The Official Moncton, NB Project Thread

[Dmajackson]

^John Bragg is the current chancellor? never knew that before and I'm quite into the Oxford scene and I've had a crap load of family go thru Mount A...

[MonctonRad]

Atlantic Canadian CMA Building Permit Values YTD Q1-Q3

Totals: (millions of dollars)

Halifax...............$505.4M
St. John's...........$373.4M
Saint John..........$245.2M
Moncton.............$216.4M

Building Permit Values Per Capita (& national rank out of 33 CMA's)

St. John's...........$2,063.00 (4th)
Saint John...........$2,010.00 (5th)
Moncton..............$1,717.00 (11th)
Halifax.................$1,355.00 (18th)

Observation - Saint John had a huge September with $76.8M in building permits issued during that month. Because of this, Saint John has bumped Moncton in the rankings. As a region, we continue to have three cities in the top third of the Canadian per capita building permit rankings........pretty good don't you think!

Does anyone know what the building permits in September in Saint John were for?

BTW - Has anyone else noticed how dead the Saint John thread has been in the last month or so......

[JHikka]

Does anyone know what the building permits in September in Saint John were for?

BTW - Has anyone else noticed how dead the Saint John thread has been in the last month or so......

Not much has been going on to be honest with you. That and we've gotten lazy with our thread. ;)

As far as the building permits; i'm not entirely sure.

[Joe]

Figures can be found here

http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/091105/t091105a1-eng.htm

[JasonL-Moncton]

I was driving down Connaught today on my way to work and could see the blue and yellow seats of the stadium and two huge light towers now up with a crane poking out of the trees.

I can't wait to see this thing finished!

[pierremoncton]

Does anyone know what work's being done on St. George at Lester (in front of the bus station)? This was being used as parking; it's now fenced in and dug up.

http://www.bing.com/maps/?v=2&cp=46.092533126333265~-64.77551266551018&lvl=19&sty=h&sp=Point.rpfwcy9m1v2w_Something____

[BlackYear]

Yeah I drove by there yesterday wondering the same. The corner is very heavily fenced in. I believe there used to be a gas station back in the old days. They could be digging out the fuel tanks?

[mylesmalley]

Fingers crossed it's apartments like the ones next to Shoppers. That end of St George has a lot of potential with the Aberdeen Building so close by. It'd be nice to see some nicer redevelopments go up to reflect that.

[pierremoncton]

I liked the diagrams that some of you had posted a while ago about downtown space allocation. Nothing better to do, so here's mine. I'm sure that some stuff overlaps with the city's vision and some posters' comments, and I don't know what's possible out of this, but they're ideas for their own sake.

Light blue - New, widened or expanded roads
Purple - Parking
Yellow - New buildings
Green - Greenspace
Magenta - Residential

Bing + me =
http://imgur.com/W7NYe.jpg

A - New arena. I'm unsure of how much space is required, but by judging the coliseum as seen from maps, this should be enough. I'd really prefer for the Bay part of the mall to remain, including the Main Street entrance. Everything west would be replaced.
B - "New" Highfield Square. The Bay probably replaced with new, smaller shops (perfect for attracting arena visitors).
C - New downtown bus station. Slightly closer to the core than the buses' current stop in front of Highfield Square and a great location for the arena. Maybe it should go south of A or B instead. And I could be off with the amount of space needed.
D - Multi-storey parkades.
E - Entertainment/bars/clubs.
F,G,H - Matching/themed buildings --
F - Downtown cinemas, Imax, convention centre, hotel (?), mini casino (?).
G - 16-20 storeys: office space (see Z).
H - Multi-storey parkade (not just a piece of concrete).
I - New downtown grocery store (I'd like to see Co-op come back) for all new downtown residential population.
J - Condos/apartments; Oulton warehouse disappears (off to Vaughan Harvey). Depth is probably way off scale.
K - New road from Assomption to Foundry: probably just one way (west).
L - Dairy place off to an industrial park.
M - Two strips of 3-4-storey condos (something like http://www.choicerealestate.net/images/rockvilleCondos.jpg). Tons of greenspace in between. Depth offscale like J.
N - Multi-storey parkade.
O - Courthouse.
P - Pedestrian-only. Westmorland and Robinson could probably be closed off permanently. Main Street should probably be open weekdays from 7 AM to 7 PM or so to ease traffic.
Q - Cmax disappears; becomes parking for Rogers. Trans-Canada Trail no longer interrupted by parking lot.
R - Greenspace -- maybe condos/apartments.
Z - Consider temporarily leasing to US Army for bombing practice.

Some notes:

- Regaining greenspace once it's gone would be unlikely and I'd like to keep Assomption and the riverbank clean, so I'd rather not have L and R developed, which would also lessen congestion.

- Trees everywhere and full-cutoff street lights (to reduce light pollution) only (please).

- Assuming that Rogers stays: another multi-storey parkade. But if all of this actually panned out, couldn't we all just leave our cars at home and adopt the newly-effective bus system? And/or set up an express mini subway system (ha!) from Blue Cross to Terminal Plaza? Maybe I should have quit a while ago with these ideas.

Anyway, hopefully the downtown area as seen from satellite imagery will no longer be decorated with nothing but asphalt and cars in 10-20 years from now.

[mylesmalley]

Great suggestions, Pierre!

I'm especially in favour of leasing those areas for some kind of munitions testing. It would provide us with some needed entertainment downtown, some padding for the city coffers, and would free up some nice land when we're ready for something nice.

The suggestion of creating a new road parallel to Main St behind the Assumption building and courthouse has been mentioned in a number of places. It's a suggestion I fully support. Your new roads where the highfield square parking lot currently sits gives me the idea that maybe such a road could be extended all the way to Vaughan Harvey. There are only a few trains a day, so an at-grade crossing wouldn't be out of the question. Moreover, it would give access to all the parking garages you propose, which will sooner or later be necessitated. Not to mention that with a bit of reconfiguring, it would free up Main to become a pedestrian walkway without much disruption to traffic flow across downtown.

As for the riverfront. I don't think I'd be opposed to seeing development south of Assumption. Lets be honest, it isn't exactly the prettiest river. condos such as those built up along the far end of Assumption, or even that 5 story hotel that Bernard Cyr proposed a few years back would be welcome in my books.

[pierremoncton]

Your new roads where the highfield square parking lot currently sits gives me the idea that maybe such a road could be extended all the way to Vaughan Harvey. There are only a few trains a day, so an at-grade crossing wouldn't be out of the question.

There's already somewhat of a road at the south end of the parking lots and there's no crossing required at all so I may be missing something from your comments (I was in fact suggesting that it becomes a public road stretching to Vaughan Harvey). Did you mean extending Highfield St. south over to Albert/Record? Or extending the new road behind the Assomption building all the way west to Highfield Square?

[mylesmalley]

Extending the new road behind Assumption Place all the way to Vaughan Harvey to create a new cross-city road parallel to Main Street.

[pierremoncton]

Got it. Boulevard Centre-ville Moncton 2015 Downtown Boulevard.

I read something about condos that Bernard Cyr had proposed a while back. Where were they to be located and is there a picture for it somewhere?

[C_Boy]

There's already somewhat of a road at the south end of the parking lots and there's no crossing required at all so I may be missing something from your comments (I was in fact suggesting that it becomes a public road stretching to Vaughan Harvey). Did you mean extending Highfield St. south over to Albert/Record? Or extending the new road behind the Assomption building all the way west to Highfield Square?

There are some really good ideas in there pierremoncton :tup: . I think this is what Myles means:

http://www.iWebPhoto.com/iWebPhoto_free_upload_photo/222599/Album1/Downtown-Pierremoncton.jpg

It would be fairly easy to join the two.

I would like to add an idea that I thought of when the city started talking about closing Main st to traffic. I think this would compliment the changes you are proposing. I don't agree with closing Main st, but I think turning it into a one way from King to Lutz (West) and subsequently turning Queen into a one way from Lutz to King (East). After looking at it, it would seem to make sense to continue Harper Ln through the Superstore rd with an overpass over Wheeler/ Hwy 15. Ramps could be added. This would give a much needed access into Dieppe via Hwy 15 or access to the mall other than Main st or going all the way around on Lewisville. I did not draw the ramps, I figured Myles could figure out a better way

http://www.iWebPhoto.com/iWebPhoto_free_upload_photo/222599/Album1/OneWayMainst-Queenst.jpg

http://www.iWebPhoto.com/iWebPhoto_free_upload_photo/222599/Album1/OneWayMainst-QueenstCloseup.jpg

I think this would make it easier for pedestrians and make traffic flow better. Just a thought...

EDIT: I guess I was too slow to post.... haha

[MonctonRad]

:previous:

Interesting idea C_Boy. I agree about keeping Main Street open. I am no fan of the idea of closing this thoroughfare to through traffic. I however would prefer to keep two way traffic on it.......this slows traffic down and makes it easier for pedestrians to cross Main Street. It would also be less confusing to tourists driving through downtown since this is the most direct route.

We do need more capacity for east-west traffic through downtown so I am intrigued by your concept of extending Queen Street all the way to Wheeler Blvd. This should also be made two-way. and should cut down on traffic congestion on east Main Street at least as far as Chateau Moncton. If an overpass was placed over Wheeler at this point, it would also help traffic flow into Champlain Place.

[MonctonRad]

Great suggestions, Pierre!
As for the riverfront. I don't think I'd be opposed to seeing development south of Assumption. Lets be honest, it isn't exactly the prettiest river. condos such as those built up along the far end of Assumption, or even that 5 story hotel that Bernard Cyr proposed a few years back would be welcome in my books.

I am quite fond of the Riverfront Park and although the Petitcodiac River is not particularly scenic, it does have a kind of charm to it and the park itself provides a nice bit of solitude downtown.

Having said this, I agree with Myles - there are areas south of Assumption Blvd. between the Harold Page Sportplex and the Moncton Press Club which could benefit from some tightly regulated development. A hotel, residential condominiums or even a tastefully done commercial development here could be appropriate if it were designed to complement and enhance the riverfront and the existing walking trails.

A lot of Monctonians don't really appreciate the gem that the Riverfront Park really is. With appropriate adjacent development, this parkway could be enhanced to the benefit of all. :tup:

[C_Boy]

:previous:



We do need more capacity for east-west traffic through downtown so I am intrigued by your concept of extending Queen Street all the way to Wheeler Blvd. This should also be made two-way. and should cut down on traffic congestion on east Main Street at least as far as Chateau Moncton. If an overpass was placed over Wheeler at this point, it would also help traffic flow into Champlain Place.

Yeah sorry about that... the picture is too small...in my idea Queen St was one way but the extension section is a two-way towards wheeler...it's just hard to see with the colors I have and size I guess. Looking at the current very few properties that would be in the way(Queen st side), this road could be redone fairly easily, even though the overpass would'int be done right away. We all know this would most likely be that last thing to get done for over passes around here especialy that it goes from one city to another!

[pierremoncton]

After looking at it, it would seem to make sense to continue Harper Ln through the Superstore rd with an overpass over Wheeler/ Hwy 15. Ramps could be added.

I like the idea of actually ligning up Queen Street(s). And I'm assuming that Harper Lane will be extended within the next few years anyway now that the condos are being built beside Staples. This becoming an open road would give better exposure and access to whatever will replace Wacky's and to eventual development on that empty parcel of land by the river.

[MonctonRad]

A few odds and ends........

- There is a crane working on site at the Mapleton Power Centre, it looks like they might be doing some HVAC work on the roof. Perhaps things are going to ramp up here.

- They have now completed four lighting towers at the Stade Moncton 2010 Stadium. I think they have finished just about all the concrete form work on the west grandstand.

- They are beginning to enclose the Moncton Courthouse. I would say it will be fully enclosed before winter.

- The new Sobey's in Findlay Park is really progressing fast. This should be enclosed before the snow flies too. Also, the parking lot in front is now curbed and gravelled. :tup:

[C_Boy]

I like the idea of actually ligning up Queen Street(s). And I'm assuming that Harper Lane will be extended within the next few years anyway now that the condos are being built beside Staples. This becoming an open road would give better exposure and access to whatever will replace Wacky's and to eventual development on that empty parcel of land by the river.

Another thing with Queen st is that it would make things a lot more accessible for the former Holis Ford land. That land has a lot of potential and that would just greatly increase it. Instead of acessing from Main, you'll have Steadman and the realigned Queen St.

[riverviewer]

A few odds and ends........



- The new Sobey's in Findlay Park is really progressing fast. This should be enclosed before the snow flies too. Also, the parking lot in front is now curbed and gravelled. :tup:

Drove by and snapped a pic

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t165/kylosaurus/newrivsobeys.jpg

[brod3211]

The new Sobeys, looks really small? Doesn't anyone else feel that. Thought the liquor store was supposed to be connected to it but they didn't add a side for the liquor store?

[MonctonRad]

:previous:

I agree, it doesn't seem overly large but appearances can be decieving, especially when there are no nearby buildings to give you any perspective......

Anyhow, it does make you wonder if this Sobeys is a replacement for the store on Coverdale Road or a new one.

[mylesmalley]

What are their plans? I can't see a town of 17000 supporting three major grocery stores, especially with the new one just on the other side of the bridge stopping a lot of moncton traffic in the west end from crossing the river.



Also, I'll be in town on saturday. Anyone interested in grabbing a coffee in the afternoon?

[MonctonRad]

4-Ice goes from Tim's to Red Ball
Published Friday November 13th, 2009

Sports complex undergoes identity change as Internet company takes over naming rights

http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=398465&size=500x0

Personally, I think they should have called it the "Red Puck Centre"

[MonctonRad]

Capitol Theatre gets $200K from feds
Published Friday November 13th, 2009

Money will go toward equipment upgrades, new lights and sound equipment
BY ALAN COCHRANE
TIMES & TRANSCRIPT STAFF

Moncton's historic Capitol Theatre received a much-needed $200,000 in federal funding yesterday that will help the performing arts showcase keep up with expensive maintenance and purchase of new sound and lighting equipment.

http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=398464&size=500x0
VIKTOR PIVOVAROV/TIMES & TRANSCR
MP Rob Moore, left, tours the Capitol Theatre with Win Pearce, charter board member and chairman of the Capitol Theatres House Committee yesterday.

Fundy Royal Conservative MP Rob Moore made a quick stop at the Capitol yesterday afternoon to announce the funding on behalf of federal Heritage Minister James Moore. The money comes from the federal government's Canada Cultural Spaces Fund. The money is earmarked to improve physical conditions for the arts.

The $200,000 from Ottawa will be used against a $400,000 improvement campaign at Moncton's showcase for the performing arts.

Marc Chouinard, the Capitol's general manager, said the money is being used for ongoing improvement and replacement of air conditioning and heating equipment, carpets, curtains, an upgraded fire system and security cameras.

The Capitol will also purchase a new $64,000 digital sound board for the main hall and move the old mixer into the adjacent Empress Theatre. The sound board is located at the back of the theatre and is used to mix the sound feeds from instruments and microphones before the signal goes through the amplifier and speaker systems. He said a digital board will be especially useful during live music events where several bands take the stage over the course of a single show. The board will allow the sound technicians to set sound levels for each act and then recall those personal settings as the bands take their turn on the stage.

The Capitol will also purchase more stage lighting that uses LED (light-emitting diode) technology. These lights use less electricity and produce less heat, which means a lower power bill and a more comfortable environment for the performers on stage. The Capitol already uses LED systems to light up the resplendent arch over the stage where different colours seem to bring the details to life.

The Capitol Theatre was first built in the 1920s as a showcase for theatre and music during the golden years of performing arts but it had fallen into disrepair when it finally closed in the late 1980s. It was totally gutted, rebuilt and restored to its original splendour for a grand reopening in 1993. Since then, the 800-seat theatre has been used for music, dance, comedy and theatrical performances by local and touring acts. It is also frequently used for speeches and graduations.

Winston Pearce, who has been a member of the Capitol's board of directors since the reopening, said the federal money was needed to augment what is already being raised.

For every ticket sold to an event at the theatre, there is a $3.50 charge that goes to the Capitol Improvement Fund. That raises about $100,000 a year, which is added to the $100,000 contributed by the city. That $200,000 will be added to the $200,000 from the federal government to carry out the $400,000 in renovations and equipment.

"When we took this place over in 1993, there were a lot of things that weren't finished. The committee spent $4.5 million doing the original (renovation) and we've spent well over $2 million since then, finishing it up and now its beginning to turn over and we need to replace things like air conditioning systems and carpets. We are also trying to improve the energy efficiency of the building," Pearce said in an interview in front of the stage yesterday.

He said the arch over the stage, which is known for its intricate carvings and paintings, should last about 35 years before it needs to be restored again.

"We thank the Government of Canada for their financial support. The City of Moncton's annual capital grant has allowed us to match these Federal grants and actually expend $400,000 to improve the facilities," said Angela Smith, the Capitol Theatre's chairwoman. "This financial support will insure that we will continue accommodating the technical and physical needs of artists and clients in a very professional way. We also thank the municipalities of Moncton, Dieppe and Riverview for their annual operational grants."

[MonctonRad]

Hundreds of casino jobs are available
Published Saturday November 14th, 2009

Casino, hospitality skills valued at establishments all over the world
By James Foster
Times & Transcript Staff

When Moncton's new casino-hotel-entertainment complex welcomes its first guests this spring, it will also be opening its doors to as many as 400 new jobs.

http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=398892&size=900x0
GREG AGNEW/TIMES & TRANSCRIPT
In a few short months the focus of jobs at the Casino New Brunswick will shift from construction to operational. Jobs in the hotel, the casino and the entertainment centre will be sought after by many.

http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=398893&size=800x0
GREG AGNEW/TIMES & TRANSCRIPT
Construction is still underway at the site of Casino New Brunswick on Magnetic Hill.

Casino New Brunswick will need security professionals, dealers, supervisors, marketers, surveillance experts, attendants, you name it -- and that doesn't even touch on the staff that will be required in the hotel, entertainment and restaurant aspects of the massive operation that is now under construction at Magnetic Hill.

"We're looking for something like 380, maybe 400 jobs," casino general manager Steve Hancock says.

"We are already looking at resumes for some of the key management positions."

The positions will be a mix of full- and part-time jobs, plus temporary staff who will be needed during the summer or other busy seasons.

Apply online at www.casinonb.ca and click on the link Employment at the top of the page. The casino will start evaluating most of the resumes this winter.

The casino complex will consist of a casino with 600 slot machines, 20 tables, 8 poker tables, a high-limit room, food and beverage facilities; a 128-room hotel; and the Palladium, which is a multi-purpose entertainment venue/convention facility.

It will take a lot of people to make all of that run smoothly.

If you have no experience in casino work, don't worry, they'll teach you all you need to know as long as you can exhibit the kind of people skills that make sure casino patrons enjoy every minute of their experience at Casino New Brunswick.

"We'll be hiring on personality," Hancock says.

They are already examining potential training partnerships to help get their new staff, many of whom will likely have never worked in a casino before, the kind of knowledge they need.

For example, they are in discussions with the provincial government over casino- and hospitality-related training, perhaps at the New Brunswick Community College, as well as with veteran casino trainer Robby Robertson who has opened a school for casino workers in Dieppe.

Hancock stresses that the casino offers not only jobs, but careers. And he should know. Sixteen years ago he started out in the casino business as a slot attendant, and now he'll be running the casino here in Moncton.

"It's actually an excellent opportunity for a career," Hancock says.

As well, once trained, casino employees' skills are valued at casinos all over the world.

"Gaming isn't only across Canada or across North America," he says, "it's world-wide."

The new casino complex is under construction on Mountain Road near Magnetic Hill, with three separate buildings -- the casino, a 128-room hotel and palladium -- taking shape simultaneously.

It is expected that more than 90 per cent of the new positions will be filled locally.

There is a possibility the casino complex could hold a job fair to take more applications for positions available in the casino, hotel, restaurant, bar, and entertainment complex.

The Palladium will have seating for about 1,500 people, and will be available for live performances, shows, wedding receptions, banquets and many other functions.

It is being built with room dividers so it can host different sized functions which should mean it will be a busy spot indeed. The entire complex could attract as many as one million visitors per year.

[MonctonRad]

A couple of pics from the Crandall University website showing progression of construction on the new academic building.

http://futurefoundations.ca/wp-content/gallery/building-construction/abu_crandall-site-oct-26_a.jpg

http://futurefoundations.ca/wp-content/gallery/building-construction/abu_crandall-site-oct-26_c.jpg

[JasonL-Moncton]

[QUOTE=MonctonRad;4558446

http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=398893&size=800x0
GREG AGNEW/TIMES & TRANSCRIPT

Wow that car by the retaining wall on Mountain Rd. really puts this place in perspective of how 'big' it really is.

JL

[mylesmalley]

It had never really occurred to me, but the lighthouse is more than five stories tall...

[MonctonRad]

:previous:

You're right.......which would make this the tallest structure under construction in Moncton at the present time.

We have to keep this quiet though........I'm not sure I want Bedford DJ to know that the tallest structure under construction in Moncton is a fake lighthouse, he would just publish that fact in his "Tallest U/C" thread in the Canada forum. :haha: :D :haha:

[mylesmalley]

It'll also be the tallest structure in the North End.

The RoC forumers would have a field day with the east coast's latest lighthouse. 20km inland, in a city with a river shallow enough to walk across...

[benvui]

Does anyone know what is going on along highway 15 near Shediac? They are clearing trees on both sides of the highway in the general location of the new interconnect for the twinned highway heading north. I was wondering if this was prep work but I was under the impression they had to do an environmental assessment and weren't planning on doing any work for another couple of years.
Of course it could be something else entirely.

[JasonL-Moncton]

Does anyone know what is going on along highway 15 near Shediac? They are clearing trees on both sides of the highway in the general location of the new interconnect for the twinned highway heading north. I was wondering if this was prep work but I was under the impression they had to do an environmental assessment and weren't planning on doing any work for another couple of years.
Of course it could be something else entirely.

I'm assuming that's for the jail...

[mylesmalley]

Isn't a new mall or something going up around there as well? Maybe it's already built though. I haven't been out that way since the spring.

[Sony500]

Does anyone know what is going on along highway 15 near Shediac? They are clearing trees on both sides of the highway in the general location of the new interconnect for the twinned highway heading north. I was wondering if this was prep work but I was under the impression they had to do an environmental assessment and weren't planning on doing any work for another couple of years.
Of course it could be something else entirely.

Which area? Are you asking about around where Sea Side Chevrolet is? or by Parlee Beach exit?

[JasonL-Moncton]

Which area? Are you asking about around where Sea Side Chevrolet is? or by Parlee Beach exit?

He probably means by Sea Side as he said by the "interchange to the twinned highway heading north"

JL

[MonctonRad]

They are now working on the fourth floor of that purported eight storey apartment building on Lewisville Road by Humphrey Creek.

I'm beginning to change my mind about this building, I think that it might end up being somewhat interesting. I still don't think it will be eight stories however, but given the steel supports around the entryway, I do think it will be 5-6 stories tall. :tup:

[brod3211]

Im living right now in Belleville, Ont. and I look around and I see they have quite a few 8-13 story appts. all withing there downtown area, this is a city of about 40,000. |What is Moncton doing they needed to stop with the old rules and start building some buildings up, I'm fearing that when those two condo projects are proposed they will just be 5-6 story bricks with some bad siding.

I haven't seen to much I was hoping someone would go around and do some photo's when there free and post them, it would be nice to see what is going on. I do like the courthouse so far I think its going to be a great addition downtown. Final question has there been anyword on the fashion center or is that dead?

[mylesmalley]

All comes down to economics. Cheap land = low quality, low height buildings.

[brod3211]

So sad, with cheap land i'd take the chance now to build up and often.

[mylesmalley]

Building up is expensive. I don't know the numbers, but it's probably cheaper to build 4x4 story buildings than it is to build one 10 story one with the same floor space.

EDIT

Probably a lot cheaper...

[brod3211]

This is why i'm in school for photojournalism and not anything like that.

[mmmatt]

Building up is expensive. I don't know the numbers, but it's probably cheaper to build 4x4 story buildings than it is to build one 10 story one with the same floor space.

EDIT

Probably a lot cheaper...

Is is, very much so...especially in downtown Moncton where the soil is very soft and expensive piles are needed for taller buildings. I'm actually very happy we even have the amount of taller buildings we do considering this fact.

Hopefully the new condos downtown will be of significant height though...would be nice to see something over 10 floors go up. (would be the first time in over 20 years).

If those buildings turn out to be high quality plus the addition of a downtown arena, the beautification of St. George st and the new courthouse we have the makings of a much nicer downtown within the next 10 years. :)

Its my feeling that once these projects are completed the city really needs to try very hard at attracting development at that hideous parking lot beside the Rogers call center. That is a huge sore spot downtown and I cringe every time I pass. I would say that for the meantime (could be 20 years before its developed) the city should make a nice strip of green space along the borders to block the view.

[MonctonRad]

:previous:

Speaking of the downtown arena........things have been awfully quiet on that front for several months now. Weren't they supposed to release results of their most recent study sometime about now?

[C_Boy]

:previous:

Speaking of the downtown arena........things have been awfully quiet on that front for several months now. Weren't they supposed to release results of their most recent study sometime about now?

Last I heard was the mayor was going to meet with Downtown Moncton Centre ville inc. and there was supposed to be some updates on the arena.

EDIT: I think that was or is this week

[gehrhardt]

Last Updated: Thursday, November 19, 2009 | 6:55 AM AT
CBC News

http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/images/news/topstories/2009/01/08/tp-moncton-high.jpg

An architect is estimating it would cost $7 million to restore Moncton High School. The figure is drastically lower than earlier estimates of $48 million.

Jim Bezanson, an architect specializing in saving heritage buildings, was hired by Moncton's heritage committee to assess how much it would cost to fix the 73-year-old building.

He said it may cost $7 million to get most of the work done.

An earlier estimate pegged repairs and improvements to Moncton High at $48 million, which is almost double the cost to build a new school in its place.

Bezanson said those previous estimates are exaggerated because it implies building an exact replica of the school.

Bezanson said by using modern materials, using regular maintenance and fixing only priority problems the building could be kept for another 75 years.

Bev Barrett, the chairwoman of the Moncton Heritage Preservation Review Board, said the lower figures came as a surprise.

"Actually, it was surprising but such a lovely, welcomed surprise because, of course, it's always money. It's always money, money, money," she said.

This information was presented to the school district during a closed door hearing this summer.

A school district spokesperson said that report prompted them to ask the Department of Education to hire another expert to see whether this work can be done for the new estimate.

The cornerstone of the downtown high school was laid in 1934 and since then, it's been showing off a style not found in modern schools, including three storeys of sandstone, arched bays and massive wood entrance doors.

[StormShadow]

RE: Arena
I don't think too much is going to happen without a private developer stepping forward and forming a partnership with the city. I think they missed the boat for any federal funding. The city seems to have a good relationship with AEG, maybe there could be something there. AEG owns/manages arenas in addition to concert promoting.

[benvui]

He probably means by Sea Side as he said by the "interchange to the twinned highway heading north"

JL

They are doing work between the trans canada and Shediac exits, closer to Shediac. It's where the new highway is supposed to meet highway 15, not at the existing interchange, at least I think it is where the new highway is supposed to cross highway 15

[SC1986]

Building up is expensive. I don't know the numbers, but it's probably cheaper to build 4x4 story buildings than it is to build one 10 story one with the same floor space.

EDIT

Probably a lot cheaper... I always Thought it would be cheaper to build up or so that is what i thought. it would be more expensive to build cheaper area of foundation compared to small area and building up

[MonctonGoldenFlames]

They are doing work between the trans canada and Shediac exits, closer to Shediac. It's where the new highway is supposed to meet highway 15, not at the existing interchange, at least I think it is where the new highway is supposed to cross highway 15

is that new interchange going to be the connection for the new industrial park? i thought i heard a while back that a new park was proposed out that way.

[mylesmalley]

The new interchange is in Scoudouc, to connect Rt 15 with the Scoudouc Industrial Park.

[benvui]

The new interchange is in Scoudouc, to connect Rt 15 with the Scoudouc Industrial Park.

Ok, that makes sense as it seems like there was a road heading towards Scoudouc. Work has been progressing there for a week now, they are removing trees and doing the prep work.

[mylesmalley]

Just noticed this on news919.com

Service NB has put together a full map of the province. Topo, political, aerial etc. the data is painfully old - especially sat photos, but it's still neat to look at

http://geonb.snb.ca/geonb/

[kirjtc2]

I had beta access to that as part of my job. Not much to write home about....there's a lot of outdated, incorrect or missing data and the aerial photography is ancient.

Only real benefit is the addition of property line and civic address info. Google Maps has added property lines in parts of the US so it's probably only a matter of time til they get in touch with SNB...

[theshark]

hehe for sure ancient photos...from the cities up north, I would say some of the photos are at least 10 y/o minimum!

[mylesmalley]

Look at Dieppe...especially the industrial park. There are huge swaths missing in those sat photos.

[MonctonRad]

You guys had me so intrigued by the comments regarding land clearing on Route 15 to Shediac that I had to take a drive out there myself to see what was going on.......I agree with Myles, I'm sure that this is initial prep work for the new interchange for the Scoudouc Industrial Park.

Also on my drive.....

- They are erecting a huge highway sign for the Hampton Inn & Suites at Mapleton and the TCH

- The Motel 6 on Mountain road next to the casino site is now fully enclosed. It will be three stories but seems more like four stories with the pitched roof. The style of the building seems very New Englandy to me.

[mylesmalley]

As far as I know, the new four lane will intersect route 15 at roughly the same point as the current highway does.

[kirjtc2]

hehe for sure ancient photos...from the cities up north, I would say some of the photos are at least 10 y/o minimum!

SNB policy is to reshoot a given area every 10 years...it's on a regional rotation...they have to have some newer imagery laying around somewhere.

EDIT: this is on SNB's website:
http://www.snb.ca/images/ortho_available_year.gif

[pierremoncton]

On the NB maps: 1996 answers my question -- I was wondering how old the photos are since the Irving station is still seen where the Marriott currently is.

A couple of things on my drive to work:

The house where the used car store was on King (between Main and Marvin's) has been torn down. Anyone know of concrete plans for this?

They may have just been removing tanks from the property on St. George (by the bus station) like someone had mentioned. They dug up and now they seem to be filling it back up even though a foundation remains.

[benvui]

I just looked up the phase 1 plans on the GNB website (http://www.gnb.ca/0113/Projects/rte11/Shediac%20to%20Bouctouche%20Handout%20Oct%2027th%202009.pdf)
It shows that the southbound lane is not going to go all the way to the interconnect, but turn roughly around where the current ramp leaving Shediac going south is and join up with the west bound lane closer to Moncton. It looks like they are just building a large ramp by passing the confusion in Shediac, but travelers going north will follow the same as they are now.

[OliverD]

I had beta access to that as part of my job. Not much to write home about....there's a lot of outdated, incorrect or missing data and the aerial photography is ancient.

Imagery for Fredericton is from 2008 and most of the property lines shown seemed to be fairly up-to-date.

[SC1986]

newbrunswicks version of google earth basicaly pritty cool with all the new lots that u can see that have been created in monctons north end

[Sony500]

That will be a great shortcut to Scoudouc industrial park, should cut the time in half.

[mylesmalley]

That's exactly the point. I remember seeing in the paper that it'll cut the travel time to the park by like 20km.

[MonctonRad]

I just looked up the phase 1 plans on the GNB website (http://www.gnb.ca/0113/Projects/rte11/Shediac%20to%20Bouctouche%20Handout%20Oct%2027th%202009.pdf)
It shows that the southbound lane is not going to go all the way to the interconnect, but turn roughly around where the current ramp leaving Shediac going south is and join up with the west bound lane closer to Moncton. It looks like they are just building a large ramp by passing the confusion in Shediac, but travelers going north will follow the same as they are now.

Thanks for the link benvui, it's interesting........I have given this intersection some thought in the past because I always felt it to be very dangerous, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area. The solution that I formulated is exactly the same one that the government engineers came up with. Perhaps I missed my calling. :haha:

[MonctonRad]

http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=402535&size=500
from the Moncton T&T

Downtown Moncton as seen from the west end with Jones Lake in the foreground.

[MonctonRad]

Dominion Public Building to be repaired
Published Friday November 20th, 2009

Restoration to cost millions, completion scheduled for May 2011
By Craig Babstock
Times & Transcript Staff

The federal government is committing millions of dollars to the restoration of Moncton's Dominion Public Building at 1045 Main Street.

http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=402512&size=0x400
GREG AGNEW/TIMES & TRANSCRIPT

With design work currently underway, it will be next spring when renovations of the Dominion Public Building on the corner of Highfield and Main streets in Moncton begin. The work is expected to be finished in 2011. The building has been covered in scaffolding since April 2006, as a result of a chunk of limestone façade falling in January 2006. The scaffolding and fencing were designed to protect the public from any further danger but have been in place so long they have become an eyesore and a thorn in the side to those who want to see the building repaired.

In information meetings between Public Works and Government Services Canada staff and members of city council and the business community in late October, the message sent was that the work on this building is the department's number one priority in Atlantic Canada and the work will be done.

According to the presentation given by Public Works employees, site investigation took place between March and July of this year, design work began in July and should be finished next month, final project approval is expected to take place in January, the project will be tendered between January and March and awarded in April, construction will begin in April or May and will be completed in May 2011.

"They explained what they found and what they are going to do to protect it and preserve the architectural integrity of that building," says Moncton city Councillor Pierre Boudreau, who attended one of the meetings.

Boudreau says he's glad the heritage property will be restored and especially glad an end date is in sight for the removal of the scaffolding.

"Most certainly, I'm looking forward to having it gone," he says.

Coun. Paulette Theriault, who also attended the session, says she's pleased to see movement on the project at last. She says there's also talk of incorporating some kind of art, not necessarily on the building but in front of it.

"It's such a beautiful building," she says, adding she's impressed with what she heard during the presentation.

Downtown Moncton Inc. executive director Daniel Allain says he sent a letter to the Minister of Public Works earlier this year and he's glad to see action being taken.

"We're really happy they're moving forward and think it will help with the revitalization of that part of the downtown," he says. "We're happy the government is listening to us."

Allain says while the project's completion date is five years after the scaffolding was erected, he acknowledges the specialized work required takes a long time to do.

"Talking to our architects, for this type of preservation of heritage, this is a normal time frame," he says. "They're keeping the integrity of the building, which is quite unique and it's very specialized and detailed work."

Allain says they were told during the meeting that the study of the building cost more than $800,000, while the work could cost between $3 million and $6 million.

According to the Public Works document, the building is suffering from deteriorating stone and brick masonry walls and joints, potentially deteriorated structural components and water damage. The study recommends exterior repairs due to water infiltration, building age and in order to protect from further deterioration.

The work will involve the removal, repair and re-installation of stone cladding, repairs to structural components and repair or replacement of cast-iron windows. Possible impacts of the work include site congestion, such as reduced parking and circulation, noise and the relocation of workers.

"Hopefully everyone will be understanding of the inconvenience that lies ahead," says Boudreau, adding that the inconvenience will be worth it once the building is restored.

Personal note - with the Dominion Public Building to be repaired and with the new (reduced) cost estimates to fix Moncton High, this will be two signature heritage buildings in the city that will be saved. Good news for a city that has already lost so much of it's architectural heritage.

[MonctonRad]

No one hurt in 5-car crash
Published Thursday November 19th, 2009

City, province studying ways to improve intersection
By Craig Babstock
Times & Transcript Staff

Five cars were involved in a collision yesterday at an intersection currently being studied by the city and province for improvements.

The incident occurred at 7:45 a.m. at the intersection of Horsman Road and Berry Mills Road. Police say a vehicle turned from Horsman onto Berry Mills and was struck by an oncoming car. The first vehicle in the initial crash spun and hit a third car, while the other vehicle in the initial crash spun and hit two others.

The driver of the Horsman Road vehicle was ticketed for not yielding the right of way when entering a highway.

Five vehicles in total were damaged and traffic became completely snarled.

"Traffic was diverted until police could investigate the scene and the damaged vehicles were removed," says Codiac RCMP Const. Chantal Farrah, adding the scene was cleared by about 8:45 a.m.

"The Fire Department and paramedics attended, however, no one left in an ambulance."

Because the crash is still under investigation it's not known if any driver will be charged.

Stephane Thibodeau, traffic and parking co-ordinator with the City of Moncton, says the province and city are currently discussing that intersection and trying to find ways to improve it. Berry Mills is a provincial highway, while Horsman is a municipal road, which is why the two levels of government must work together on a solution.

Thibodeau says the two sides have studied the area and are still in discussion about the best course of action. He says the growth of that section of Moncton and the corresponding increase in traffic on those two roads is what prompted the talks. The intersection is getting busier and like any intersection when traffic volumes increase, the chance of collisions also increase.

"We're trying to see what will best fit that location," says Thibodeau.

A number of things are being discussed, including a traffic light, extra lanes and changing the angle where the streets intersect.

Thibodeau says the matter will be studied and hopefully a decision will be reached this winter.

Horsman Road is scheduled to be completely rebuilt in 2010 -- though city council must approve that project as part of the capital works budget -- so if they are going to make changes to the intersection, that would be a good time to do it.

Personal note - traffic at this intersection is becoming increasingly insane. More and more people from the northwest of the city are using this route to escape the congestion on Mountain Road. With residential growth in this section of the city continuing to explode, the city and province have to get serious about fixing this situation now.

[mylesmalley]

It's unfortunate that it comes to this, but it really seems like someone needs to get killed for situations like this to get resolved quickly. Thankfully nobody was hurt seriously here. Hopefully this will get the province a little more willing to talk signal lights - even if the traffic counts don't currently justify it.

Traffic is only going to get worse in that area, especially with Ryan being upgraded to being a full-fledged city street. I think once it's done, we'll start to see a lot of residents using it as a back entrance to the north end to avoid the traffic on Mountain.

[bam63]

That's exactly the point. I remember seeing in the paper that it'll cut the travel time to the park by like 20km.

I work in the scoudouc park and that road has been talked about for years.There's actually a lot of work going on at the back side of the park that you don"t see,its been active all summer.
The big rumour that is supposedly fueling this new road work is Wal Mart is looking to build a gigantic refridgerated distribution center.It would dwarf anything else around.

[MonctonRad]

I work in the scoudouc park and that road has been talked about for years.There's actually a lot of work going on at the back side of the park that you don"t see,its been active all summer.
The big rumour that is supposedly fueling this new road work is Wal Mart is looking to build a gigantic refridgerated distribution center.It would dwarf anything else around.

Metropolitan Moncton.......the transportation, warehousing and distribution capital of Atlantic Canada. The Wal-Mart project could be huge. :tup:

One question though.......Loblaws and Matrix(Shopper's) have large and expanding storage facilities in the Caledonia Park. Why is Wal-Mart waiting for the new interchange at Scoudouc to put their facility out there? Caledonia has lots of available land and direct access to the TCH. They could be building right now!

Oh wait......Caledonia is inside city limits and Scoudouc isn't. I imagine Wal-Mart would be allergic to city taxes........that would explain it.

[MonctonRad]

Moncton enjoys building boom
Published Saturday November 21st, 2009

October sets record for value of permits issued
By Yvon Gauvin
Times & Transcript staff

Record construction figures in the midst of a recession year is making Moncton the envy of many municipalities.

http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=402915&size=500x0
RON WARD/TIMES & TRANSCRIPT
The City of Moncton issued 124 building permits in October, valued at $33.8 million, a record high for October in terms of the total value of building permits issued by the city. The second best month of October occurred in 2004 when the total value of permits had reached $23.6 million. Here, work continues on the new Kiwanis Ball Field in Moncton.

A total of 124 building permits worth a record $33.8 million in construction were issued last month raising the year-to-date total worth a record $198.2 million. It's likely the city will pass the $200 million mark by the end of the year.

The second highest total value for October was $23.6 million in 2004, while the total value for the first 10 months last year was $106.6 million, just a little more than half the total to date this year.

By comparison, 111 permits worth $6.9 million were issued in October 2008.

"Despite the worldwide recession, 2009 will be remembered as our best year ever for construction activity for the City of Moncton," said Mayor George LeBlanc.

"The performance of our construction sector this year is another clear indication that the hard work of all our community stakeholders to transform Moncton from our blue-collar town with an uncertain future to one of the most diversified economies in Canada is paying off," he said.

The city owes the record construction in October to big ticket items such as the $17 million permit for the foundation of the new school on Ryan Road; $2.85 million for the addition to the Dr.-George-L.-Dumont Regional Hospital; $2 million for expansion of the Codiac Transit facility on Millennium Boulevard; $1.2 million for foundation for the Moncton Gospel Hall on Salisbury Road and creation of office spaces for Ocean Capital Investments Moncton Ltd. on Main Street.

"All the stars aligned for us this year, as several large projects such as the provincial courthouse, the NB Casino, the stadium on the campus of Université de Moncton all became a reality," said Ben Champoux, business development specialist for the City of Moncton.

"Construction activity in 2010 may not match our 2009 record level, but consumer confidence remains strong, interest rates remain low, employment is at a near record high and all the large projects currently under construction will generate even more jobs once completed," he said, making 2010 another good year in historical terms.

"It's absolutely fantastic," he added.

City officials knew 2009 would be a good year but never expected to close in on the $200 million mark. It will be remembered as one of the best years. It will also breath confidence in the city for investors here and outside the municipality which could lead to further development and growth, Champoux said.

"No doubt, other key stakeholders are looking (at the city) with interest."

He is expecting to see big projects including in the retail industry for the city in 2010.

On the residential side, the city issued 72 permits worth $7.2 million or 21 per cent of the total value of the permits in October.

Twenty-one permits worth $3.9 million were issued for the commercial and industrial sector, and five permits worth $22.4 million in the institutional and government sector.

Speaking of Kiwanis Park - the upgrade to this baseball facility is really comprehensive..........in fact the whole existing structure was razed and they are rebuilding from the ground up. I imagine the end result will be as nice for this as what they have done to Rocky Stone Field for football.

Also, I wonder what Champoux means when he states that he expects to see "big projects" in the retail sector in 2010. Does this mean that things are going to begin to take off out at Mapleton? :tup:

[Sony500]

No one hurt in 5-car crash
Published Thursday November 19th, 2009

The driver of the Horsman Road vehicle was ticketed for not yielding the right of way when entering a highway.


Because the crash is still under investigation it's not known if any driver will be charged.



Sounds like someone was charged to me.

[MonctonRad]

Sounds like someone was charged to me.

I don't think "ticketing" is the same thing as charging. You tend to get charged when you have committed a criminal offense such as drunk driving or dangerous driving. Ticketing means you have committed a minor traffic infraction which will not result in a criminal record.

[MonctonRad]

New Sobey's store heralded in Shediac
Published Saturday November 21st, 2009

Sobeys, Canadian Tire create shopping hub in resort town
By James Foster
Times & Transcript Staff

SHEDIAC - When the doors opened at 9 a.m. yesterday to Sobeys' new grocery store in Shediac, it represented more than just a third major grocer serving this seaside resort town.

The store cements Shediac's position as a shopping hub for eastern Westmorland County and southern Kent County.

"What it does is it encourages the whole region to shop in downtown Shediac," Mayor Raymond Cormier said as about 1,000 eager shoppers waited for the store's doors to slide open, after which the first customers were given gifts of plants, calendars, cake and coffee.

"This store will bring with it other opportunities for Shediac," Cormier predicted.

Shediac in recent years has tried to diversify itself. Long known as home to sandy beaches and the warmest salt waters north of the Carolinas, Shediac has vied to also become the region's shopping basket. It has taken a huge step in that direction with yesterday's opening of the massive store, whose size at first glance seems disproportionate to the population of the town.

That's because the store was built large enough to serve the entire region, Sobeys president of operations Jason Potter said.

"There's a growing community here, and a vibrant community as well," Potter said. "It's a store that we will do well with."

Even the store's community meeting room is the largest yet built by Sobeys, which gives a hint of the scope of the operation, which employs about 120 people. The ample parking lot features oversized spaces to help prevent car doors from bumping the cars next to it, and the store boasts green technologies such as LED lighting.

Shediac is already served by two other grocery stores but the novelty of the new Sobeys attracted a long line of shoppers more than an hour before it even opened. They were served hot drinks while they waited in the morning chill. Next door, a new Canadian Tire store has recently opened, with a Canadian Tire gas bar nearing completion. The new shopping complex is located at the western entrance to the town, near the intersection of Cornwall Point Road and Main Street, just off Highway 11.

The 80,000-square-foot development was built by Plazacorp Retail Properties of Fredericton who invested $1.7 million.

If Shediac with 6,000 residents can do this then I think Riverview with 18,000 residents will be equally as successful in building their retail node out in Findlay Park.

[bam63]

[QUOTE=MonctonRad;4570920]Metropolitan Moncton.......the transportation, warehousing and distribution capital of Atlantic Canada. The Wal-Mart project could be huge. :tup:

One question though.......Loblaws and Matrix(Shopper's) have large and expanding storage facilities in the Caledonia Park. Why is Wal-Mart waiting for the new interchange at Scoudouc to put their facility out there? Caledonia has lots of available land and direct access to the TCH. They could be building right now!

Oh wait......Caledonia is inside city limits and Scoudouc isn't. I imagine Wal-Mart would be allergic to city taxes........that would explain it.[/QUO


Yeah taxes are problably playing a role especially if what i'm hearing is true.Try 1,000,000 sq. feet!!!!!!!!!!

[mylesmalley]

...what??? a million square feet? That's 20% larger than Champlain Place, and almost certainly bigger than every WalMart in New Brunswick and PEI combined.

I don't doubt it would be big... but that big seems a bit much.

[bam63]

...what??? a million square feet? That's 20% larger than Champlain Place, and almost certainly bigger than every WalMart in New Brunswick and PEI combined.

I don't doubt it would be big... but that big seems a bit much.


I love rumours because theres always some truth to them.The size of the warehouse is based on serving ALL atlantic provinces.As far as the park goes its dead,we've lost over 1000 jobs in the last two yrs due to plant shut downs.No doubt something real big(wal mart) is behind the new road.I'm sure it will be massive compared to anything else around even if not the 1 million sq.ft. rumoured.Still its a good rumour right!!:cheers:

[brod3211]

Well, big question and may sound kind of dumb but here it is. Do you think Shediac area will become part of the greater moncton area, or is it already considered part of it?

[MonctonRad]

:previous:

I find the CMA boundaries somewhat arbitrary. Memramcook and Salisbury are part of the CMA but Shediac and Sackville aren't? It doesn't make a lot of sense. You could include all of Westmoreland and Albert Counties and it still would be smaller in geographic size than HRM. Where's the logic?

If Shediac, Sackville and Cap Pele were included, the CMA population would be over 150,000, rather than the posted value of 126,000. This can make a big difference when companies are browsing these stats looking for places to set up business. I wonder if the CMA boundaries can be appealed to Stats Canada.

In any event, Shediac is only 15 minutes from Moncton and should be part of the Moncton CMA. In my books, it already is..... just like Bedford is part of the Halifax CMA.

[ErickMontreal]

I was on Main street about two weeks ago and I realized that the amount of store-front for lease is worrying and quite allarming as well.

Unfortunately, the retail is pretty much inexistant out there now. Obviously, something needs to be done even though this is hard to change or reverse such a situation.

[MonctonRad]

:previous:

Retail on Main St. and downtown in general will be in trouble until we build the urban density that a city like Halifax has.

Moncton (for better or worse) is a spread out suburban type city with a strong car culture. There is not much of a defined urban core. Unfortunately, the hospitals and the universities are not located downtown and with only a relatively small number of downtown office buildings, there is not much reason for people to actually live downtown.

There are several large downtown hotels (Delta, Marriott, Crowne Plaza) and a good selection of pubs and restaurants. The Capitol Theatre also helps a lot. A downtown events centre/arena would also provide momentum. If a couple of large condo projects get built (like Valmond Robichaud proposes), the pendulum could begin to turn.

I still see a lot of potential for downtown Moncton but it will be a struggle and things will not come as naturally as it does for Halifax. Things may be a lot different in 20 years. :tup:

[Dmajackson]

^I can only speculate on this but I think that the reason Moncton is so spread out is becuase of geography. It's mostly in a flat river valley the soil is much softer than Halifax's. Of course HRM on the other hand is hilly and rocky which probably stopped expansion over the years to a certain degree.

If I'm not mistaken Moncton' soil is better for digging small holes and putting small buildings on top without requiring more support or stabilization and in Halifax the soil can handle any type of building so we naturally built up where possible.

[MonctonGoldenFlames]

^I can only speculate on this but I think that the reason Moncton is so spread out is becuase of geography. It's mostly in a flat river valley the soil is much softer than Halifax's. Of course HRM on the other hand is hilly and rocky which probably stopped expansion over the years to a certain degree.

If I'm not mistaken Moncton' soil is better for digging small holes and putting small buildings on top without requiring more support or stabilization and in Halifax the soil can handle any type of building so we naturally built up where possible.

that doesn't mean you can't build 4-6 storey mixed use buildings around downtown. build this type of density inside of main, vaughan harvey, mountain and king, and you are building a dense enough community to support street level retail and smaller 'town centre' type areas. the more people living within a 15 minute walk of ammenities, the more vibrant things will be. st george street could be moncton's version of spring garden road if density increases.

[Dmajackson]

that doesn't mean you can't build 4-6 storey mixed use buildings around downtown. build this type of density inside of main, vaughan harvey, mountain and king, and you are building a dense enough community to support street level retail and smaller 'town centre' type areas. the more people living within a 15 minute walk of ammenities, the more vibrant things will be. st george street could be moncton's version of spring garden road if density increases.

I'm all for density and its one of the reasons I've wanted to live on the Peninsula here in Halifax but my point about Moncton still stands.

If people can build sprawls cheaper than downtown and make more money then they will continue to do so until it makes no economical sense. Until commutes or amenities are more than lets say 30 minutes away sprawl will continue to happen. Once the magic number is hit the downtown will densify.

The fact that 45+ minute commutes are now the norm in Halifax is what is causing the more dense developments ro come foward lately. I live in one of the more accessible neighbourhoods in Bedford coming from Downtown. During non-peak hours its about a 25 minute drive to Hollis Street but during peak hours it now over 45min on a good day.

Of course the best solution for an abandoned commercial street is to add more people to the area via condos/apartments. The second best option that might get a bit more activity into the area is a streetscape project.

[mylesmalley]

Moncton's problem is a total lack of natural features to curb sprawl and to raise land values. When land becomes too expensive to build out, people will start to build up. It's also the reason why there's not much by way of stunning architecture in the region. When land prices are high, developers are incentivized to build quality to recoup their losses through the charging of higher rent.

As for sprawl... All cities sprawl to some extent. At some point though, the city will reach a point where commuting in will be too inconvenient. Then we'll see the densification experienced by larger cities.

To be fair though, the city has improved dramatically in the last 10 years. There haven't been any tall residential developments, but large (50+ unit) buildings have been springing up in traditionally low-rise parts of town. Downtown especially has started to build up. Gordon Street alone used to be exclusively 2 story houses and now there are a dozen large apartment buildings with more to come. St George street, Mountain Rd, Lewisville Rd, Morton Avenue, McClaughlan, Mapleton, University Av etc have all seen old lots torn down and replaced with higher density.

[David_99]

I noticed the sale sign at the old "massage" parlour was taken down a couple weeks ago. Did anyone buy it?

Ok, this has been bugging me for 15 years and I gotta ask. Adriaan's Cycle Shop. What's the story? I've driven by that place every day since '95 and not one bike has moved an inch. The only thing that's changed is the deterioration of the building and the blue tarp over the newly broken window. It's close proximety to the strip club is also interesting. I'd love to see their books. Expenses: Property Tax, Electricity, Blue Tarp etc. Income: Loose change which fell on the sidewalk in front of the store from the pockets of the High School kids.

Honestly, what is it a front for?

[bam63]

I noticed the sale sign at the old "massage" parlour was taken down a couple weeks ago. Did anyone buy it?

Ok, this has been bugging me for 15 years and I gotta ask. Adriaan's Cycle Shop. What's the story? I've driven by that place every day since '95 and not one bike has moved an inch. The only thing that's changed is the deterioration of the building and the blue tarp over the newly broken window. It's close proximety to the strip club is also interesting. I'd love to see their books. Expenses: Property Tax, Electricity, Blue Tarp etc. Income: Loose change which fell on the sidewalk in front of the store from the pockets of the High School kids.

Honestly, what is it a front for?



Holy shit thats funny,i moved here back in 1985 and remember actually walking in there looking at bikes on a boring saturday afternoon with not much to do.I remember the floors were rotted,a strong smell of mold and a broken window lol.I wondered to myself WTF is really going on here?I gotta get my ass back in there just to see if they sold the goldwing..........

[mylesmalley]

LOL
every town needs a few more 'colourful' establishments.

[Sony500]

I have been in Adriaan's Cycle Shop to pick up parts for another client of mine. As far as I know, you could buy bikes and parts. Their repair shop was in back of a building located at 80 King St. I haven't been in there or my other client hasn't called for any parts pick up in a long time. The next time I am at my clients, I will ask if he knows anything about it. I know there was an older lady that ran the place and I haven't heard anything.

[David_99]

I know there was an older lady that ran the place and I haven't heard anything.

Yeah... maybe it's time someone went in to check on her...

[MonctonRad]

It is rather depressing to think that the last five posts in this thread have to do with a grungy biker shop next door to a strip club. What is Moncton coming to!! :haha:

Maybe we should move the discussion across the street......to Moncton High School. :D

[BlackYear]

Moncton is hosting its first BIG event tonight at the UdeM new stadium.

The Olympic Torch Relay ceremonies are happening there and for what I've seen on the live Relay cam, looks like hundreds if not thousands are there right now.

http://www.moncton.ca/Residents/Olympic_Torch_Relay_-_Moncton.htm

For Live online streaming broadcast of the Relay across Canada go here:

http://www.ctvolympics.ca/torch/follow-torch/index.html

[BlackYear]

Well, it was 8pm so I decided to take a break from my work and take a drive down to see the stadium in lights.

Leaving Moncton Industrial Park going on Wheeler, when you reach the Mt.Rd overpass, you can see the stadium light towers from above the tree line. First impressions, something BIG is over there!

Between Mt.Rd going towards the Morton exit, you can again see the massive stadium tower lights. Second impressions, something really big is going on over there!

As I was driving on Wheeler, I must have missed the fireworks by a few seconds, because there was just smoke and bright white lights on the horizon.

Traffic was smooth, busy, but smooth with no jams.

I think this new stadium is going to be a sweet gem for Moncton and the University.:banana:

[mylesmalley]

Dieppe approves traffic measures
Published Tuesday November 24th, 2009

Province wants to cut crashes at dangerous intersection by banning left turns
A11
By James Foster
Times & Transcript Staff

Dieppe has endorsed the idea of banning left-hand turns from Highway 15 (Veterans' Highway) towards Paul Street, but not without some conditions.

The provincial Department of Transportation had asked for Dieppe's opinion on the ban, which was the subject of great debate at last night's council meeting. Council gave the nod to the idea, but only if left-hand turns are also banned from the Dieppe traffic circle towards Lewisville Road. Paul Street turns into Lewisville Road at the Dieppe-Moncton border near Highway 15.

A second amendment states that Dieppe backs the move, but only if the DoT improves signage that tells motorists on Highway 15 how to get to Dieppe.

Most signs on the highway direct motorists to points west -- Moncton, Riverview, Fundy National Park -- rather than to Dieppe.

A third amendment died for lack of a seconder.

The vote to approve the idea of banning left turns was a close one, with Mayor Jean LeBlanc having to act as tie-breaker. Councillors Roger LeBlanc, Paul LeBlanc, Paul Belliveau and Jody Dallaire were in favour.

Councillors Dave Maltais, Jean Gaudet, Hélène Boudreau and Yvon Comeau were against it.

Belliveau had suggested the amendment which favoured banning left turns towards Lewisville Road from the traffic circle, arguing if it isn't safe to make left turns from one side of the four-lane highway that travels between Shediac and Dieppe, then it certainly isn't safe to make left turns from the other side of it.

Dallaire proposed the amendment about improving the signage directing motorists to Dieppe, with most councillors commenting about the poor directions motorists have to endure to find the city.

Should the DoT act to ban left turns at that busy intersection, motorists coming from the direction of Shediac would instead travel around the traffic circle, exiting at the traffic lights at Champlain Street or proceeding all the way around the traffic circle to emerge at Paul Street.

There have been several car crashes at the off-ramp from Highway 15 at Lewisville Road/Paul Street as cars turning left must cross five lanes of oncoming traffic. The DoT does not favour installing traffic lights at that location as they have deemed the intersection too close to existing lights at the intersection of Lewisville Road and Shediac Road.

They also fear that traffic will back up too far on the off-ramp and the line of stopped cars would extend all the way on to Highway 15 during busy periods.

Paul Street will be completely overhauled next year, and Moncton plans to revamp Lewisville Road, including where it turns into Paul Street, in 2011.

Amazing the amount of wrangling it takes to make a pretty obvious decision. Access to Dieppe is pretty poor from that highway and it's only going to get worse. I really think that the city should start looking to build an additional overpass somewhere near the community college across to Lewisville with full access to the highway to take the pressure off Paul St and Champlain.

[Sony500]

It is rather depressing to think that the last five posts in this thread have to do with a grungy biker shop next door to a strip club. What is Moncton coming to!! :haha:

Maybe we should move the discussion across the street......to Moncton High School. :D

I think the Moncton High discussion is played out, besides the fact that another firm has said it could be repaired for alot less than 48 million.
Adriaan's Cycle has been here for a long time, and it is another eyesore, and the fact that it is beside a stip club has nothing to do with it. Its worth more mentioning it than the high school, because nothing is being done with it. There are too many old buildings around that should be demolished.

[David_99]

I think the Moncton High discussion is played out, besides the fact that another firm has said it could be repaired for alot less than 48 million.
Adriaan's Cycle has been here for a long time, and it is another eyesore, and the fact that it is beside a stip club has nothing to do with it. Its worth more mentioning it than the high school, because nothing is being done with it. There are too many old buildings around that should be demolished.

The reason I brought it up was actually because of the news that MHS could be saved for 7 Mil. Before it didn't seem to matter what was around it if the school was going to be relocated anyway. Now that there's a better chance they are staying and with the numerous other renovations of houses and business along that end of Church Street over the past few years, I feel that space (along with the strip club lot) could be used for numerous things. Something positive for the school. A hang out or a youth centre. Even apartments. You've got the house of Nazareth donation storage centre just behind there, maybe they could use the expansion. Anything positive!

[MonctonRad]

Well, it was 8pm so I decided to take a break from my work and take a drive down to see the stadium in lights.

Leaving Moncton Industrial Park going on Wheeler, when you reach the Mt.Rd overpass, you can see the stadium light towers from above the tree line. First impressions, something BIG is over there!

Between Mt.Rd going towards the Morton exit, you can again see the massive stadium tower lights. Second impressions, something really big is going on over there!

As I was driving on Wheeler, I must have missed the fireworks by a few seconds, because there was just smoke and bright white lights on the horizon.

Traffic was smooth, busy, but smooth with no jams.

I think this new stadium is going to be a sweet gem for Moncton and the University.:banana:

I think this stadium is going to make a huge difference in the city......much more than most people could possibly imagine.

- IAAF junior track & field championship.
- regular season CFL game (possibly for the next five years).
- possibly a new CIS football team at U de M.
- possible alternate location for the Uteck Bowl.
- other sporting events such as regional & national track & field championships or provincial high school football championships.
- regional training facility for track & field (best east of Quebec City).
- medium size outdoor concerts (20,000 seats is still a lot of people).