The Official Moncton, NB Project Thread

[felip_ars]

Let us be done with it and let Sherbrooke host.... if they still want it.

They already stated that they were no longer interested in hosting it. Their focus is now on the Quebec Games (equivalent to Jeux de l'Acadie) in 2023, which funny enough is hosting approximately the same number of people as Les Jeux de la Francophonie (around 3300), and will probably cost a whole lot less.

The "black eye" will probably appear when numbers will come out. You can bet that every time that Moncton (or any other cities in NB) will announce their candidacy for any event (big or small), there will be mumbling "Can they afford it?"...

[MonctonRad]

The "black eye" will probably appear when numbers will come out. You can bet that every time that Moncton (or any other cities in NB) will announce their candidacy for any event (big or small), there will be mumbling "Can they afford it?"...

We had no problem with FIFA, or with the IAAF track & field championships. We also had no problem with the Memorial Cup or with the World Men's Curling Championships. Those events were more limited in scope, and more easily manageable.

The Jeux de la Francophonie is a major multievent spectacle more akin to the Commonwealth or Pan Am Games. The scope is much greater and there is a greater risk of major cost overruns.

Moncton should continue to pursue major sporting events, but should be more prudent on which events that it chases........

[riverviewer]

Well that's wording you don't see in the press often:

"Anyway you view it, Moncton’s Francophone Games bid is a complete clusterfuck." - www.halifaxexaminer.ca

https://www.halifaxexaminer.ca/featured/monctons-bid-to-host-the-francophone-games-is-a-disaster/#2.%C2%A0Francophone%20Games

[MonctonRad]

:previous:

Nothing like calling a spade a spade........ :rolleyes:

And, yes I'm aware of the politically incorrect origins of that particular aphorism. For the purposes of SSP, we will assume that I am referring to a shovel.........

[Philbilly]

Word on the street has it that day &c Ross is moving to caledonia (frenette st)
and Kent is buying they're land. All the moving to be done by late next year. Irving wants them out. Did anyone hear anything similar?

So to clear things up when I said (word on the street) was actually was from a reliable source

According to this person apparently the paper were signed recently between Irving and day & Ross
A second individual unrelated to my source from Kent was told that they are moving .

Day Ross is supposedly moving vicinity of frenette and parsons

Regardless from all this info I'm getting, I will believe it when I see it .

[MonctonRad]

Some interesting tidbits from the Organigram shareholders meeting recently held at the Delta Beausejour:

- two expansions completed in 2018, another two expansions planned in 2019.
- total production space will be 533,000 sq ft. :eek:
- current production is 36,000 kg. This will increase to 113,000 kg.
- when Nordia moves to the former RBC contact centre on Edinburgh, Organigram will renovate the former Nordia space for the production of edibles.
- current employment is 500. This will increase to 700 within the next 3-4 months.

https://s3.amazonaws.com/telegraph_journal/story-pictures/100798022/gallerylandscape/dsc_0759_2.jpg
diagram showing the Organigram campus (T&T photo)

- Organigram has contracts to supply the cannabis market in nine provinces.
- the current valuation of the company is over $900M. :eek:

Personal note - I drove by the Organigram campus today on the way home, and there was a certain fragrance wafting in the air (not marijuana smoke but the smell of the oil from the plants themselves). It was quite noticeable. I guess you could can it the "sweet smell of success" :haha:

[Photo1]

Some interesting tidbits from the Organigram shareholders meeting recently held at the Delta Beausejour:

- two expansions completed in 2018, another two expansions planned in 2019.
- total production space will be 533,000 sq ft. :eek:
- current production is 36,000 kg. This will increase to 113,000 kg.
- when Nordia moves to the former RBC contact centre on Edinburgh, Organigram will renovate the former Nordia space for the production of edibles.
- current employment is 500. This will increase to 700 within the next 3-4 months.

https://s3.amazonaws.com/telegraph_journal/story-pictures/100798022/gallerylandscape/dsc_0759_2.jpg
diagram showing the Organigram campus (T&T photo)

- Organigram has contracts to supply the cannabis market in nine provinces.
- the current valuation of the company is over $900M. :eek:

Personal note - I drove by the Organigram campus today on the way home, and there was a certain fragrance wafting in the air (not marijuana smoke but the smell of the oil from the plants themselves). It was quite noticeable. I guess you could can it the "sweet smell of success" :haha:

Nordia is starting their move of infrastructure and agents in mid-January.

[Hogie75]

Nordia is starting their move of infrastructure and agents in mid-January.

Is it just me or is the city planning committee MUCH better organized for Dieppe than Moncton, Dieppe has become in a good way obsessed with aligning roads with 4 way intersections, look at the awkward intersection that never was fixed where holiday inn express is as one example. Other examples include commercial street extension and not to mention the amazing opportunity they had for gorge rd evergreen before second cup was built and opportunities to fix the purdy/mapleton cross section, but it’s almost like they don’t even ask the landowners at all. I could be wrong but Dieppe just seems to have it so much more together.

[Scarface]

Is it just me or is the city planning committee MUCH better organized for Dieppe than Moncton, Dieppe has become in a good way obsessed with aligning roads with 4 way intersections, look at the awkward intersection that never was fixed where holiday inn express is as one example. Other examples include commercial street extension and not to mention the amazing opportunity they had for gorge rd evergreen before second cup was built and opportunities to fix the purdy/mapleton cross section, but it’s almost like they don’t even ask the landowners at all. I could be wrong but Dieppe just seems to have it so much more together.

A little of both. Moncton has in the passed over compensated, and so it seems they have slowed the fixing of intersections to the "Is it an emergency." If the answer to that is no they don't do fixes. Dieppe Is pushing for expansion. So they are quicker to fix intersection before the need even arises.

[Scarface]

In the News it seems St Patrick's Family Centre sale has stalled.
they stated issues with loans as the issue. I do hope this can be resolved quickly.

[MonctonRad]

According to Mayor Dawn Arnold's weekly video update on Facebook, the total building permit value for the City of Moncton in 2018 was $222.6M, the third highest on record.

This does not include building permits issued in Dieppe and Riverview.

[MonctonRad]

:previous:

Press release regarding the above:

January 16, 2019

Building permits remain north of $200 million in 2018

MONCTON – The City of Moncton continues to see consistent and stable building permit numbers as 2018 ended with $222.6 million in permits, just shy of the record $243.4 million set in 2017. The trailing 10-year average rose by nearly ten million dollars to $186 million, ranging from a low of $123 million in 2014, to the 2017 high of over $243 million.

Commercial and industrial projects were strong throughout the year, coming in at $124.7 million or 56% of the total. The largest drivers of these results include an expansion at Organigram on English Drive ($36.7 million), a new Hyatt Hotel adjacent to the Avenir Centre ($17.6 million), a new Costco off Elmwood Drive ($13.5 million), and an expansion of Kent Distribution on Commerce Street ($9.5 million).

“This level of growth is good news for all Monctonians,” explained Mayor Dawn Arnold. “We are seeing that our City continues to be of interest to investors and developers, international newcomers, as well as other Canadians outside of New Brunswick.”

Institutional permits came in at $39.2 million or 18% of the total, down from $76.9 million in 2017. Some of the larger projects driving this value included $21 million for a new middle school in Moncton’s north end and a $5.5 million nursing home facility along Morton Drive.

Residential development represented 24.5% of the year’s total value at $54.5 million, down $8.2 million from 2017. This included 59 single unit homes valued at $11.5 million, 80 duplex units valued at $10.6 million, and 5 apartment buildings containing 252 units, valued at $22.9 million.

In addition, thirty (30) Heritage Permit applications were received in 2018 and seven (7) Heritage Grants were awarded in 2018 (listed below in descending order):

 72 Botsford Street – $10,000
 850 Main Street - $9,425
 250 Bonaccord Street - $9,416
 71 Park Street - $4,681
 71 Church Street - $4,681
 18 Botsford Street - $3,013
 150 Queen Street – $2,150

“Our team remains optimistic about our level of growth and diversity”, said Kevin Silliker, Director of Economic Development. “We are routinely seen as a pace leader in the province, and we continue to look for new ways to help our community be prosperous.”

[theshark]

Francophonie games a no go, Higgs said they too expensive, which I agree, and the federal will not put more money towards it. Being a francophone, it would of been nice to host the games, but I am realistic and they are just too damn expensive! Some people will try to make this a language issue and shame on them for doing so. The province already has a hard time to maintain infrastructures and some services in certain hospitals, how could we ever justify spending that much for a few weeks...

[MonctonRad]

:previous:

There could be linguistic overtones for some people, but regardless, this was the proper decision. The cost inflation here was 7x, and nobody was willing to take ownership of the problem.

The NS government did the same thing with the Commonwealth Games a decade ago. NB shouldn't feel ashamed of following Nova Scotia's example. This was a fiscally prudent decision and I'm proud that Higgs was able to do this.

Now, let's see if we can convince Higgs to divert $2M of the savings towards developing a year round ferry service to Campobello. This is only a drop in the bucket compared to the outrageous expense of the Francophonie Games......... :yes:

[L'homard]

I'm glad the right decision was made.
Two points: These were not French games. Participants were welcome to take part no matter what language they speak. Secondly, there are no savings here. If I decide not to borrow 50 grand to buy a cadillac, that's money I didn't have to borrow, but I can't then brag that I saved 50 thousand bucks today.

[RaginRonic]

To quote the character Nicky Santoro, from the 1995 film 'Casino', in response to how conservative people think when they get control of billions of dollars of public money, 'We're supposed to be here robbin', you dumb f'kin sheep!'.

And that's what all conservative people and politicians are....Little Nicky Santoro. Members of the Mob, involved in their twisted version of 'Cosa Nostra'.

Which is why all of Canada's conservative parties, which include the Manitoba and Saskatchewan parties and the 'People's Party of Canada'(the front name for a terrorist organization that seeks to be a parallel power, like the FLQ(just wait until the PPC gets hold of explosives, everybody)), should be granted no access to things like the massive pension funds that the government is in possession of.

A clip below to show what conservative anger really is.

3-d5yU-aQ34

Not so nice, is it?

=P

[MonctonRad]

:previous:

Not sure what this has to do with the topic at hand.......

[MonctonRad]

there are no savings here. If I decide not to borrow 50 grand to buy a cadillac, that's money I didn't have to borrow, but I can't then brag that I saved 50 thousand bucks today.

Indeed. I should not have used the word "savings" in my post. I should have said that some of the spending planned on the Francophonie Games should instead be redirected to the Campobello ferry project. In the overall scheme of things, a $1.9M annual cost for this service is a mere pittance, especially given how it would increase the economic potential for the forgotten island.

[L'homard]

I knew what you meant. My comment was meant more for lurkers, many of whom seem to think this province now suddenly has a spare $100 million that they don't know what to do with LOL.

[MonctonRad]

Office Vacancy Rates in Atlantic Canada (according to Huddle)
https://huddle.today/fredericton-moncton-office-have-regions-lowest-office-vacancy-rates/

Fredericton - 7.05%
Charlottetown - 7.59%
Moncton - 8.02%
Halifax - 13.86%
St. John's - 17.21%
Saint John - 19.10%

More importantly for Moncton, the vacancy rate for "Class A" office space is now a rock bottom 3.36%, which is considered to be essentially full occupancy.

I would think this should augur well for new commercial office development in downtown Moncton, and in particular, I would hope this should give the green light to the refurbishment of 1222 Main. :yes:

[David_99]

OK, someone please convince me why this would be a bad idea. After traveling through the Dieppe "Dog Bone" at rush hour, I started wondering why the Moncton Traffic Circle had to be so large. Slow traffic down, increase safety and add a forth port of accessibility, straight from the TransCanada Highway through Elmwood.

https://i.postimg.cc/Wz0s8Vqh/Moncton-Mini-Traffic-Circle.jpg

[MonctonRad]

:previous:

Interesting David.

I recall about 4-5 years ago posting a similar drawing allowing for a fourth access point from Elmwood Drive too, but utilizing a standard diamond interchange rather than a reduced radius roundabout.

Not being a traffic engineer, I would be worried that a reduced radius roundabout would cause increased traffic congestion as lower speeds would be needed to enter into the roundabout than are necessary with the current traffic circle. I don't think commuters would be very pleased.

This isn't to say that the current traffic circle is perfect, but it does work reasonably well most of the time, mostly because the large radius gives drivers a few extra seconds to plan lane changing manoeuvres.

The biggest pet peeve I have with the current situation is the westbound on ramp from Lewisville/Paul onto Highway 11/15 just before it merges with the traffic circle. This situation is just plain dangerous and I tend to avoid it by simply continuing along Lewisville until I reach the signalized intersection at Lewisville/Botsford with Wheeler Blvd. Getting onto the 11/15 westbound here is much less dangerous.

I think this problem could easily be solved simply by extending the westbound on ramp further, along the outer circumference of the traffic circle, and making it an additional exit lane from the traffic circle onto Wheeler Blvd. By doing so, you eliminate any concerns with merging with high velocity traffic in a blind spot coming from Veterans Highway.

[OliverD]

Not being a traffic engineer, I would be worried that a reduced radius roundabout would cause increased traffic congestion as lower speeds would be needed to enter into the roundabout than are necessary with the current traffic circle. I don't think commuters would be very pleased.

It would actually decrease congestion. Large rotaries are really only appropriate for highways with relatively low traffic volumes. Because people drive fast in the rotary, as traffic levels increase, it gets more difficult to enter the rotary and traffic backs up.

[Hogie75]

OK, someone please convince me why this would be a bad idea. After traveling through the Dieppe "Dog Bone" at rush hour, I started wondering why the Moncton Traffic Circle had to be so large. Slow traffic down, increase safety and add a forth port of accessibility, straight from the TransCanada Highway through Elmwood.

https://i.postimg.cc/Wz0s8Vqh/Moncton-Mini-Traffic-Circle.jpg

Also now that the houses are removed at the bottom of the old Shediac rd, an on and off ramp would make a lot more sense there than on the sides of the route 11 to Lewisville rd.

[Scarface]

OK, someone please convince me why this would be a bad idea. After traveling through the Dieppe "Dog Bone" at rush hour, I started wondering why the Moncton Traffic Circle had to be so large. Slow traffic down, increase safety and add a forth port of accessibility, straight from the TransCanada Highway through Elmwood.

https://i.postimg.cc/Wz0s8Vqh/Moncton-Mini-Traffic-Circle.jpg

:previous:

Interesting David.

I recall about 4-5 years ago posting a similar drawing allowing for a fourth access point from Elmwood Drive too, but utilizing a standard diamond interchange rather than a reduced radius roundabout.

Not being a traffic engineer, I would be worried that a reduced radius roundabout would cause increased traffic congestion as lower speeds would be needed to enter into the roundabout than are necessary with the current traffic circle. I don't think commuters would be very pleased.

This isn't to say that the current traffic circle is perfect, but it does work reasonably well most of the time, mostly because the large radius gives drivers a few extra seconds to plan lane changing manoeuvres.

The biggest pet peeve I have with the current situation is the westbound on ramp from Lewisville/Paul onto Highway 11/15 just before it merges with the traffic circle. This situation is just plain dangerous and I tend to avoid it by simply continuing along Lewisville until I reach the signalized intersection at Lewisville/Botsford with Wheeler Blvd. Getting onto the 11/15 westbound here is much less dangerous.

I think this problem could easily be solved simply by extending the westbound on ramp further, along the outer circumference of the traffic circle, and making it an additional exit lane from the traffic circle onto Wheeler Blvd. By doing so, you eliminate any concerns with merging with high velocity traffic in a blind spot coming from Veterans Highway.

It would actually decrease congestion. Large rotaries are really only appropriate for highways with relatively low traffic volumes. Because people drive fast in the rotary, as traffic levels increase, it gets more difficult to enter the rotary and traffic backs up.

Also now that the houses are removed at the bottom of the old Shediac rd, an on and off ramp would make a lot more sense there than on the sides of the route 11 to Lewisville rd.

I do believe there was such a plan on the books a while back, and they stated that it would cut traffic from the following sections Elmwood into Dieppe(Instead of taking Lewisville Road) Main to Elmwood (Instead of taking Botsford Street, or Church) Dieppe to Elmwood (Similar to Main). Someone did bring up previously 2 issues. 1 Size of the roundabout, and 2 the way the roads would curved in. Someone had also approached with what I would call a Squid connection Coming North bound from Main right lane to Veteran's Memorial Highway(NB-15 East) Middle lane to Elmwood, and left lane to Wheeler Blvd.(NB-15 West)

Note: the second plan came with a south Bound Wheeler Blvd Bridge to
Riverview.


Secondary note: Looking into it further, and speaking to a few people I got 2 answers to why neither option seemed to be looked at in more detail.
1. Speed reduction with potential for accidents.
2. Price because of where it would be built.

[MonctonRad]

The agenda for the February PAC meeting for the city of Moncton can be found here:

https://www.moncton.ca/lets-do-business-zoning-planning-urban-planning/planning-advisory-committee

A couple of interesting tidbits, but nothing spectacular.

[MonctonRad]

Madame Mayor is teasing us........

From her FB page:

Super interesting Thursday morning! Got caught up with the Tim Horton’s crowd (Mountain and Birchmount branch), discussing booting/towing, advocacy with the Federal government and parking at hospitals (I love dropping by different locations for random chats), had a briefing from staff (on a number of issues), met with a major developer to discuss some really big plans for the near future, met with a young entrepreneur about a very cool project he is presenting (we all need to go to Pink Flamingo!) and then, sat in on a Heritage Conservation Board meeting (Higgins Block and a development at 5 Pleasant St...congratulations to Councillor Paulette Theriault on chairing a contentious meeting). Lots happening in our city! #MonctonMomentum

I wonder if this has anything to do with the 4-5 developments rumoured or planned for the Avenir Centre neighbourhood........ :rolleyes:

[MonctonRad]

Immigration report for greater Moncton 2014-2018:

http://www5.moncton.ca/docs/immigration/GMIGM_Strategic_Plan_final_report.pdf

Very lengthy but detailed and professionally prepared.

[Taeolas]

Imagine that, building a school on the outskirts makes it hard for people to stay for extracurricular activities (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/mike-belong-moncton-high-school-traffic-1.5062212).

Basically, now that the school is open, they are finding it hard to encourage kids to participate in after school activities because it's harder to get to the school or to leave it after the buses run.

One suggestion being proposed is to extend the Codiac Transport route to the school, which seems to be a no-brainer solution. Still, had MHS been built in the city in the first place that wouldn't have been needed in the first place. I'd hope that lesson would be remembered for the future, but I'm sure it won't be.

[MonctonRad]

Everyone in the city thought building MHS where it is currently was completely daft. Everyone it is except for the provincial government of the day...........

This is one of the reasons why I intensely dislike centralized decision making. A distributed bureaucracy on the other hand will make decisions which are more community sensitive and logical to local concerns.

We're having similar problems in health care in the province right now. Trust me, I know..........

FWIW, I think it appropriate to extend city bus service to MHS. It would also service Royal Oaks and Barron Heights at the same time.

[RedBall]

Imagine that, building a school on the outskirts makes it hard for people to stay for extracurricular activities (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/mike-belong-moncton-high-school-traffic-1.5062212).

Basically, now that the school is open, they are finding it hard to encourage kids to participate in after school activities because it's harder to get to the school or to leave it after the buses run.

How would this be different than a rural school where a lot of parents work outside of the community and a large portion of them would not live within walking distance either?


__

[MonctonRad]

How would this be different than a rural school where a lot of parents work outside of the community and a large portion of them would not live within walking distance either?


__

You're comparing apples to oranges. Moncton isn't a low density rural community. MHS was a central city high school relocated to the exurban fringe of the city, and suddenly, because of this, only about 2% of the student body lived within walking distance. The vast majority of the student body probably lives 7-10 km away from school. If you miss your school bus, you can be in big trouble, especially if your family doesn't have a car. After hour activities can be problematic for urban students in non car owning households, or if the car is needed by the parent for evening work shifts.

Urban communities have public transit systems. MHS was (formerly) an urban high school. MHS still serves an urban population (despite its location). Given this, MHS should be serviced by the public transit system.

Codiac Transit already serves Elmwood Drive as far as the Pine Tree Minihome subdivision. It would simply be a matter of extending the route several kms.

[MonctonRad]

Map showing flood risk areas around Hall's Creek marsh:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D2RrIblX4AUeCb2.png:large

SOS CF Champlain!!! :titanic:

[L'homard]

You're comparing apples to oranges. Moncton isn't a low density rural community. MHS was a central city high school relocated to the exurban fringe of the city, and suddenly, because of this, only about 2% of the student body lived within walking distance. The vast majority of the student body probably lives 7-10 km away from school. If you miss your school bus, you can be in big trouble, especially if your family doesn't have a car. After hour activities can be problematic for urban students in non car owning households, or if the car is needed by the parent for evening work shifts.

Urban communities have public transit systems. MHS was (formerly) an urban high school. MHS still serves an urban population (despite its location). Given this, MHS should be serviced by the public transit system.

Codiac Transit already serves Elmwood Drive as far as the Pine Tree Minihome subdivision. It would simply be a matter of extending the route several kms.


If the province wants to build schools out in the forest, rten they can pay to bus students to and from it. It's not Moncton's mandate to fix the province's idiotic decisions. That job would never end.

[vincepower]

You're comparing apples to oranges. Moncton isn't a low density rural community. MHS was a central city high school relocated to the exurban fringe of the city, and suddenly, because of this, only about 2% of the student body lived within walking distance. The vast majority of the student body probably lives 7-10 km away from school. If you miss your school bus, you can be in big trouble, especially if your family doesn't have a car. After hour activities can be problematic for urban students in non car owning households, or if the car is needed by the parent for evening work shifts.

Urban communities have public transit systems. MHS was (formerly) an urban high school. MHS still serves an urban population (despite its location). Given this, MHS should be serviced by the public transit system.

Codiac Transit already serves Elmwood Drive as far as the Pine Tree Minihome subdivision. It would simply be a matter of extending the route several kms.


85% of the students were bused to Moncton High from places like Shediac before they moved it to the outskirts, so there was some logic behind the move. (yes, now its like 98%.)


On the topic of Codiac transit for high schools, I think all high school students within the city limits of Dieppe/Moncton/Riverview (or any other city with public transit) should only use public transit to get back and forth to school. Increased transit routes during peak times would help everyone and make pre- and post- school activities easier to access.

[MonctonRad]

Interesting article about development incentives in the greater Moncton area, and potential competition between the tri-cities.

In development quest, Moncton-area communities offer incentives to make the math work
Riverview added incentive program that proposed 10-storey towers may use
Shane Magee · CBC News · Posted: Apr 15, 2019 6:30 AM AT | Last Updated: 4 hours ago
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/development-greater-moncton-riverview-dieppe-1.5093986

"I wouldn't say there's really a competition," said Kevin Silliker, Moncton's director of economic development.

Ian Franklin, vice-president of commercial real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield Atlantic, (on the other hand) said there's "absolutely" competition for big developments.

Franklin pointed to incentive programs all three communities now offer to attract development. Riverview launched its program last September.

"While there are no guarantees that financial incentives would spur more development in the town, the fact remains that economic development is a competitive landscape and that potential investors base their decisions mainly on the bottom line," a staff report to Riverview council says.

The program's launch followed three years of weaker-than-expected growth in (Riverview's) tax base. That led town council to cut $28 million from its 10-year capital budget in 2018.

https://i.cbc.ca/1.5096058.1555090619!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_780/riverview-towers.jpg
Cordova Realty is proposing two 10-storey towers in Riverview the company estimates would be worth more than $30 million. (Submitted/Cordova Realty)

(Riverview's) incentive program, based in part on Moncton's, provides a rebate over five or 10 years for significant projects based on a formula.

Franklin said that without the incentives, projects might be smaller, which would result in a lower property value. He said rising building and infrastructure costs, as well as stricter development standards, have increased the financial risks of the early years of large development projects.

"Because the incentives are there, the developers may be able to push their budgets or make the projects more grand because they're getting help," Franklin said.

Moncton council approved changes to its development incentive program last year to attract developments worth $10 million or more, which staff described as "city changing projects."

Silliker said the city knows of five projects in the works that could be eligible for the expanded program. Three are in a "high degree of readiness" to move ahead soon, he said last week.

Franklin is involved with the Junction (Urban Village) through Cushman & Wakefield. It has had false starts, but "we'll have a project there this year," he said.

"I believe we'll be under construction with something."

He sees the new RCMP station on Albert Street leading to changes to that side of the tracks in the coming years.

Elsewhere, property records show developers have purchased large portions of downtown blocks in recent years, including along Highfield Street and the east end of Main Street.

https://i.cbc.ca/1.5096039.1555090309!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/original_780/hyatt-place-construction-moncton.jpg
Hyatt Place Hotel

[MonctonRad]

City of Moncton press release:

April 24, 2019

Building permit activity in first quarter on pace with previous years

MONCTON – The total value of permits for the first quarter ending March 31st came in at $26.4 million, up from $18.2 million during the same period last year. These values were represented by 130 permits (121 last year).

Commercial activity represented 61 per cent of the quarter’s total, coming in at $16.1 million. This included a $4.7 million expansion at Organigram and a $4.5 million garage to be built on Frenette Dr. for Wabash Canada.

Residential building permits came in with 3-month totals of $8.9 million, driven largely by a new $3.4 million apartment building on Diamond Head Court. Residential development saw a 148% increase over last year – thanks in part to the construction of new duplex units, in at $2.4 million for Q1 (18 units), which was zero at this time last year.

Institutional permits accounted for $1.1 million or 4 per cent of the quarter’s activity, with all of that coming from several renovation projects at schools and hospitals.

“We have a number of larger projects working their way through the planning process that should see continued growth, particularly in our Downtown”, said Kevin Silliker, Director of Economic Development, adding that “multi-res vacancy rates are much lower than they have been over the last few years, and commercial occupancy is trending upward, which bodes well for increased activity.”

[habs33]

The city has published a list of Infrastructure Projects for this year.
Infrastructure Projects 2019 (http://moncton.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Shortlist/index.html?appid=0dcea4990e3e424e936d7d459526f12f&fbclid=IwAR0rGDK6kZ-S9sD4wbA5ZOXFh3qOBMmqh3SoCcvxfauSVaMl8jT5t7VoJig)

I'm in for lot of fun in my neck of the woods this summer (shediac road) :(

[Good2go]

The city has published a list of Infrastructure Projects for this year.
Infrastructure Projects 2019 (http://moncton.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Shortlist/index.html?appid=0dcea4990e3e424e936d7d459526f12f&fbclid=IwAR0rGDK6kZ-S9sD4wbA5ZOXFh3qOBMmqh3SoCcvxfauSVaMl8jT5t7VoJig)

I'm in for lot of fun in my neck of the woods this summer (shediac road) :(

Let's hope they don't pave Elmwood and McLaughlin at the same time.

Same for Botsford/Church/Mountain/Archibald/Universite/Gordon.

[Monctoncore]

Let's hope they don't pave Elmwood and McLaughlin at the same time.

Same for Botsford/Church/Mountain/Archibald/Universite/Gordon.

If you click on the project it will actually give you the time frame of the plan they are working on it.

[Good2go]

If you click on the project it will actually give you the time frame of the plan they are working on it.

Most just say early July to early September. It won't take 2 months to mill and pave a few blocks of Elmwood.

[benvui]

I'm not sure which page this should go on, but has anyone else noticed that work on the causeway replacement has stopped? It has been a few weeks/months since any work has been done, does anyone know what is going on?

[David_99]

I'm not sure which page this should go on, but has anyone else noticed that work on the causeway replacement has stopped? It has been a few weeks/months since any work has been done, does anyone know what is going on?

I heard through the grapevine that there was a major flub and the wrong metal beams were purchased (and possibly already installed!) so now they are evaluating what to do next.

[teebs]

I heard through the grapevine that there was a major flub and the wrong metal beams were purchased (and possibly already installed!) so now they are evaluating what to do next.

Source? that's a pretty significant development

[benvui]

I heard through the grapevine that there was a major flub and the wrong metal beams were purchased (and possibly already installed!) so now they are evaluating what to do next.

I had also heard something similar, there was a problem, someone has been brought in to evaluate and that the original contractor may have been fired. Just wanted to know if anyone else had heard anything.

[teebs]

This was just released by GNB... You've got to read between the lines (and ignore the headline), but this reads like correlation to the above info

https://i.imgur.com/3g9BWHG.png

[MonctonRad]

This was just released by GNB... You've got to read between the lines (and ignore the headline), but this reads like correlation to the above info

You may be right on this. The GNB press release doesn't state anything in particular, especially about mistakes being made, but the timeline has been pushed back a year. They say "financial pressures", but there could be something else in play here..........

[Monctoncore]

You may be right on this. The GNB press release doesn't state anything in particular, especially about mistakes being made, but the timeline has been pushed back a year. They say "financial pressures", but there could be something else in play here..........

Could the something else be a new minority PC government? One that does not see projects like this as important.

[MonctonRad]

Could the something else be a new minority PC government? One that does not see projects like this as important.

Possibly, but sometimes press releases can be just as important in terms of what they don't say as well as what they do say........

[Monctoncore]

Possibly, but sometimes press releases can be just as important in terms of what they don't say as well as what they do say........

It’s good to know the project is still a go, just disappointing that it’s going to take longer than expected.

[benvui]

I am hearing rumors that Legs for Literacy may take a hiatus this year. There are a lot of security concerns and after running in the event last year (7th year in a row) and can tell you it was by far the worst as far as security for the runners was concerned. I witnessed several incidents where drivers tried to drive through barricades because they parked in an area inside the course despite the very public marketing campaign last year to let people know to not park inside the 5km course. The other concerning part is that the RCMP have volunteered their time in the past but this year the run is required to pay the RCMP for their services. This is making the logistics and costs of running the event skyrocket. It would be unfortunate to miss a year as they would lose a lot of the momentum they have gained in the event over the past few years. It one of the larger running events in the Maritimes and Boston Marathon qualifier that a lot of people look forward to it will be a shame to lose it.

[jonny golden]

Gahan House packed tonight.

[Photo1]

Anyone know what they are doing on Wheeler Blvd near the wetland? They've widened one side and this morning were chopping up a large section of the concrete median.

[benvui]

Anyone know what they are doing on Wheeler Blvd near the wetland? They've widened one side and this morning were chopping up a large section of the concrete median.

I think it was mentioned in another thread, but they are building a temporary bypass to fix the culvert under the road.

[Photo1]

I think it was mentioned in another thread, but they are building a temporary bypass to fix the culvert under the road.

I thought that might be the case...uugh I hope they do this quickly, I saw the traffic backed "WAY" back this morning.

[Good2go]

I thought that might be the case...uugh I hope they do this quickly, I saw the traffic backed "WAY" back this morning.

September at the earliest :(

[MonctonRad]

The Canadian Association of Municipalities annual meeting is happening now in Quebec City. There are eight national awards being given out at the meeting. Moncton has won two of the eight awards.

https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/61847869_10156330856941485_253548966208077824_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=f15aa4a0fb735274ebbab3a1c317f20d&oe=5D940A73
from Mayor Dawn Arnold's Facebook page.

[MonctonRad]

Here is an interactive map showing all the infrastructure work planned for the City of Moncton in 2019. It's an interesting resource!

http://moncton.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Shortlist/index.html?appid=0dcea4990e3e424e936d7d459526f12f&fbclid=IwAR0KnGm0MeYiayYveJPbGq-MoayBxOd7DKVeeeue3zXFJKJkWFBEE-iJBPY

[FarmerTom]

So with all the new construction, I would say there’s a possibility of 5 full tower cranes in the GMA this summer. We have the one in dieppe, tannery place, the new hotel where the colonial was, mountain rd and the one at trans aqua.

[Gilead]

Anyone know what is being built on the old Nor-west Motel site.

[MonctonRad]

Anyone know what is being built on the old Nor-west Motel site.

Welcome to the forums.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/40725299233_90bd6c8e15_b.jpg

Emma Place is replacing the Nor'West Motel. This six storey apartment building is by the same developer who built Horizon Place in Dieppe, and there certainly is a similarity between these two buildings, although Emma Place isn't quite as large.

In the future, you will find that most Moncton construction projects are discussed in neighbourhood specific threads. If a project is felt notable enough, it will get it's own thread. There is also a retail specific thread.

Cheers!

[MonctonRad]

Agenda for the June PAC meeting for the city of Moncton:

https://www.moncton.ca/lets-do-business-zoning-planning-urban-planning/planning-advisory-committee

Nothing too major, mostly minor items............

[Whitites]

Here is an interactive map showing all the infrastructure work planned for the City of Moncton in 2019. It's an interesting resource!

http://moncton.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Shortlist/index.html?appid=0dcea4990e3e424e936d7d459526f12f&fbclid=IwAR0KnGm0MeYiayYveJPbGq-MoayBxOd7DKVeeeue3zXFJKJkWFBEE-iJBPY

I don't see the Wheeler blvd construction at "Rabbit Brook" on there. Does anybody know what that's all about?

[MonctonRad]

I don't see the Wheeler blvd construction at "Rabbit Brook" on there. Does anybody know what that's all about?

Probably because that's a provincial responsibility.

Big culvert replacement. The project will last into the fall......... :(

Welcome to the forums BTW :)

[Whitites]

Thank You for the welcome and quick response. Hope they are going to take this opportunity to raise the road by a couple of feet. Spring melt at high tide this year with a rain storm had water pretty close to the edge.

[Whitites]

Welcome to the forums.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/40725299233_90bd6c8e15_b.jpg

Emma Place is replacing the Nor'West Motel. This six storey apartment building is by the same developer who built Horizon Place in Dieppe, and there certainly is a similarity between these two buildings, although Emma Place isn't quite as large.

In the future, you will find that most Moncton construction projects are discussed in neighbourhood specific threads. If a project is felt notable enough, it will get it's own thread. There is also a retail specific thread.

Cheers!

Just took this picture from the Sobey's parking lot.
Across the street is a stripped lot waiting for construction to begin.
They should have purchased and tore down that old brick apartment eyesore too.
https://i.imgur.com/buuMb15.jpg

[Good2go]

The city has published a list of Infrastructure Projects for this year.
Infrastructure Projects 2019 (http://moncton.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Shortlist/index.html?appid=0dcea4990e3e424e936d7d459526f12f&fbclid=IwAR0rGDK6kZ-S9sD4wbA5ZOXFh3qOBMmqh3SoCcvxfauSVaMl8jT5t7VoJig)


Gordon/Queen is complete. They left the Weldon intersection as is, since it will have to be dug up soon for the storm sewer + sewer + paving job.

[Sunnybrae]

Just an FYI, the Snowbirds are doing a flyby in Moncton today at 2:45pm in honor of the slain RCMP officers.

[MonctonRad]

Just an FYI, the Snowbirds are doing a flyby in Moncton today at 2:45pm in honor of the slain RCMP officers.

Middle of the afternoon on a workday Tuesday, Should be good to startle a few tourists and frighten some seagulls. Unfortunately no one else will notice. :(

[Whitites]

Just an FYI, the Snowbirds are doing a flyby in Moncton today at 2:45pm in honor of the slain RCMP officers.

Missed it!

[L'homard]

It actually drew surprisingly many people along both sides of the river.
It was a very short appearance though.
The Snowbirds are putting on their full show this evening at the Debert NS airport if anyone is interested in taking a drive. I'm going down. I know this is off-topic but thought I'd mention it since this evening's air show has not been well advertised. Google "Snowbirds Over Debert" for details. We now return to our previously scheduled broadcast.....

[DTBourque]

Anyone have a strong sense/opinion on whether there are enough apartments and homes being developed in Greater Moncton to keep up with residential demand or whether things are going to get worse before they get better?

There are currently 1,255 homes on MLS and not that much for apartments on Kijiji.

Here's CMHC's most current analysis of the market (2nd Quarter, 2019 - it’s only a page long): https://eppdscrmssa01.blob.core.windows.net/cmhcprodcontainer/sf/project/cmhc/pubsandreports/housing-market-assessment/2019/q2/housing-market-assessment-moncton-68613-2019-q02-en.pdf

Also for context, 3Plus is shooting for 2% yearly population growth per year in their 2018-2022 plan: https://huddle.today/greater-moncton-sets-ambitious-growth-targets-next-five-years/

If I had to guess, there will be no shortage of high-end condos and apartments (small market, lots of new supply), many more affordable apartments are also going up and they might keep up with demand (as many as a dozen 4+ storey buildings currently going up?), but there a relatively few subdivisions developing quickly in Moncton, Riverview, or Dieppe (I use the satellite view in Google Maps to see where new streets are being dug up to keep track of subdivisions, because they don’t get much coverage here.).

[MonctonRad]

If I had to guess, there will be no shortage of high-end condos and apartments (small market, lots of new supply), many more affordable apartments are also going up and they might keep up with demand (as many as a dozen 4+ storey buildings currently going up?), but there a relatively few subdivisions developing quickly in Moncton, Riverview, or Dieppe (I use the satellite view in Google Maps to see where new streets are being dug up to keep track of subdivisions, because they don’t get much coverage here.).

There is no question that most of the new (larger) apartment buildings currently under construction in Moncton are mid to high end. I wonder if a driver of this isn't the 1100 jobs associated with the TD Bank Corporate Offices. Many of these people have CPA designations and will be moving to the community from elsewhere.

This of course does not solve the problem of lower income people seeking accommodations or of homelessness in general. It is frankly appalling that there is a tent city in Moncton. Is there a particular reason why Moncton seems to be a magnet for the homeless? They can't be migrating here because of our climate........

[theshark]

Well from the homeless people of the northern part I have spoken too, which is quite a few, climate is a factor, they migrate to the south during the winter for the warmer climate and also for the services. Climate in the north is way too harsh to stay outside and the services are very limited. So climate and services drives them to Moncton.

[L'homard]

Is there a particular reason why Moncton seems to be a magnet for the homeless? They can't be migrating here because of our climate........

Over the years I have asked this question of a federal parolee and later asked a homeless person. They both had the same answer, generally, that Moncton is doing well so there's a chance they can catch the rising tide, and if not, at least the city has the kinds of services that would allow them to get by.

[NBNYer]

This of course does not solve the problem of lower income people seeking accommodations or of homelessness in general. It is frankly appalling that there is a tent city in Moncton. Is there a particular reason why Moncton seems to be a magnet for the homeless? They can't be migrating here because of our climate........

CBC reported on this very topic a few weeks ago. There are several shelters and kitchens in Moncton with a new shelter opening soon. According to several people interviewed at a shelter, this is a significant incentive for indigent populations of smaller communities in NB to move to the city. Not a terribly bad thing as cities generally have greater resources and are more able to help these people out and I’d wager any growing city would encounter a similar phenomenon with its surrounding poorer hinterland. The silver lining is that recent investments also include outreach programs to help this segment of the population overcome the hurdles preventing them from finding permanent housing.

[DTBourque]

There is no question that most of the new (larger) apartment buildings currently under construction in Moncton are mid to high end. I wonder if a driver of this isn't the 1100 jobs associated with the TD Bank Corporate Offices. Many of these people have CPA designations and will be moving to the community from elsewhere.

This of course does not solve the problem of lower income people seeking accommodations or of homelessness in general. It is frankly appalling that there is a tent city in Moncton. Is there a particular reason why Moncton seems to be a magnet for the homeless? They can't be migrating here because of our climate........

Good points.

I think the "more affordable" category I mentioned is really two things - they're the appartments for people who simply aren't higher-end and they're also the appartments for people who can't even or can barely afford an appartment.

Both are currently under-served, but the latter is in especially bad shape since it's a more vulnerable group.

Homelessness/poverty exists everywhere, but it takes on particularly visible forms in cities - like panhandling and the tent city.

In rural NB, people live in cabins in the woods or severly dilapidated housing, so it can go unnoticed. Sometimes houses that look abandoned are actually inhabited.

In terms of why Moncton, I can think of two things. If everywhere has some poverty, Moncton wouldn't be an exception - Moncton would have poor people from Moncton just like everywhere else does. But also, cities generally attract people from every income level in the nearby areas who are looking for housing, opportunity, services, (in some cases drugs), etc. - so it would make a lot of sense for someone who is homeless or poor from PEI, the parts of NS that are closer to Moncton than Halifax, and most of NB, to end up in Moncton if they're having a hard time where they are.

[NBNYer]

Well from the homeless people of the northern part I have spoken too, which is quite a few, climate is a factor, they migrate to the south during the winter for the warmer climate and also for the services. Climate in the north is way too harsh to stay outside and the services are very limited. So climate and services drives them to Moncton.

Have you been to Moncton in January? :haha:

I’m partially being facetious... but I never thought I’d hear of people moving to Moncton because of our mild winters. :D :rolleyes:

[benvui]

I wonder if the closure of several boarding houses in the city isn't magnifying the issue. The homeless issue was relatively unnoticed even 2 years ago, but since the city has begun tearing down the run down poorly maintained and unsanitary buildings in the city there has been an influx of homelessness.
I don't think the two situations are unrelated.

[DTBourque]

Moncton and Dieppe are moving ahead with plans to implement a hotel levy of 3.5%. The plan is to use the money to create a third-party regional tourism promotion agency. Riverview has no hotels (!), so they are not introducing a similar levy yet.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/dieppe-moncton-hotel-tax-tourism-1.5190453

[MonctonRad]

Found this on LinkedIn:

https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/C4E22AQHJCeluzkrzCA/feedshare-shrink_8192/0?e=1564617600&v=beta&t=gHGmFN5FcAyxt4PNA-6bnkUwdCY9NutOMBlDA-RG_Qk

Organigram finally has a sign out front. About time, the company after all has a valuation of greater than a billion dollars......... :)

In other signage news from the MID Industrial Park, I noticed that RBC has finally put up signage for it's previously incognito customer service centre tucked in behind those two office buildings on St George Blvd. The signage refers to the building as the RBC Corporate Offices, which to me seems to be somewhat of a stretch since, to my knowledge, this is just an inbound customer contact centre. The name however could be an understandable reflex given the prominent signage at CF Champlain proudly proclaiming the TD Corporate Offices, although, in TD's case, their building does contain accounting services for TD Bank in North America, in addition to a customer contact centre, and therefore could probably rightly refer to itself as a "corporate" office :)

[Good2go]

I was always surprised how long the xwave colours stayed on the front of the building. xwave/Aliant/Bell moved out in 2010.

[Whitites]

Construction of the new IHop has begun on Mountain road between the Petro-Can an the Casino Hotel

https://i.imgur.com/WzeShbe.jpg

[Whitites]

They broke the ground on that huge apartment complex across from the Sobey's on Mountain road. Excavators are there today or were there yesterday. I noticed it today. Should have taken a picture but I was driving.

[MonctonRad]

July PAC for the City of Moncton - nothing at all interesting or of note.

https://www.moncton.ca/lets-do-business-zoning-planning-urban-planning/planning-advisory-committee

[Whitites]

IHop news...
The water and sewer mains are in. They cut up our nicely new paved Mountain road ;(

https://i.imgur.com/6jYouX1.jpg

Foundation is in so it should go up quickly now

https://i.imgur.com/eCEyr4y.jpg

[jonny golden]

Since it's been 2-3 weeks since I took a drive by the site of the proposed apartment building at the corner of Archibald St. & Victoria St. I went by today. Nothing happening there yet. I seem to remember reading that they were planning to start construction sometime this summer.

[MonctonRad]

There was apparently an announcement at the DFO Gulf Fisheries Centre on Universite Avenue this morning regarding a $500m investment over the next 7-8 years in support of the Atlantic Science Enterprise Centre, based here in Moncton.

https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/68478358_10156490850011485_1878178375223214080_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&_nc_oc=AQngL1Cu-tvo3O26t3dTm0Gjlw31nd5-giSx4OFsRorCwrC3IFFW84WilHjgJRE_92c&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=dc99f47125f806554b9c4760f85eb364&oe=5DD52D69

Details are sketchy right now, but that's a huge investment. We should know shortly what this means.......

[MonctonRad]

:previous:

Nor much in the popular media regarding this fairly major announcement ($500M!!!!), but I found this online:

Government of Canada Invests in Atlantic Science Enterprise Centre

MONCTON, NB, Aug. 9, 2019 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada understands that federal scientists play an important role in the lives of Canadians; scientific research and discovery improves our health, environment, communities and economy. Providing our scientists with modern and fully accessible facilities that promote collaborative research is just one way the government can support them in the important work that they do.

Today, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health, on behalf of the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility, along with the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental and Northern Affairs and Internal Trade, announced the Government of Canada is renewing the Atlantic Science Enterprise Centre (ASEC) in Moncton, New Brunswick.

Federal investments will help transform the ASEC into a world-class centre for ocean science research. To support the renewal of the ASEC, as well as other federal laboratories across Canada, the Government of Canada has awarded a contract to Framework, a joint venture between Stantec, Merrick and Dialog, for architectural and engineering laboratory design services to develop lab standards, functional programming and concept designs. This will help transform the ASEC into an environmentally sustainable collaboration facility, featuring state-of-the-art information technology capacity and connectivity.

The renewal of the ASEC will provide a modern facility for federal scientists to carry out their work, ensuring we have the best available science to protect and manage Canada's precious aquatic resources. Furthermore, it will lead to job creation and economic growth in the Moncton region for many years to come.

Quick facts:

- Since 2016, the Government of Canada has invested more than $10 billion in science research.
- The renewal of the ASEC will focus on improving sustainability of Atlantic fresh and saltwater resources as well as monitoring and protecting the health of coastal ecosystems of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Atlantic Ocean regions.
- Significant progress has been made at the ASEC with partnerships that have been formed with universities, Indigenous communities, the fishing industry, non-governmental organizations and other federal government departments to create interpretive spaces to engage Canadians in marine science and promote ocean literacy.

The contract with Framework is valued at up to $100 million.

The $100M for Framework sounds like it is for architectural design and construction work on the Gulf Fisheries Centre, across from the GDH on Universite Avenue. The other $400M must be for research and programming within the centre for the next 7-8 years.

[Nashe]

That does seem HUGE! The jobs, especially. I'm imagining a bunch of new scientists and researchers moving to Moncton?

[BlackYear]

Waiting to see if a tornado would develop in these crazy storm clouds...never happened. View from the Brick parking lot.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48506425067_b138b468a6_b.jpg

[habs33]

A CBC reporter has tweeted that the new Centennial pool won't be done this summer
https://twitter.com/smagee29/status/1162397061867872257

[Whitites]

IHop cement floor is poured. They must have had delivery delays because it took 3 weeks after the foundation was poured.

[Whitites]

They are pouring the foundation for that big apartment building across from Sobey's on Mountain road.

https://i.imgur.com/yjvC7lo.jpg

Also 3 Tesla super chargers are being installed at the Petro-Can 2600 Mountain road. I'll post a picture when they are done.

[MonctonRad]

:previous:

Really appreciate your input (and photographs), but the vast majority of the discussions about Moncton developments are either neighbourhood based or project specific. They have their own individual threads.

Most of your posts so far have been about projects in the north end. I suggest you consider posting on these projects in the [Moncton] Northwest/Magnetic Hill thread.

Thanks! :)

[Whitites]

:previous:

Really appreciate your input (and photographs)I suggest you consider posting on these projects in the [Moncton] Northwest/Magnetic Hill thread.

Thanks! :)

Thanks for informing, I did not know this so will move to proper thread.

[benvui]

Has anyone else noticed the erosion along the Petticodiac since Dorian. To me it looks as if a good 5-6 feet of bank has eroded during/since the storm. Usually you only see one section of grass falling into the river but now all along the river there seems to be 3-4 sections of grass falling in....or is it just me?

[Photo1]

Has anyone else noticed the erosion along the Petticodiac since Dorian. To me it looks as if a good 5-6 feet of bank has eroded during/since the storm. Usually you only see one section of grass falling into the river but now all along the river there seems to be 3-4 sections of grass falling in....or is it just me?

Haven't noticed but a TON of water fell last weekend and all the rivers/streams including the Petty were exceptionally high. :shrug:

[MonctonRad]

Enrolment in the Anglophone East School District is up by 400 over last year, now exceeding 16,400 students.

85% of the increase is attributable to international immigration. :eek:

Edith Cavell School in the downtown of the city has an immigrant student population exceeding 50% of overall enrolment. This almost sounds like figures you would find in Toronto!

The Francophone Sud School Board (which also encompasses Saint John and Fredericton) claims enrolment is up this year by 407 students as well. Again, international immigration is largely responsible,

[PEI highway guy]

Enrolment in the Anglophone East School District is up by 400 over last year, now exceeding 16,400 students.

85% of the increase is attributable to international immigration. :eek:

Edith Cavell School in the downtown of the city has an immigrant student population exceeding 50% of overall enrolment. This almost sounds like figures you would find in Toronto!

The Francophone Sud School Board (which also encompasses Saint John and Fredericton) claims enrolment is up this year by 407 students as well. Again, international immigration is largely responsible,

I know a prinicipal in the district who told me there were 20 or so new students in his school from Central and South America countries this year alone. When I asked why, the person said call centres/ places like ExxonMobil are recruiting more and more Spanish speaking employees to fill positions. Moncton is becoming more and more diverse all the time.