the area. Plus, you might be able to take advantage of the commuters along the shore on their way into Scoudouc/Moncton for work.

Very good point!

The new interchange to be built on the 15, connecting to the Scoudouc Industrial Park will indeed be "virgin territory" for a new Tims and likely would capture commuter traffic to/from work as well as cottagers heading out to Shediac and tourists heading both to PEI and to the Acadian shore. A Timmies here would work very well. :tup:

[MonctonRad]

New Moncton school brings added costs
Published Tuesday July 21st, 2009

Moncton council calls on province to fund area upgrades
BY GREG WESTON
TIMES & TRANSCRIPT STAFF

Moncton City Council approved the rezoning of land for the new north-end school last night, but it also expressed concerns over the costs that would accompany its construction.

"This is good for development in Moncton," Mayor George LeBlanc said of the new kindergarten to Grade 8 public school. "At the same time, it's good to recognize that new developments like this add costs. So while there will be added tax revenue for the city, it will be needed. There's no free rides."

While the provincial government is funding the project, councillors said the city could be left picking up the tab for costs incurred through necessary upgrades to infrastructure in the surrounding area. Several members of council noted that new crosswalks, water and sewage systems would all be the responsibility of the city.

Alcide Richard, director of design and construction for the city, said the main concern was the lack of sidewalks in the suburban area.

"If kids will be walking to school, there should be sidewalks, which there aren't," he said, adding that they city can request funding for such works from the provincial government.

"Our stance is that if there are requirements, we would expect them to pay for it. I'm not saying that's going to happen, but that would be our stance. They have not said no, but they have not said yes."

Coun. Daniel Bourgeois, whose ward will contain the new school, was among those who thought the province should contribute to the costs that will accompany the school. He voiced concerns over children walking to class without any sidewalks or crosswalks.

"The province won't come pick them up," he said about of the recently imposed reductions in school bus travel.

Construction of the school is set to begin this fall.

Personal note - While another new school is absolutely needed in the north end of the city, the west end of Ryan Road is not the location I would have chosen. It is a little remote from many of the existing subdivisions and the rural nature of Ryan Road in that location is disturbing. There are no sidewalks and there are drainage ditches on the side of the road. It is not very pedestrian friendly for elementary school children, especially in the winter. Major road upgrades will be necessary.

I know that the city is upgrading Ryan along it's length, but this work will need to be expedited for this school.

[MonctonRad]

In other council news from last night:

* The funding of another Moncton project was reworked at the meeting, with financing of the Kiwanis Park upgrade altered to allow the project to be finished earlier. Funding had been spread over two years, but council decided to take funding from other projects in the 2009 budget to allow the park to be completed this year. The projects the money was reallocated from were not scheduled for completion this year, so they will still be finished as scheduled.

A $1.9-million tender was awarded for the work, which Ian Fowler, general manager of recreation, parks, tourism and culture, said is about 15 per cent less than the cost of the original two-year plan.

"Basically, the 35-year-old infrastructure there will be totally replaced with a modern facility," he said. The new park will feature, among other things, new fencing, dugouts, bleachers and a new clubhouse and press box facility.

* The Moncton Football Association, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, will also be getting a new clubhouse at the Rocky Stone Field. Council approved a $450,000 financing deal for the building, with the club paying $100,000 to the city up front and $35,000 each year for the next 10 years.

Coun. Kathryn Barnes said it was important to support an organization that has contributed so much to the Moncton community.

* A $651,527 tender was awarded for the completion of the Northwest Trail between Charles Lutes Road and Berry Mills Road.

* Council approved the members and mandate of a new committee formed at its June meeting to study the feasibility of a new downtown sports and entertainment centre. Coun. Brian Hicks will act as chairperson of the group, comprised of city councillors, officials and representatives of the private sector. In addition to studying the viability of such a project, they will study potential locations and funding models before issuing a report to council by Oct. 15, 2009.

[mylesmalley]

That new school is going to cause quite a mess. It's pretty much guaranteed that an explosion of house-building will happen in the surrounding area to take advantage of such close proximity to a school. None of the infrastructure in the area is up to snuff to handle that kind of growth.

Ryan Road is going to become the major alternative to Mountain over the next few years - at least for residents of the north end. The city should really be making more of an effort to get ahead of this before it becomes a major issue.

[Lao Wai]

Hi Everybody,

I'm new to the forum here. I've read many of the previous postings but didn't get through them all so please bear with me if I bring something up you've beaten to death in the past. Although I'm originally from the Moncton area, I have lived in South Korea, Mainland China and Hong Kong for about 5 years.

This is my second year back in Moncton. Both Riverview and Moncton have grown quite remarkably over the years and I'm glad to see that there's more variety in terms of restaurants and shopping. I also like how Moncton is becoming more multi-cultural. There are other things I like but I'd prefer to talk about things that bother me (only because my friends seem to think Moncton is the best city on the planet) so I thought this would be a good place to bring up some of my criticisms.

So, here I go:

1) Why are most buildings in our downtown core made of red brick? (the latest being the new hotel). I feel like they're trying to turn it into a university campus (uniform buildings). However, when they do decide to try something different we get Chateau Moncton (which I think is tacky and sticks out like a sore thumb). While the buildings in Moncton look pleasant overall, there's not much architectural interest.

2) There's something 'off' about Moncton's downtown. I loved walking around Hong Kong on the weekends and checking out the cool little shops and cafes in Central District. I do this in downtown Halifax as well and to a lesser extent, downtown Saint John. Unless I'm going to a bar or restaurant in the evening, I never wander around downtown Moncton.

3) The local 'Moncton magazine' doesn't really have much in it and is often hard to find. I used to be able to find it at Starbucks but the last few times I tried they didn't have it. I don't listen to the radio (because they play the same music they played 10 years ago) so I've found that I've missed out on certain events because of this fact.

Anyway, I moved back for work reasons as well as to be closer to my family. I realize that comparing Moncton to Hong Kong is not really fair but I also feel this city could be a lot more than it is. I hope you don't think I'm being a snob because I do like it here (the clean air, safety, nature, etc.). I'd appreciate your thoughts. This is a great forum...love the pictures and the ideas you guys have for city improvements!

[MonctonRad]

Welcome to the forums Lao Wai!

As much of a civic booster as I am, even I don't think you can compare Moncton to Hong Kong!! :haha:

I agree that the downtown of Moncton leaves a little to be desired. The potential is there, but the city is so spread out that the critical mass to make downtown work still isn't there. As I have mentioned in a previous post, one of the big differences between Moncton and Halifax is that in Halifax, the hospitals and universities are downtown while here in Moncton, they are scattered in residential areas and the suburbs. To enliven the downtown, we have to get more civic facilities and residential developments in the core. A great start would be to build the proposed new arena in the core. That should be a major focus for the city.

The red brick as an architectural theme for the downtown is OK, but some variety would be good. The city hall complex, Assumption Place and the Terminal Plaza complex provide for some variety. Hopefully there will be more in the future.

Looking forward to your valuable input. :tup:

[mylesmalley]

Welcome to the boards, Lao Wai!

Welcome to the forums Lao Wai!

As much of a civic booster as I am, even I don't think you can compare Moncton to Hong Kong!! :haha:


I'm not sure what you mean, MonctonRad :D

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/da/Hong_Kong_Overview.jpg
Vs
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/15/Moncton_aerial_3847.jpg

...maybe someday!

[mylesmalley]

As for why the city is so heavily bricked, that just seems to be the style favoured by developers in a lot of New England / east coast cities. Saint John, Fredericton, Halifax, Charlottetown, Portland, Boston etc are all full of them. I think it really comes down to personal taste and aesthetics whether or not you like the style. I happen to, but I agree that a lot more should be done by way of diversity.

As for why the architecture here leaves much to be desired... My personal theory is that, because land prices are so cheap - and by extension rent prices - developers are less inclined to put a lot of money into creating distinctive structures with bolder styles. Until the cost of land becomes a more significant component in the cost of new construction, I don't think we'll see the types of developments happening in other centres like Halifax. That same reason seems to be the prevailing reason why so few buildings manage to break the 4/5 story ceiling. It just isn't worth the cost or effort to build taller/nicer if you can build more smaller/dumpier buildings and make just as much money.

[MonctonRad]

School reconstruction under way
Published Wednesday July 22nd, 2009

École Ste-Therese to benefit from new classroom space this fall
By James Foster
Times & Transcript Staff

Two major tenders have been awarded as part of a $17-million expansion and renovation project at École Sainte-Thérèse in Dieppe, Supply and Services Minister Ed Doherty says.

"I am very pleased that students at École Sainte-Thérèse will have the benefit of brand new classroom space this coming school year, and Phase 2 of the renovations will be complete by September 2010," said Doherty.

"The new and improved school will be bright and spacious, and will meet the needs of the growing student body in the Dieppe area."

A $4.8-million tender for construction of 16 new classrooms was recently awarded to Avondale Construction and work is under way.

The second phase of the project, worth $9.3 million, has been awarded to Foulem Construction Ltée. It includes renovations to the existing cafeteria and demolition of the remaining school building to construct a new gym, resource centre, administration centre, staff lounge, six classrooms, six kindergarten classrooms, two special education rooms, two multipurpose rooms, student services areas and a music room.

"New Brunswick's economy grows when we invest in education," said Minister of Education Roland Haché.

"We're not only building modern schools for students, we're also investing in our province's greatest resource: our students.

"As a result of this project, the students of École Sainte-Thérèse will have a modern school where they can be innovative, be creative, and develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed to succeed in a 21st century economy.

"By making these investments in education, we are creating a well-educated population who will one day inherit a self-sufficient New Brunswick."

As part of the provincial government's Green Buildings Program, the improvements at École Sainte-Thérèse have been designed to achieve a silver rating under the principles of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).

School District 1, which administers French-language schools in southern New Brunswick, has long made the expansion the Dieppe facility its top priority

This sounds like a whole new school rather than simply a "reconstruction" :haha:

So, between this and the new north end school on Ryan Road, there will be quite a bit of new construction on the public school front this year.

Now all we need to do is solidly promote a new K-8 school for east Riverview and renovations for Moncton High School. Also, the French district would like a new school in northwest Moncton.

[MonctonRad]

Task force to examine metro centre report
Published Wednesday July 22nd, 2009

New group focuses on viability of potential downtown facility
BY GREG WESTON
TIMES & TRANSCRIPT STAFF

A new city task force formed Monday to examine the prospect of building a new sports and entertainment complex in downtown Moncton wants to make sure the project will be as successful as its supporters say it will be.

"It's a very interesting opportunity here," said Coun. Brian Hicks, who will act as the group's chairman. "I'm going into this with an open mind to try and make this work."

The committee, consisting of city councillors and members of the private sector, will examine an IBI Group report presented to council in June that recommended building a new metro events centre based on the successful model of the downtown facility in London, Ont. That presentation suggested that a 9,000-seat downtown facility, costing about $75 million, could replace the publicly subsidized Moncton Coliseum -- and turn a profit in the process.

"It's a task force that's going to really conduct a review of the IBI Group's study," Hicks said, adding that the facility could have any number of possible uses in addition to hockey and concerts.

"It doesn't make any sense to me to just have it just sitting there doing nothing," he said.

"It should be a breathing, working facility. Maybe there's opportunities here even to enhance these numbers."

Mayor George LeBlanc selected the members of the task force, which has a mandate to study various locations, funding models and the potential economic benefits for downtown.

David Campbell is one of the private sector representatives who were drawn from various consulting and communications backgrounds.

"The idea is to come up with a model that makes sense for the city of a financially viable project for the community," said the economic development consultant. "I think we have to look at a project that has a financially viable model. That would be an overriding principle. I think it can be done."

Campbell said he's looking forward to discussing the possibility of a new facility with the other task force members.

"It's a signature project for the mayor and council," he said.

"But it's one that should be done with caution and make sure the business case is strong if it does go ahead. There's a lot of thought and deliberation that needs to go into it."

The committee's first meeting has not yet been determined, but its final report will be given to council by Oct. 15. Hicks said securing government funding will be the key to the centre's economic viability.

"We can do the business plan and come up with a proposal that makes sense for the city. We can do an application for funding from the province and the feds, but that's the major deal breaker. What if they don't come to the table?

"If it wasn't for the fact that the funding would be split, I don't think the city could even look at this," he said, adding that infrastructure funding could be made available as part of both governments' stimulus packages.

But Hicks said the first step will be to make sure the plan makes good economic sense for the community.


So, this task force will deliver it's report by October 15th (or thereabouts). I wonder what will happen then?

Of course council will deliberate the recommendations and perhaps will order additional consultations (parking, transportation, environmental impact etc.), as well as consultations with interested stakeholders (neighbouring property owners, special interest groups, potential users of the facility). If a single location for the facility is recommended by this task force, then the land will have to be assembled (no doubt with lengthy negotiations with current owners), followed by negotiations with both the province and the feds regarding funding. This will likely be 2-3 years down the road by this point and the recession will be a distant and sad memory. Any stimulus funds will long since have dried up and the feds by that time will be more worried about paying off the accumulated deficit than funding yet another sports arena. The whole process will likely collapse under it's own weight!

I hate to be a pessimist, but is there any way of speeding up this process? The longer this takes, the more I worry that it won't happen :(

[mylesmalley]

I say we give Verdiroc a ring and see if they're up for the job.

[MonctonRad]

I say we give Verdiroc a ring and see if they're up for the job.

That is a very sad joke my friend. :D

[mylesmalley]

you're right. I should've included this link:

http://www.instantrimshot.com/

[StormShadow]

I began to worry when the arena report did not show up in April, as promised.

I've got a feeling it's going to take a developer to just appear out of the blue with a proposal to get this facility built.

Hello AEG???

[mylesmalley]

Shutting down Main St. for half the year is foolish in the extreme. No good can come from it.

People are already too damn lazy to go downtown if they think parking in front of their destinations might be a problem. Shutting down the whole street will just discourage more people from coming. Hardly anyone here will walk from Assumption or Saint George to get to Main St shops and restaurants. Not to mention the fact that the downtown merchants have already said they don't support it.

It's even a bad idea from a public safety standpoint. The Atlantic Nationals handles the street closures by putting an army of volunteers together to block the streets. The city would have to install some kind of semi-permanent barriers to restrict traffic. In an emergency, it'd be tough to give access to ambulances, fire and police vehicles. This would be a huge issue to merchants as well, as they'd lose their easy access to delivery trucks.

From a traffic point of view, it'd be a disaster as well. The city short-sighted-ly built Assumption two lanes too narrow on approach to Main St, meaning there's a significant bottleneck. It's not so bad right now with the four total lanes between Main and Assumption, but get rid of half of them and there'll be huge delays all the time.

If this guy really wants to improve the vibrancy of the core, he should become a proponent of building a strong residential presence south of Main and an even bigger proponent of a downtown entertainment venue.

[MonctonRad]

:previous:

Amen!

There are other cities that have downtown pedestrian malls that are (semi) successful and although I support the concept in principle, the idea of doing this to Main street is simply ludicrous!!!

Main Street is the only direct route through downtown. I can't even conceive of the logic of closing this vital route for even two months a year. In any other city I know which has done this, the street which was closed off was a sidestreet, not subject to high traffic volumes. To close Main Street would only discourage traffic from the downtown core, and would be counter-productive.

Incidentally, I was in Ottawa for a few days in early July and the Sparks Street Mall was far from vibrant........and this was only one block from Parliament Hill!!!!

What a stupid idea.

I agree with Myles, a new downtown arena (with street front retail, restaurants and pubs) and a few residential condo towers south of Main Street would be the way to go.

[MonctonRad]

Some badly needed colour for the page....

http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=333878&size=800x0

[MonctonRad]

Chocolate River Station to open this fall: mayor

Published Thursday July 23rd, 2009

Construction of new Riverview tourism site continues

BY ALAN COCHRANE
TIMES & TRANSCRIPT STAFF

http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=333866&size=600x0
Renovations to turn Riverview's old fire station into a tourist destination continue but the opening of Chocolate River Station won't take place for another two months.

The former Riverview Fire Station on Coverdale Road, soon to be the Chocolate River Station, is still under construction. The town expects the tourist spot to open in September, several months after it was originally scheduled to open. "Right now it's looking like sometime in September before it is completed," Riverview Mayor Clarence Sweetland said yesterday.

When the contract was awarded in January, officials said the opening would likely be around June 1. The mayor said there have been numerous delays and unexpected problems with the old building but the contractor is making progress.

Workers with Rice Contracting have been on the site for a couple of months, transforming the old fire station into the Chocolate River Station. Work involved demolishing part of the building and then totally rebuilding it inside and out. The parking lot was constructed on a lot formerly occupied by a gas station that has been empty for many years.

The fire station on Coverdale Road, which dates back to the 1960s, was left vacant for several years when the department moved to its new building on Pinewood Road. After much deliberation, it was decided to convert the building into a tourist attraction where visitors could get information and purchase samples of New Brunswick products like soap, chocolate and maple syrup. There were also plans at one point to have painters, carvers and other artisans working in the building so visitors watch the creative process.

After more delays, the $2.75-million project got the green light in January of this year, with an expected completion date of June 1.

Parks and Recreation Director Bob Clive said yesterday the renovations are almost complete and will be ready next month for the tenants to begin setting up shop.

When complete, the Chocolate River Station will be home to outlets for Olivier Soapery, Ganong Chocolates and Rocky Mountain Maple. Town officials hope the centre will help draw tourists into Riverview as they travel back and forth between Moncton and the Fundy coast. The fire station is located along the waterfront park near the new Gunningsville Bridge. There are several restaurants, gas stations and grocery stores nearby, along with the walking trail and children's playground.

Town officials have said tenants of the development will take a hands-on approach to their businesses, providing demonstrations and seminars of their products to really give people a feel for the culture of the region.

Jeff McShane, a spokesman for Ganong Chocolates, said he expects the shop to be open sometime in September. It will be a gift boutique showcasing the premium line of the New Brunswick-made chocolates and candies, and will offer demonstrations on site.

Ganong is well-known as a New Brunswick business success but hasn't operated many of its own retail outlets outside of the factory at St. Stephen.

"It was our time to spread our wings and have a presence on the eastern part of the province and this location with the gateway to Fundy offered us that opportunity," McShane said. The Ganong outlet will employ about six people.

Albert County artists will have room to showcase and sell their products in the building, and a boardwalk outside, housing a number of small kiosks, is expected to create a market-like atmosphere in the summer.

A restaurant or food court will take up the second floor of the old fire hall, and a tourism office, operated by the town and promoting the entire Fundy region, will be housed in the building.

[BlackYear]

And on a different note.......I've just become aware that my favourite magician, David Copperfield, is staging a Maritime tour this fall. Tour dates have been announced for Saint John, Halifax, Sydney and even Charlottetown but not Moncton!!!!!!

I imagine that the low roof at the coliseum has struck again. We need a new downtown arena now!!!!!

Looks like Copperfield is going to hit the Coliseum on Saturday Oct. 31st. 2 shows, one at 6pm and the other at 9pm...which I can't see happening!

[Lao Wai]

Some more colour...
http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/4249/dsc00493m.jpg

[mylesmalley]

That has to be photoshopped. I don't think the sun has been out long enough to take a picture since the Marriott was built.


Great pic though!

[Lao Wai]

That has to be photoshopped. I don't think the sun has been out long enough to take a picture since the Marriott was built.


Great pic though!

Ha ha ha...this was about a month ago, I believe. It was such a nice day that I had to get out and take some pictures.

[JasonL-Moncton]

That new school is going to cause quite a mess. It's pretty much guaranteed that an explosion of house-building will happen in the surrounding area to take advantage of such close proximity to a school. None of the infrastructure in the area is up to snuff to handle that kind of growth.

Ryan Road is going to become the major alternative to Mountain over the next few years - at least for residents of the north end. The city should really be making more of an effort to get ahead of this before it becomes a major issue.


One of the reason's the school is going there is because the 'explosion' has already begun. If you haven't been up there, take a drive, housing starts there are CRAZY. As far as the infrastructure, the city has already begun...water/sewer has been run the length of Ryan...sidwalks have been placed almost to horseman road with plans to go the length of Ryan...a 'roundabout' is planned for horseman/ryan that can handle approx 15K a day... It's happening, just not fast.

Jason

PS> I'm in total support of closing mainstreet in summer from Botsford to Church...businesses and citizen have been yelling for this for years!

[MonctonRad]

Looks like Copperfield is going to hit the Coliseum on Saturday Oct. 31st. 2 shows, one at 6pm and the other at 9pm...which I can't see happening!

Yes, I read this in the paper today. His original itinerary was Saint John, Halifax, Charlottetown and Sydney. I guess they must have found some way to cut the top 5-10 feet off of his stage to make it fit! :haha:

This should be a seriously good show. Quite appropriate that he will be performing on Hallowe'en. :tup:

[JimiThing]

I have to disagree on the closing of Main St. I could maybe see it working if it would close for two months out of the year from Friday evening to Sunday evening.

A better street to close down would be Westmorland with the O2 complex right there and if the downtown arena is built in the assumption parking lot it could have retail shops all along Westmorland.

Just my .02 cents!

[MonctonGoldenFlames]

A better street to close down would be Westmorland

i just finished looking at google maps, and was coming here to post it!

westmorland is relatively undeveloped, it connects main street to the riverfront (not that it's a huge attraction, but it connects main st to green space) and westmorland also houses the farmers market. imagine a street where someday, when the critical mass is present, a beautiful tree lined street leading from main st to the river, passing a farmers market that is open more often than just the weekend. westmorland also is a blank slate for the most part, so policy could be set to guide future development.

i currently live in calgary, and although calgary is much larger than moncton, there is one street that is virtually closed to traffic all the time. it's a huge attraction among the business fold during the day, and by locals during the evenings and weekend to enjoy the shops and restaurants.

my second option is to extend downing st from main to assumption. not sure how that would work land ownership wise, but it's another street that could have a blank slate.

here is a picture of stephen avenue (8 ave sw )in calgary.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v519/monctongoldenflames/houses/stephen_avenue_sc0269.jpg

[MonctonRad]

I agree, Westmorland would be much more appropriate for a venture such as this. It is a side street with little through traffic, there are a few restaurants and clubs already on the street (City Grill, the O2 Complex, etc.). The city market is also located there and would help to liven up the area on the weekends. Making it pedestrian only and lining it with trees and benches would make it quite attractive.

It might not be possible to close off the entire street. The new courthouse is being built at the corner of Westmorland and Assumption and access would have to maintained to it, as well as to the Assumption Place parking lot.

Still, for the northern half of Westmorland, this is a potentially viable proposal.

[MonctonGoldenFlames]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v519/monctongoldenflames/houses/westmorlandstreet.jpg

disclaimer: i have not lived in moncton in 10 years. when i am in the area, i am at the shore or riverview. i have not considered the land ownerships involved with this very basic idea, nor am i aware of any potential projects that may affect this plan. and finally....it could use lots of work, but this was a preliminary idea i had.

black: obviously new and existing roads.
red: farmers market including possible expansion lands.
blue: new courthouse location.
brown: the jail.
green: park/plaza with art features.
orange: mixed-use developments. main and podium floors to have street front retail shops, commercial services and restaurants. above the podium is residential.

here are some examples of plaza areas in a mixed use environment, as well as some streetscapes to be considered.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v519/monctongoldenflames/houses/portland-tod.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v519/monctongoldenflames/houses/3563690252_fb1567c8b7.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v519/monctongoldenflames/houses/Gateway-Aerial1.jpg

[MonctonRad]

:previous:

Nice diagram. I see that you only included the northern end of Westmorland as a pedestrian mall. I agree with this. I think the south end of Westmorland would have to remain open to traffic.

I don't know if you are aware (you probably are), but the jail is being moved to a somewhat controversial location in Shediac. That area, behind Assumption Place, is one of the likely locations for a downtown arena/entertainment complex.

[MonctonGoldenFlames]

:previous:

Nice diagram. I see that you only included the northern end of Westmorland as a pedestrian mall. I agree with this. I think the south end of Westmorland would have to remain open to traffic.

I don't know if you are aware (you probably are), but the jail is being moved to a somewhat controversial location in Shediac. That area, behind Assumption Place, is one of the likely locations for a downtown arena/entertainment complex.

thanks for the heads up on the jail moving. the location behind assumption is my ideal choice for a new arena. i was thinking that it might go by the train station to partly replace highfield square. back to the drawing board.......the jail and arena change everything!

[MonctonGoldenFlames]

same disclaimer as before.....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v519/monctongoldenflames/houses/arenadistrict.jpg

blue: pedestrian blvd
red: new streets
black: existing streets
green: open park/plaza
purple: courts building
yellow: arena
dark orange: farmers market
light orange: new convention space

[mylesmalley]

...did anyone else hear about the eight story apartment building that's already U/C on Lewisville Road??

http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=334631&size=500x0
From the T&T this morning.

[MonctonRad]

:previous:

Eight storeys.......thats too tall for wood and vinyl siding construction, right? :haha: :haha: :haha:

[StormShadow]

A Main Street mall in the summer can work, but not in it's current form. It's not easy to do, Stephen Ave. in Calgary has had an up and down, down history. The Robinson and Oak parks on Main Street took a long time to become moderately successful.

First, Assumption has to be widened to handle the diverted traffic AND especially if the arena goes there. The Assumption Arena would make a pedestrian Main Street in the summer viable. But I have to ask, where do you park your car within a reasonable walking distance? That's the key to making all of this work.

[mylesmalley]

Downtown, as much as it seems city hall wants to put it off, is going to need a sizable parking structure. As all the surface lots in the area are gradually replaced by developments of one sort or another, a suitable replacement for the lost parking areas will be needed. I'm pretty confident that the land behind Assumption would be too small for a downtown arena. If that's the case, it'd make an ideal spot for a 1500 spot garage with plenty of room for offices/apartments along the north side of Assumption.

[JHikka]

yellow: arena


If you're planning on a 9,000 Capacity Arena I think you may need more of an area than that. 9,000 would require a lot of parking, let alone the actual land for the arena itself.

Regardless, great diagrams.

[mylesmalley]

Shawn Graham, Keith Ashfield and a pile of local politicians were at Dieppe City Hall about an hour ago to announce 72 million in infrastructure spending for the province. The only local project mentioned so far was around $6 million to extend Aviation Avenue about 1.9km beyond the airport terminal to open up more than 60 hectares of land for industrial development.

[MonctonGoldenFlames]

If you're planning on a 9,000 Capacity Arena I think you may need more of an area than that. 9,000 would require a lot of parking, let alone the actual land for the arena itself.

Regardless, great diagrams.

as a reference, i used the rough dimensions from the halifax metro centre (100mx100m) and that is what i have shown in that diagram.

[BlackYear]

If you're planning on a 9,000 Capacity Arena I think you may need more of an area than that. 9,000 would require a lot of parking, let alone the actual land for the arena itself.

Regardless, great diagrams.

Not really. Parking for the new structure would be dispersed throughout the whole downtown area. The Montreal Bell Centre as example has zero parking lots except for private little parking lots all around the downtown area.

I personally prefer this method of parking instead of a giant parking lot like the Coliseum.

Downtown does need more parking garages though!

[MonctonRad]

...did anyone else hear about the eight story apartment building that's already U/C on Lewisville Road??

http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=334631&size=500x0
From the T&T this morning.

This is the article that accompanied the photo above supplied by Myles. It is interesting to note that although eight floors tall, this project will only include 56 units. Thats an average of about 8 units per floor. This project therefore presumably will be tall and narrow.

You can't tell from this photo, but that section of Lewisville Rd. has densified quite a bit over the last five years or so.


Moncton council nixes idea to fund trail
Published Friday July 24th, 2009

Developers left confused after city votes against request to fund a footbridge and trail on private property
BY GREG WESTON
TIMES & TRANSCRIPT STAFF

A Moncton apartment development on Lewisville Road is proceeding as originally planned this week after city council turned down a request to fund a footbridge and trail on the private property that would connect with the Millennium Trail system.

"I didn't think that was a good use of public taxpayers' money," Councillor Daniel Bourgeois said. "In this particular case, which was a dangerous precedent in my opinion, we were giving back that $36,000 to the developer to build a private bridge."

The money in question is owed to the city as part of the provincial Community Planning Act.

Under the act, real estate developers must give 10 per cent of the affected land to the city for public purposes, such as parks, playgrounds or trails. But, if a park is already in the area, within about a seven-minute walk, municipalities can instead accept a cash payment equal to eight per cent of the estimated value of that land.

Stelor Holdings Inc., the developers of the 56-unit apartment complex already under construction, had requested the city then spend that same money to develop infrastructure surrounding the buildings, including a private footbridge and a looped trail system connecting with the Millennium Trail network.

In return for the city's investment, they offered a legal agreement to ensure the public would have access to the privately owned trail and bridge.

But some councillors were uncomfortable with using public money to build on private property.

"We are going to give them $36,000 to build a private bridge and trail, which they say the public will be allowed to go over but the public will never know they can," Councillor Nancy Hoar said during the debate. "I just think this is a terrible precedent to be starting."

Bourgeois said there was no need to build a second trail so close to the existing one, when many areas of the city have none at all.

"There was a park nearby, so we don't need the park, we don't need the land. We'll take the cash instead and we'll reinvest it in trails and everything else," he said.

In the end, four councillors voted against the plan, resulting a tied four-to-four vote and the defeat of the motion.

Coun. Merrill Henderson did not vote on the motion, as he chaired the debate when Mayor George LeBlanc abstained after declaring a conflict of interest.

Boyd and Stephen Carson of Stelor responded to the vote with a certain amount of head-scratching.

"It wasn't our idea in the first place," said Stephen, the project manager. "It was town planning. They were the ones that had put this idea forward. So I didn't anticipate any problem because it wasn't our idea, it was the city's idea. If they don't want to do it, it's OK." Boyd said the development will proceed as planned, since they would have had to pay the money to the city in either case, but the future of the footbridge may now be reconsidered.

"If they do not want the money being spent for a footbridge, then we would not have any option but to give the $36,000 to the City of Moncton. It doesn't leave you much option," he said.

Despite being opposed to the bridge, Bourgeois voted for the plan because he felt the project was important to the city. He hopes the developers will rework the proposal to council's liking.

"I hope that this is just a hurdle and that the developer will bring forth a modified plan that will alleviate that concern. Council will probably, in my opinion, look favourably on a revised plan like that," he said.

[JHikka]

Not really. Parking for the new structure would be dispersed throughout the whole downtown area. The Montreal Bell Centre as example has zero parking lots except for private little parking lots all around the downtown area.

I personally prefer this method of parking instead of a giant parking lot like the Coliseum.

Downtown does need more parking garages though!

But doesn't the Bell Centre have a high number of people in the surrounding area? And a somewhat decent subway system and mass transit?

I don't want to say it's unlikely, but it seems unlikely that you could get that many people going to (presumably) Wildcats games without going by car.

And ok, Metro Centre dimensions. Gotchya:tup:

[MonctonRad]

:previous:

Although a downtown location behind Assumption Place is my sentimental favourite place to build the new arena, you are quite right about the parking. If the arena is built here, new parking garages will be necessary. They will also have to make sure that Assumption Blvd. is completely four lane. Additional transit coverage would also be a good idea.

If access and parking are judged to be the paramount factors in determining the best location of the arena, then the Highfield Square site would be the best choice. I don't think the arena would have the same economic impact on the downtown core however if it is built there.

[MonctonGoldenFlames]

just look at a map of downtown moncton...if you can't find enough parking within a 5-10 minute walk of a new stadium behind assumption place, you're not looking very hard. there is plenty of parking, and if it really becomes a premium, somebody will try to capitalize on that and build additional parking.

just go look for yourself at the amount of parking lots around the possible arena site, then compare it to the existing parking lot of the coliseum......way more downtown!