The Official Moncton, NB Project Thread

[kwajo]

That airport thing is one of the stupidest things Ive ever heard...the feds better get thier act together on this one quickly, friggin stockwell day, never liked that guy haha
Why don't we take this opportunity to ditch all 3 "major" airports in this province and create one large international one in Sussex. This was an idea floating around a couple decades ago, but it never got off the ground (pardon the airplane joke).

I know it will never happen, but it would be so much better to just pool our resources and create Southern New Brunswick International Airport, almost exactly equidistant from all 3 cities, and providing actual international flights, not just connector ones to New England or Toronto. Plus by situating it in Sussex, you avoid all the bickering between the different cities, who always seem to think that the success of one comes at the expense of the others.

I'd like to see the Federal government deny customs services to an airport at the centre of 600,000 people.

[JasonL-Moncton]

I'd like to see the Federal government deny customs services to an airport at the centre of 600,000 people.

They already are by denying it to Moncton ;)

I too like the 'concert logo'...

[MonctonGoldenFlames]

Are you being sarcastic?? haha I count at least six or seven different materials and its right against the street...This is one of the best looking buildings built in Moncton in a while (much better than a certain suburban development across the street for example).

If I count by colour, I see 5 materials, all of which give the building a very monochromatic appearance. YAWN, mix it up a bit. Yes, it's right against the street, but I don't see any at grade pedestrian entrances on this rendering, none. If the entrance to this building is at the back off the parking lot, then it has no human integration with the street, other than being a large auto oriented wall.

By no means am I saying this should not get built, all I am saying I think it's lame design, Monctonians deserve better and I expect more especially for this location.

[Helladog]

Why don't we take this opportunity to ditch all 3 "major" airports in this province and create one large international one in Sussex. This was an idea floating around a couple decades ago, but it never got off the ground (pardon the airplane joke).

I know it will never happen, but it would be so much better to just pool our resources and create Southern New Brunswick International Airport, almost exactly equidistant from all 3 cities, and providing actual international flights, not just connector ones to New England or Toronto. Plus by situating it in Sussex, you avoid all the bickering between the different cities, who always seem to think that the success of one comes at the expense of the others.

I'd like to see the Federal government deny customs services to an airport at the centre of 600,000 people.

It couldn't be much farther than the current "St. Martins" Airport we have...and a better road to boot!

[mylesmalley]

It couldn't be much farther than the current "St. Martins" Airport we have...and a better road to boot!

Hate to derail this train, but here's some reality:

Sussex opposed building 1000 homes for rich Europeans.

Would they really go for a major (large, loud, traffic-y) airport?

That said, that would be the logical thing to do. Stanfield Airport is so far out of Halifax, they might as well have built it halfway between HRM and Truro.

[ErickMontreal]

Hate to derail this train, but here's some reality:

Sussex opposed building 1000 homes for rich Europeans.



Why ? That could have been disturb skunks or ravens.

Serioulsy, why ?

[Smevo]

That airport thing is one of the stupidest things Ive ever heard...the feds better get thier act together on this one quickly, friggin stockwell day, never liked that guy haha

You and me both! The feds have their pet airports (as someone else said earlier) and that's very apparent with the customs issues the smaller airports are having, killing any potential for real growth. A Sussex airport is a good idea, but wouldn't fix the problem, since the feds would use the false excuse that it serves ~5,000 people in the Sussex area...they always have ways of twisting things like that.

[ErickMontreal]

Downtown Tim's to close May 31
Tim Hortons coffee shop at Main and Weldon Streets closes doors after 30

By Eric Lewis
Times & Transcript Staff
Published Wednesday April 9th, 2008
Appeared on page A1

Craig O'Neill says it might be a little dramatic to call the closure of a downtown coffee shop the "end of an era," but many downtown Moncton coffee drinkers might beg to differ.

The Tim Hortons on the corner of Main and Weldon Streets will be closing at the end of May, ending 30 years of business for the location.

The coffee shop opened in 1978. It was the third Tim Hortons location in Metro Moncton and the 92nd store in the Canadian chain. It will close for good on May 31.

Even so, O'Neill, vice-president of operations for Corey Craig Enterprises which owns all the Tim Hortons locations in Metro Moncton, says the Tim Hortons business simply "grew up around" the Main Street location.

"It no longer works for the chain, for us," O'Neill said yesterday. "It's kind of a redundant store in a way. I guess the best way to put it is the business simply grew up around it and the traffic flows are in different areas."

He says the store certainly served its purpose over the years, but as traffic patterns changed in the city over the years, the downtown location wasn't the hot spot for coffee and chatter that it once was.

Metro java lovers needn't worry however. O'Neill says one location closing is not a sign of trouble for the much-loved franchise.

He says customers in the downtown area are being directed to the several other nearby Tim's locations, including the small locations in the food court of Highfield Square and in City Hall, the store on the corner of Main and Alma Streets, right in the heart of downtown, the King Street location and the Tim's on West Main Street.

"It's a business decision that we had to make," O'Neil explains. "This has happened all across the chain with some of the older locations. We want to maintain the brand standard, so in the best interest of everything in the chain, we chose that our time was up there, so we got out of it."

He says the 30-year-old store would be in need of some major renovations to keep it up to date with other Tim's locations, and the store simply isn't the key location it once was for the company.

"It was a great location in its day, but it's kind of faded away," O'Neill says.

He was hesitant to say and chose his words carefully when asked if the closure might open up some room for another Tim Hortons location on or nearby the developing Vaughn Harvey Boulevard, perhaps even in the new Sobeys complex.

"I can't really say, to be honest with you," he says. "I can say that it's a place that we've looked."

All staff members at the Main Street location have been offered positions at other Tim Hortons locations, so no one is losing their job, he noted.

The first Tim Hortons to land in Atlantic Canada is the Mountain Road location, which is still busy serving customers daily. The second location in Metro Moncton was in Dieppe, on the corner of Champlain and Paul Streets. A Vogue Optical store is now in its place.

The Main and Weldon Streets location, the area's third Timmie's, has an interesting distinction. It was only the second Tim's location in the country to also house Breakaway, Tim Hortons short-lived delicatessen-style food venture where one could purchase soups, sandwiches, hot dogs and chili, among other items.

O'Neill says the Breakaway concept didn't last long however, and the Moncton location was likely one of only about 20 in the country during the brand's run.

The Breakaway locations closed down in the early 1980s. In some ways, he says it was likely a precursor to Tim Hortons selling food and other items under the Tim's banner.
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Should Main Street be closed to vehicles in summer?

times & transcript staff
Published Wednesday April 9th, 2008
Appeared on page a12

It's a question that's been debated for years among downtown denizens, and it doesn't look like the debate will end this summer, Downtown Moncton Centreville Inc. says.

"Permanent or extended closing of Main Street is certainly an interesting option for our city and our downtown, but at this time, the board of directors of DMCI feels that our organization does not have all the necessary information to go that route," executive director Daniel Allain says.

"For this reason, DMCI supports limiting closing Main Street to temporary closure for special events only, until we have a better understanding of the traffic patterns and habits of drivers with the arrival of the new bridge and urban bypasses. This will be the first summer that the (Gunningsville) Bridge and Vaughn Harvey/Assomption Blvd will be fully open. Also, we can have a better chance to assess and evaluate effects of closure on our businesses.

Main Street will be closed three to four times this summer." The dates that Main Street will be closed to all but foot traffic have not yet been determined.
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Better weather sees downtown diners move outdoors
Café culture once again emerges in city core on May 1

By James Foster
Times & Transcript Staff
Published Wednesday April 9th, 2008
Appeared on page A12

Crews have already started sweeping up winter's detritus from downtown sidewalks, and Moncton's café culture will re-emerge in just a few more weeks.

Sidewalk cafés have become an icon of the city centre, a fact not lost on Downtown Moncton Inc., which has summoned all café operators to a meeting on Thursday, a session designed to make sure all open-air restaurants put their best face forward again this year.

"Every year, we meet to make sure that the café standards are adhered to," DMI Manager Daniel Allain says, "and if they want to exceed those standards, that's good too."

While sidewalk cafés can be seen in most city cores, nowhere in the Maritimes are they as omnipresent as in downtown Moncton, where the majority of restaurants and bars take advantage of the core's extra wide sidewalks to put out tables and chairs -- and if Allain has his way, flowers, parasols and other amenities.

Residents are not the only ones who have taken to dining "al fresco." Business visitors and tourists tell DMI they consider it a key aspect of the downtown.

And thus Thursday's meeting. DMI wants to emphasize to restaurateurs how important it is that the sidewalk cafés are visually appealing and clean, with no litter or cigarette butts to spoil the aura.

"We want to be known as the clean city," Allain says.

Sidewalk café sizes are generally guided by the need to leave enough of the sidewalk for pedestrians to get by and by the length of a restaurant's frontage. While it remains a matter of public debate, some Monctonians wish Main Street would close to vehicles all summer long so the cafés and pedestrians could freely spill right into the streets.

As well, some want the provincial government to allow Moncton's downtown bars an extra hour or two of business on the night of Aug. 1, which is the Friday night preceding the huge Magnetic Hill Music Festival, featuring The Eagles.

Fredericton bars were allowed to stay open an extra hour recently when they hosted the East Coast Music Awards.

As things currently stand, Moncton's usual 30 to 40 cafés add between 20 and 25 per cent more restaurant seats to the downtown's usual complement of about 3,000. That means approximately 1,000 more guests at the dinner table during café season, which begins around May 1.

Yet on a warm spring, summer or fall evening, it can still be tough to find a seat; dining "out" in downtown Moncton is just that popular.

"People want to come down to Main Street, they want to experience that different, urban experience," Allain says.

DMI clean-up crews will be making sure sidewalks are tidy seven days a week on Main Street and five days a week on St. George Street this year, Allain says, but DMI hopes restaurateurs will do their part as well.
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No JYSK store planned for Metro Moncton
However, home furnishing chain says city is on radar for future expansion

By Eric Lewis
Times & Transcript Staff
Published Wednesday April 9th, 2008
Appeared on page C2

A popular home-furnishing store may be making a home in Moncton in the not-too-distant future, its chief operating officer says.

Times & Transcript readers may have noticed a flyer in one of last week's issues for JYSK Bed, Bath and Home. It advertised the company's birthday sale. The chain was established in 1979 in Denmark and moved into Canada in 1996 with a store in British Columbia. It's only East Coast store is currently in Dartmouth, N.S.

Pablo Reich, COO of JYSK (pronounced 'yisk'), said from his Mississauga, Ont. office yesterday that the flyer appearing in the Times & Transcript isn't a sign that the store is opening in the Moncton area anytime soon, but it is an acknowledgement that the chain is interested in the market.

"Moncton is on the radar," he says. "We definitely have an interest in the city."

However, Reich says if a store is to land in Metro it won't be for at least two years. The chain just opened it's Dartmouth store and he says it is slowly but surely expanding across Canada. He says the company's main priorities currently are strengthening the Quebec and Ontario markets as well as establishing the Dartmouth store.

But Reich says the company has taken notice that many Metro Monctonians have been shopping at the new Dartmouth store, a sign that Metro shoppers would support a JYSK of their own.

"That's why we also wanted to advertise, because we noticed that lots of people who live in Moncton drive, maybe over the weekend because they have family or relatives or business whatever, they go to Halifax a lot," he explains.

In addition, the company sells from its website, so Metro shoppers can order products online.

JYSK stores sell Scandanavian-inspired products from home furniture, kitchen and bath products to outdoor patio sets. JYSK has over 1,350 stores in 29 countries. There are 35 JYSK stores in Canada.
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Into the hazard
Government Taxpayers have $5-million stake in Moncton's Royal Oaks Estates & Golf Club
http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=113137&size=400x0
The Royal Oaks Estates & Golf Club currently owes the province about $4.8 million, stemming from a loan guarantee issued in 1998. The Liberals have decided to convert that debt into preferred shares in the company, meaning the province has a stake in any profits. Government will now receive 50 per cent of the club’s net profits – until the debt is paid back.

Quentin Casey
Telegraph-Journal
Published Wednesday April 9th, 2008
Appeared on page A1

FREDERICTON - The Liberal government has decided to erase nearly $5 million in debt from the books of a Moncton golf club - in exchange for a cut of the club's profits.

The move, approved last November but revealed in freshly released government documents, has critics howling.

The Royal Oaks Estates & Golf Club currently owes the province about $4.8 million, stemming from a loan guarantee issued in 1998.

The Liberals have decided to convert that debt into preferred shares in the company, meaning the province has a stake in any profits.

The government will now receive 50 per cent of the club's net profits - until the debt is paid back.

The club's general manager says the debt reduction will allow Royal Oaks to expand its facilities.

In fact, that expansion will require the club - which includes an 18-hole golf course and condominiums - to borrow more money.

Critics say the whole situation is a waste of government dollars.

John Williamson, of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, says a province with over-crowded classrooms and rising health-care costs should not be fronting money for a golf course.

"That's hardly an activity that is in need of government support," he said. "It's about as frivolous as it gets in terms of spending."

The province's dealings with Royal Oaks began in 1998 with a $3.3-million guaranteed loan, meaning the province would cover that amount if it couldn't be paid back to the bank.

In 2002 the government paid off the loan and resulting interest. So instead of owing a bank, the club was now in debt to the province. Including interest, the original sum has grown to the current $4.8 million.

"This is just a fine example of public policy that was bad from the very get-go," said Williamson, who doubts the province will get a return on its investment.

"It's another example of corporate welfare and of (a losing situation) for taxpayers.

"On this one the province teed-off and the ball ended up in the hazard."

Vince MacDonald, the club's general manager, said the fiscal flexibility will allow Royal Oaks to borrow additional funds.

Those will be used to build a new clubhouse, part of the club's attempt to become a year-round facility - with cross-country skiing, skating and room for business meetings.

MacDonald said the expansion will mean a doubling of the club's workforce, to 40 employees

"We're in the business of employing people. It's not just folks going out to play golf," he said. "It's generally good for Royal Oaks and its good for Moncton."

The club, which has additional debt outside of the government loan, houses 26 condominium units near the golf course's fourth hole. Another 40 units are under construction, said MacDonald.

Charles Cirtwill, of the Atlantic Institute for Market Studies, a think-tank, said the Liberal move is better than simply writing-off the loan.

Still, he stressed that governments are poorly placed to judge sound business cases in the first place.

"This is a trap that almost all governments fall into - once you've started supporting businesses with direct cash"¦ you just keep going," he said.

"The question now is: how quickly can they sell those shares and recoup the money for the people of New Brunswick?"

Business New Brunswick Minister Greg Byrne was unavailable for comment Tuesday.

The par-72 course at Royal Oaks opened in July 2000. According to the club's website, it features "bent grass fairways, tees and greens, strategic bunkering (and) challenging approaches."

In 2002, Score Magazine named Royal Oaks the best new course in eastern Canada. A club membership costs between $1,600 and $1,750. A daily green fee runs $70.
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Letter of the day | At this rate, why not just buy power from Quebec?

Published Wednesday April 9th, 2008
Appeared on page D8

To The Editor:

A government has a special mandate when it is elected: it is to preserve the security of the people that elected them.

By security I do not mean only the police force or the firefighters, I mean something more simple. We want to feel secure in our environment, our education, our health, our food supply, our dispensation of justice, the respect of people's rights. All these spell security. If they are well managed, we feel secure. And that is the primary responsibility of a government.

Now, let's get to the security of having energy in our homes.

I cannot understand the government position that one day requests full discovery of NB Power Corporation, and the next accepts without blinking an eye their request for a rate hike.

Furthermore I cannot understand how Mr. Francis McGuire, who I consider an intelligent and efficient man, cannot put his stamp of efficiency on this out-of-control corporation.

Despite several years of marked profits, they require another rate hike! Why?

Too much is questionable about NB Power. The whole phenomenon resembles a mafia group. It cannot be questioned, it does not explain itself, it refuses to divulge information, it makes decisions in whichever manner, shrugging off any responsibility if it's a dud.

It's a top-heavy business of big salaries and benefits while its debt load is unacceptable. Too many unforgettable and costly mistakes made, infrastructures showing their age at a time when the climate is bringing bigger storms.

But why not put a few billions repairing something that will not be efficient in seven years. Is it worth it? And while we're at it let's throw another several billions in building another one. For us? NO!

The first Lepreau is not even paid after all this time and it's costing more and more.

Where can anyone explain the logic behind this if there is any?

Then there is the separation in several entities (makes me think of the Borgs in Star Trek) and more CEOs and the whole thing is unscrutable and wrapped in secrecy. The refusal to make public the finances of a public company is beyond comprehension.

Whose company is it anyway?

I suggest strongly that the government take back the running of NB Power. It could not get worse.

However if the province is not interested, here is the usual way to deal with a mismanaged corporation: let's close its doors. Québec can become the provider of energy in New Brunswick at a very much lower price.

What is it . . . two, three, four cents a kilowatt/hour?

That would be an excellent change in our household budget as well as the government's.

[ErickMontreal]

Record 1st quarter in Dieppe

Dieppe – Members of the City of Dieppe`s Economic Development Corporation are rejoicing over the announcement of a record quarter in non-residential development at the end of March for the first quarter of 2008.

As result of numerous new developments, the City of Dieppe has shattered previous value figures for building permits representing new developments in the municipality. The city has achieved targeted investments in its infrastructure during the past few years allowing it to meet the demographic growth in its territory.

According to the report on building permits issued for the first quarter (January, February and March), the new investments total $20.5 million, a record without precedent.

‘The value of permits issued in the non-residential sector was $18.5 million, which represents 90% of the total for 2008’, stated the executive director of the Economic Development Corporation, Roger Melanson. ‘The non-residential development is already $6.5 million from matching the value of 25 million in 2007. It should be noted that between 2000 and 2006, the value of building permits for non-residential construction averaged $16 million annually.’

In 2007, the value for all building permits for the first three months was $7.3 million dollars compared to $20.5 million for the same period this year.

‘We`re pleased to be able to rely on such pro-active business people,’ added Melanson. ‘We can see the results which were projected in the strategic economic development plan of our city. The Corporation continues its efforts to maximize the return on investment of funds invested for infrastructure’.

According to economist Pierre-Marcel Desjardins, the elements are in place to maintain this trend in Dieppe. Desjardins made this comment recently at the entrepreneurship banquet. ‘Dieppe has a modern infrastructure, a bilingual workforce, a strategic geographic location and a diversified economy,’ stated Desjardins. ‘ I foresee Dieppe maintaining its momentum and the municipality must take advantage of this situation to continue its economic and demographic growth’.

[ErickMontreal]

http://www.mini.ca/content/retail_locator/images/photos/4130.jpg

Mini Moncton dealer site is online, BMW coming soon.

http://moncton.mini.ca/en/pub/home/home.aspx

Heres, the link of the only BMW-moto east of Quebec city.

www.atlanticmotoplex.ca

[ErickMontreal]

Mapleton work starts in May
Road work likely to cause delays in and around Power Centre this summer

By Eric Lewis
Times & Transcript Staff
Published Thursday April 10th, 2008
Appeared on page A8

Metro Monctonians will find plenty of activity going on up near the Trinity Power Centre this summer as the City of Moncton has invited tenders for road work to be done after the frost is finished trickling out of the streets.

A call to tender was announced yesterday by the city. The Mapleton Road project, which is set to widen the road from two lanes to four north of Trinity Drive, is expected to cost the city $11 million, half of that to be spent this summer and half to be spent next summer.

The City of Moncton's director of design and construction Alcide Richard says work should hopefully begin on or around May 20 and should wrap up by the end of summer, so Metro drivers can expect delays in the already busy area of the city.

Currently, the area of Mapleton Road in question is designated provincial highway, so the province is kicking in funds after the work is complete to help pay for it.

The province will pay $1.7 million after this year's work is complete and the same amount next year after phase two of the two-year project is finished. The province will also kick in another $1.6 million in 2010 after the project is completed.

After the work is complete, Mapleton Road will become a city-owned street.

Richard says the call to tender on the road work will be closing on April 25, tenders will be presented to city council on May 5, and if all goes as planned, work should begin on the project on May 20. This is dependent on weight restrictions enforced by the provincial Department of Transportation.

When roads are still thawing out from winter, only so much weight is permitted on provincial roads. With the difficult winter Metro Moncton has experienced, it is hard to say whether the roads will be thawed out by the end of May.

Phase one of the project is expected to wrap up by Sept. 30, Richard says, so drivers are reminded that traffic flow may be slow throughout summer.

The size of the project and the amount of traffic that flows through the area each day requires the city to spread the project out over two years, says Richard.

He says the city will try to keep two lanes of traffic open at all times during the road work, but caution is still urged and drivers may be forced to travel slower than usual.

Phase one of the project will begin on Mapleton Road about 30 metres north of Trinity Drive and it is expected to continue down Mapleton Road to the Aliant building. Richard says if funds remain from the $5.5 million allotted for this year, work will continue until they run out.

Part of the $5.5 million budgeted this year will purchase land along the road and also to move underground power and telephone lines.

Phase two, taking place next year, will continue up Mapleton Road to the Trans-Canada Highway and it will also see the remaining 30 or so metres leading up to Trinity Drive widened.

Further compounding potential traffic jams along Mapleton Road this year is work the Department of Transportation will be doing on the bridge just south of Trinity Drive on Mapleton Road. The overpass that extends over Wheeler Boulevard will be undergoing some work to prepare it for widening which is scheduled to begin next year.

The bridge is owned by the province, so the DOT will be taking care of that work.
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Botsford Street to be widened this summer
Street will be widened to three lanes between Wheeler Blvd. and Mountain Road

Times & Transcript Staff
Published Thursday April 10th, 2008
Appeared on page A8

Road work close to downtown Moncton will likely create more of a bottleneck than is already there during peak traffic times along Botsford Street this summer.

But the City of Moncton's director of design and construction says the headaches it may cause Metro drivers are "short-term pain for long-term gain."

"It's going to be an impact" on drivers, says Alcide Richard, "But we're going to try to mitigate that as much as possible."

The $1.42-million project will see Botsford Street between Wheeler Boulevard and Mountain Road widened from two lanes to three, says Richard. The project is an important one in terms of improving traffic flow from the downtown area into Lewisville, onto Shediac Road and onto the highways heading to Shediac, Sackville and beyond.

Currently, the two-lane road gets bottlenecked during peak hours with cars backed up as far as Queen Street with drivers trying to get to and from work.

The addition of a third lane should ease some of that pain.

The project, to be funded entirely by the city, encompasses Botsford Street from just above Mountain Road all the way to Wheeler Boulevard. Part of that route right beside Moncton High School is already three lanes wide, so Richard says the work will begin right where the road becomes two lanes.

Because the area is so busy, there will likely be detours in place, directing traffic onto King Street or elsewhere.

Richard says a public presentation will be held around the time work is set to begin to show residents exactly what is going on. He urges anyone travelling through the area to seek alternative routes not only to make travelling easier but also to make the road work easier to finish.

The call for tenders for this job is set to close on April 28, and each one will be presented to city council on May 5. Work is expected to begin around May 20 and to be completed by July 29, unless delays get in the way.

Additional work will be done on Mapleton Road just north of Trinity Drive this summer and along a stretch of Mountain Road, so it will be a busy time for road workers and a difficult time for drivers in the region.

But Richard says like the work on Vaughn Harvey and Assomption Boulevards last summer, the end result should prove to be beneficial to Metro drivers.

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Are two stores leaving Champlain Mall locations?
Samuel & Co., Pseudio's leases expiring, store owners hope to remain in the Metro market

Times & Transcript Staff
Published Thursday April 10th, 2008
Appeared on page C2

Samuel & Co. and Pseudio in Champlain Place are closing.

Both stores, which are owned by the same company, have signs in their windows indicating they are closing in three weeks, when their lease expires. It's unclear whether they will be moving to a different location in the mall or moving to another location somewhere in Metro.

Lorna Hustins, director of stores with Pseudio, which also owns Samuel & Co., said from her Nova Scotia office yesterday that the stores' leases are expiring and they are currently in negotiations with the mall to secure new leases in a different part of the shopping centre.

Otherwise, they may seek locations outside of the mall, but Hustins says either way, the company hopes to keep the stores in the Metro Moncton market.
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Royal Oaks golf course to expand
Metro golf course expects its 24,000-square-foot clubhouse to be ready in June

By Gerard McLaughlin
Times & Transcript Staff
Published Thursday April 10th, 2008
Appeared on page C2

Seven years after it opened, the Royal Oaks Estates & Golf Course is now beginning to feel complete.

"It's not like we're starting from scratch but this is going to make everything a lot more convenient," said manager Ron Goguen Jr. of a new start-of-the art clubhouse the facility will present this spring.

Gone is the former pro shop and restaurant, plus a multi-seat tent facility that was erected each spring to host summer gatherings.

In its place will be a 24,000 square foot clubhouse that will feature multi meeting rooms, a large banquet room, a year-round restaurant, and a wrap-around deck that will present views of the entire golf course.

The upper level of the clubhouse will include the banquet facility, the kitchen and restaurant, the pro shop and the balcony.

The lower level will contain meetings rooms, a halfway house grab and run canteen, men's and ladies locker facilities, club and cart storage.

Really, the clubhouse is only a part of the story of exciting happenings at the course.

Also under construction at Royals Oaks is a new 40-unit condominium, plus a total new entrance to the course.

At some point this summer, the roadway joining the South and North Oaks portion of the project will be paved and the main entrance will then be changed.

"With the new entrance it'll be a much easier drive," offers Goguen. "There won't be sharp corners to navigate. It'll be much less confusing for people that are new to the area. Bottom line, the new entrance is just more simple."

Goguen said the official completion date for the clubhouse is early June but course officials are hoping to operate out of some rooms when the season begins in May.

"Depending on the start of the season, assessments will be made day to day," he said.

Goguen said the clubhouse couldn't be arriving at a better time.

"You learn to get by and make things work but after being in the business for seven years we know what direction we want to go and it's time to get working at that," he said.

"We are a semi-private club that caters to corporate events and this new building will facilitate that business model perfectly,"

"The way our banquet facility, kitchen and dining room will all be set up we can accommodate a 200 person wedding and that doesn't effect our bar or restaurant at all. Our restaurant will be open all the time"

The new facility will promote not only weddings but Christmas parties and all sorts of corporate functions from seminars to both golf and winter sports outings.
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Downtown Tim's building to be leased

Published Thursday April 10th, 2008
Appeared on page A5

With the 30-year-old Tim Hortons on the corner of Main and Weldon Streets in Moncton closing on May 31, it leaves an important question -- what will happen to the lot it currently sits on?

Corey Craig Enterprises, owner/operator of all the Tim Hortons in Metro Moncton, owns the building and the land on the corner of Main and Weldon Streets right across from Highfield Square.

Craig O'Neill, vice-president of operations for Corey Craig Enterprises, says the company will likely lease the downtown property.

O'Neill says the building would be suitable for a dentist or lawyer's office because of its size and location.

The company may consider selling the property, but O'Neill says it is more likely going to lease it. The company is currently seeking parties that may be interested in leasing the building.

The Times & Transcript reported yesterday that Corey Craig Enterprises was shutting down the Tim Hortons operation on the corner of Weldon Street. Citing traffic flows changing over the years, O'Neill says the Tim's location simply wasn't doing the same business it had years ago. Meanwhile, O'Neill is unwilling to say whether or not one Timmie's shutting down in the downtown may leave room for another to pop up in a nearby location. The growing business sector that is Vaughn Harvey Boulevard, where a brand new Sobeys and Alcool NB Liquor store stand, might be the optimal place for a new Tim's location, but O'Neill wouldn't say much about it.

"I can't really say, to be honest with you," he says. "I can say that it's a place that we've looked."

[ErickMontreal]

Update - Uptown Dieppe
http://www.hautevilledieppe.ca/media_uploads/jpg/thumbnails/27.jpg

The building foundations are done.

[mylesmalley]

Update - Uptown Dieppe
http://www.hautevilledieppe.ca/media_uploads/jpg/thumbnails/27.jpg

The building foundations are done.

Love everything about this project. It's enormous!

...though the guy walking in front in the diagram looks... well creepy.

[ErickMontreal]

Taxpayers won't see profits from the real estate side of the golf club operation

http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=114255&size=400x0
A new condominium under construction at Royal Oaks Estates. ‘Basically the profit from the sales of the lots goes to support the cost of the course because the golf course increases the cost of the lots,’ says Stephen Johnston.

Nathan White
Telegraph-Journal
Published Friday April 11th, 2008
Appeared on page A1

MONCTON - Slow growth can kill developments that combine luxury housing with a high-end golf course, says a top golf consultant

But slow growth at Royal Oaks Estates & Golf Club won't affect New Brunswick taxpayers, because they won't see any profits from the real-estate side of the operation.

The Liberal government has converted the club's $4.8 million debt, stemming from a 1998 loan guarantee, into preferred shares. The province will receive 50 per cent of the club's net profits until the debt is paid back.

Clearing the debt will allow the club to borrow to complete a new clubhouse it hopes will increase revenue, as well as a 40-unit condominium project.

Stephen Johnston, president and principal of Global Golf Advisors Inc., said the potential to make millions combining a golf course with residential development usually lies on the real estate side. Meanwhile the golf course drives up property values, but isn't worth nearly the cost of construction.

However, should Royal Oaks net millions in real estate deals, the government would be no closer to recovering taxpayers' money. Vince MacDonald, general manager of Royal Oaks Real Estate Inc. said the repayment is entirely tied to Royal Oaks Golf & Country Club, which operates as a separate company.

"Real estate profits are not involved in this transaction whatsoever," he said.

The golf course at Royal Oaks cost $13 million to build, but Johnston estimated a similar course that makes $500,000 a year would only sell for $4 to $5 million.

"The difference they put into the cost of the lots," said Johnston, who holds the Canadian record with 49 holes in one. "Basically the profit from the sales of the lots goes to support the cost of the course because the golf course increases the cost of the lots."

For example, if lot values went up by an average of $40,000 and the real-estate development had 700 lots, a developer could make $28 million.

"The problem is, that only holds true if you can sell the lots," said Johnston. "If you sold them in five years"¦ it's probably worth it."

But "if it takes you 20 years, then that value is basically not worth anything," said Johnston. "That's the missing link with real estate and golf."

Some residents say delays and undelivered promises are commonplace in Royal Oaks, which opened in 2000. Just 170 of the planned 850 residential units will be filled when The Oaks condominiums open, scheduled for July.

"I don't think any development company would be satisfied with its pace of growth no matter what it might be,-We think we're accelerating the growth rate currently and we're highly optimistic we're going to continue to see that growth rate increase over the next several years."

MacDonald said 2018 would be a reasonable estimate for when the development will be complete. Lots average between $40,000 and $70,000 and Royal Oaks oversees home construction as well.

But even if the piles of debris that now sit on empty lots turn into piles of cash from luxury homes, New Brunswickers have to bank on the golf course itself turning a profit to get their money back.

MacDonald said Royal Oaks is hopeful the new clubhouse will allow it to host banquets and other events year-round, increasing its profits and doubling its workforce to 20. There's also hope of a professional golf event in the future.

[ErickMontreal]

Graham Government Anticipating A Positive Future For New Destination Casino

April 11, 2008 - 6:05 am
By: Terri Wallace News 88-9 Staff

SAINT JOHN, NB - As Casino Nova Scotia cuts back on jobs and hours of operations, the Province of New Brunswick is anticipating a positive future for a new destination casino.

Finance Department Spokesman, Marc Belliveau says the Graham Government is considering casino bids and is about a month away from a decision.
He says there's a big difference between the Halifax casinos and the one coming in New Brunswick.

He says it's all about knowing your market and diversifying services.

Casino Nova Scotia owner, Great Canadian was disappointed with the financial results for 2007, gaming revenue for the two casinos was down 6 percent compared to the previous year

[mmmatt]

I hope they come out with the results soon :)

[mmmatt]

Love everything about this project. It's enormous!

...though the guy walking in front in the diagram looks... well creepy.

True, its a massive development for the area...Dieppe is becoming a powerhouse of great development, its really exciting!

[ErickMontreal]

I hope they come out with the results soon :)

Absolutely, we going to know where Casino/hotel and Couthouse as well will be located.

By the end of may we should be fixed.

[ErickMontreal]

True, its a massive development for the area...Dieppe is becoming a powerhouse of great development, its really exciting!

Yeah. Moreover, Dieppe exceeds Moncton in term of building permit value so far this year.

Dieppe :: 20 million
Moncton :: 13 million

[mmmatt]

Yeah. Moreover, Dieppe exceeds Moncton in term of building permit value so far this year.

Dieppe :: 20 million
Moncton :: 13 million

Wow! thats impressive! however that will most likely change once we get into the summer, with the courthouse etc.

[ErickMontreal]

Wow! thats impressive! however that will most likely change once we get into the summer, with the courthouse etc.

You`re right, so for a city that size this is quite impressive

[mmmatt]

30,000-plus already gone

Eager fans line up for first crack at tickets for Aug. 2 mega-show

By Brent Mazerolle
Times & Transcript Staff
Published Saturday April 12th, 2008
Appeared on page A1

http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=114604
Tom Jenicek of Moncton was first in line at the Moncton Coliseum yesterday, where he picked up 12 VIP tickets.

Promoters of this summer's Magnetic Hill Music Festival were ecstatic with first day ticket sales yesterday, as more than 30,000 were scooped up by music fans across Atlantic Canada and beyond.

The Aug. 2 music extravaganza featuring the legendary Eagles, joined by John Fogerty, KT Tunstall and the Sam Roberts Band proved it was the hottest ticket around with the opening day box office figures.

"This is a terrific start," said Donald Tarlton, Chairman of Donald K. Donald Group, which is co-promoting the show with AEG Live.

"We're thrilled that more than 30,000 fans are guaranteed to enjoy this great show," he said, adding he expected many more fans would want to take advantage of the early bird weekend special. The early bird discount on General Admission tickets is only offered until end of day Monday.

"Don't be disappointed," Tarlton said. "Now is the time to get your tickets. Make sure you're part of the hottest event to hit Atlantic Canada this summer."

While the Magnetic Hill concert site has room to accommodate tens of thousands more General Admission fans, the number of VIP reserved grandstand tickets available were said to be rapidly disappearing.

Even with so many tickets available, some Eagles fans weren't taking any chances yesterday. The first ticket buyer for the show, Moncton's Tom Jenicek, got to the Coliseum at 5:30 a.m. He was there to get 12 VIP tickets when the doors opened at 10 a.m.

Jenicek was joined by more than 100 diehard fans who were in for the long run, but it seems most people chose life in the fast lane instead, doing their shopping through several other convenient means.

The 81 Sobeys stores across Atlantic Canada are also selling tickets, and if the new Moncton Sobeys on Vaughan Harvey Boulevard was any indication, Sobeys probably sold more Eagles than chickens yesterday. A cashier said at supper time last night they had sold at least 500 tickets at that outlet alone.

As well, business was brisk through Moncton's ticketing system, with a special call centre set up at Moncton's city hall to complement the work being done at the Coliseum.

Speaking before Donald K. Donald Group went public with sales figures last night, Ian Fowler, the City of Moncton's general manager for recreation, parks, tourism and culture said he couldn't discuss sales because that was the promoter's prerogative.

A smiling Fowler did however allow that, "it has been a very good day." With this much fan enthusiasm out of the starting gate, it looks like that may have been an understatement. It looks certain Aug. 2 will be an even better day for Metro Moncton.

[mmmatt]

New coffee house opens in Riverview

Specialty coffee shop features local coffee, snacks and an easy-going lounge atmosphere

By Eric Lewis
Times & Transcript Staff
Published Thursday April 10th, 2008
Appeared on page C2

http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=113524&size=300x0
Kevin Steen, seen with employee Lisa Gautreau, has opened Damascus Coffeehouse on Coverdale Road in Riverview.

Kevin Steen and his father Ron are hoping to fill a void in Riverview with their new business venture -- a coffee house.

Damascus Coffee has been open for just over a week in Riverview, in the same building as Walton's Bakery at 710 Coverdale Rd., but many may not have noticed it, as the signs were only put up and lit this week.

The coffeehouse has been a dream of Kevin's since 2000. It was inspired by watching the sitcom Friends. The gang of friends on the television show always hung out in a small coffeehouse called Central Perk.

"That's where it came from," Steen says. "Wouldn't that be neat to have? Really, there needs to be a place to go and relax with friends and enjoy good coffee and products. And that's what started it. It's been a long process that's come close a couple times."

Last year, with Ron Steen retiring from his position in the finance industry in Halifax and moving back to Riverview, the father and son duo thought it would be the perfect time to make a go at the coffeehouse.

The name Damascus has Christian connotations, Kevin notes, saying the Steens chose it to represent the spiritual and business processes necessary to get the business off the ground. The coffee shop is open to anyone however, and he encourages people to come in, grab a hot cup of coffee or a single latté expresso from their handmade Italian expresso machine and lounge in front of the fireplace.

"We have an environment here that we're very thankful for," he explains. "It's very tranquil, peaceful. If you want to come in here and sit for two hours with your friends in front of the fireplace, you're more than welcome. It's more of a coffeehouse."

He feels the coffeehouse fills a niche that was needed in Riverview.

The shop serves DownEast Coffee, which is based in Notre-Dame, and it features scones, muffins and other goodies made by the Riverview-based Cake Box. Smoothies and panini sandwiches are also available.

The price for a medium coffee at Damascus is $1.75, while a single latté will run you $3.25.

In addition to food and drink, the coffeeshop boasts free wireless Internet access as well as a 200-square-foot conference room available for booking meetings.

There are two full-time staff and four part-time staff working at the shop, which is open Monday to Wednesday from 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 7 a.m.-9 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. It is closed on Sundays.

The shop is also available for renting for different functions throughout the week. If someone wants to rent it during the hours it is closed, Steen says staff will be provided and it would be catered to the client's needs.

The younger Steen has a background in marketing in new media, so he has been using Facebook and other Internet means to spread the word of the shop, which he says has been bustling since it opened.

He plans a newsletter to be distributed regularly to customers that will feature all kinds of odds and ends, some from the customers themselves. He hopes to create a community based around the coffee shop.

True to the TV show Friends, Steen is also considering featuring local acoustic musical talent on a regular basis as well.

[mylesmalley]

Good lord, 30,000 tickets in one day?!

[mmmatt]

Good lord, 30,000 tickets in one day?!

Yeah crazy eh? I wonder what the ammount was for the Rolling Stones 1st day? Ill look it up, it would be interesting to compare, might show how many total tickets we could see sold.

EDIT...well I didnt find the ammount for the first day, but they sold 75,000 in the first five haha, I doubt this show will be as large as the Stones, Im expecting around 55,000ish more than the last two years mega-concerts, but it wont touch the Stones...That show was just too well booked, the openers were much better.

[Wishblade]

Yeah crazy eh? I wonder what the ammount was for the Rolling Stones 1st day? Ill look it up, it would be interesting to compare, might show how many total tickets we could see sold.

I think the first day of the stones sales in Moncton there were about 50,000 sold. I could be wrong though.

[mmmatt]

I think the first day of the stones sales in Moncton there were about 50,000 sold. I could be wrong though.

That sounds about right...just too bad the times and transcript doesnt keep an archive online, otherwise we could know easily...

[mmmatt]

Interesting that this site would place Moncton on the Canada map, and not the Capital...strange

http://www.kijiji.ca/

[mylesmalley]

not sure if anyone posted this already. Admittedly it's pretty old, but people seem to be (i think unfairly) down on the airport lately.
International Air Cargo Trans-shipment Program Launched at Greater Moncton International Airport
2/7/2008
Moncton
Today, the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, launched an International Air Cargo Trans-shipment program at Greater Moncton International Airport (GMIA).

This program allows Canadian and foreign carriers to be authorized by the Canadian Transportation Agency to carry international cargo trans-shipments coming from and destined to points outside Canada via GMIA even if the rights are not provided in Canada's bilateral air transport agreements. For example, a European all-cargo airline could land at GMIA for onward trans-shipment of the goods by another airline or by road to a final US destination. This will further enhance Moncton’s position as an inter-modal hub for the Maritimes and an efficient trans-shipment point for international cargo.

“We are extremely pleased that the Government of Canada, and in particular Transport Canada, has recognized the Greater Moncton International Airport (GMIA) as an official air cargo trans-shipment centre”, states Rob Robichaud, President & CEO, of Greater Moncton International Airport. “This announcement supports our goal of growing our air cargo presence internationally, and we thank all levels of government and our many public and private sector partners for supporting the GMIA with this very important initiative.”

The Greater Moncton International Airport, as New Brunswick’s largest and busiest international airport, is established as New Brunswick’s air cargo and integrator hub due to its strategic location at the geographical heart of the Maritimes, and its positioning at the crossroads to major rail lines and the Trans-Canada Highway. The GMIA has a strong cargo market, offering over 100 all-cargo flights per week while handling over 24,000 metric tonnes annually. Since privatization in 1997, GMIA’s cargo volumes have increased by 75%.


- 30 -


The Greater Moncton International Airport Authority is a not-for-profit entity mandated to manage local airport assets on behalf of the community.

For more information :
Johanne Gallant
Director, Airport Commercial Development
Tel.: 506-856-5435
Fax: 506-856-5431
Email: jgallant@gma.ca

[mmmatt]

Eagles fans snap up early bird tickets

City's volunteers man the phone banks all weekend; VIP tickets near sell-out

By Brent Mazerolle
Times & Transcript Staff
Published Monday April 14th, 2008
Appeared on page A1

http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=115056
Bryan Lem takes a call at City Hall where the City of Moncton set up their own call centre to take care of Eagles ticket orders.

How did the City of Moncton pull off the largest grossing concert in Canadian music history?

How is it that same show was the Rolling Stones' largest show of its 2005 North American tour?

Why is it Moncton will host The Eagles, John Fogerty, K.T. Tunstall and Sam Roberts Band August 2, a show that, as of this writing, is the biggest music event scheduled in Canada this year?

Some might think it's just geography, or the natural amphitheatre at the Magnetic Hill concert site. But between you and us, let's admit that other cities have highways and hills too.

A number of promoters who have dealt with Moncton in the past few years have said the city's strength is in finding ways to make things happen rather than looking for 10 reasons why something won't work.

If anyone needed an example of that, they need only look at this weekend in Moncton, when the city's ticketing system passed its first big test with flying colours.

While promoters of the Magnetic Hill Music Festival could not be reached last night, indications were the more than 30,000 ticket sales on Friday were followed up with strong numbers throughout the weekend.That's likely to continue today as the last chance to buy General Admission tickets at early bird prices comes to an end.

To handle the intense call volumes and Internet volumes expected when Eagles tickets went on sale Friday morning, the City of Moncton's Recreation, Parks, Tourism and Culture department set up a temporary call centre at the top of city hall.

There, about 30 employees from literally almost every branch of city government volunteered their time to become call centre operators.

If you called for tickets locally, you talked to the usual expert staff at the Moncton Coliseum. But if you called from every province in Canada and much of New England, as people did Friday and Saturday, you might have talked to someone who's normally a 911 operator or a horticulturalist or an IT specialist.

If you're surprised by this, so were the promoters, who only learned of it after the grand experiment had surpassed even the city's hopes. Recreation, Parks, Tourism and Culture's Ian Fowler admitted yesterday he was looking back at some sleepless nights this week and an amusing call to Donald Tarlton of Donald K. Donald Group on Saturday night.

Jillian Somers, who had the task of putting the whole thing together in the past couple months, agreed it was unusually bold not to involve the promoters, but insisted they would have worried needlessly.

"We knew our people could do it, but the promoter didn't," she said.

There were the normal delays because of high call volumes, but the system suffered none of the outages so often seen whenever and wherever big concerts go on sale.

As well, IT specialists led by the city's Dan Babineau, in conjunction with experts from Audience View which runs Moncton's ticketing network, prevented the Internet from crashing under the weight of as many as 800 transactions occurring at a time.

Fowler said it was a success for a number of reasons, but mainly because of so many staffers going above and beyond under the direction of Somers and Shane Porter.

The sixth floor of city hall also happens to be home to Moncton's command centre to handle civic emergencies, so the site had much of the infrastructure to handle this much happier sort of communications challenge. Nevertheless, Aliant and Audience View were also heavily involved in preparing for the weekend.

When the Rolling Stones came to Moncton in 2005, online and phone ticket sales were handled through Ticketmaster. After that, the City of Moncton decided to go it alone through the services of Audience View. The Eagles, therefore, are the first large-scale test of Moncton's new way of doing business, a model that gives the city a share of ticket revenues.

While Audience View has the big volume experience of handling ticketing for the Toronto Blue Jays, this weekend's Moncton experiment was also a big test for the company, which had a war room on standby in Toronto Friday in case anything should go wrong.

Nothing did, though in a separate development, there was some scrambling by city staff Friday to ship extra hard copy tickets to some of the Sobeys stores in Atlantic Canada, when they sold out faster than expected. About one-third of all tickets sold on the weekend were purchased at Sobeys stores, and Somers said sales were particularly strong in Newfoundland and Cape Breton.

Somers said the enthusiasm of the volunteer city staff, buttressed by training sessions and a last-minute pep rally Thursday, was mirrored by those Eagles fans who called in.

"We sold to a woman in Inuvik on Saturday," Somers said. "She said her husband has waited all his life to see The Eagles. It seems every call we got, we got a story, they were so excited to have gotten through."

The city hall "box office" has now closed, but the regular professionals at the Coliseum box office are still on the job to take calls, Internet purchases and sell tickets in person. They are also still available at all 81 Sobeys stores in Atlantic Canada. It was unclear at press time if there were still VIP tickets available, but it appears most are gone.

[mylesmalley]

That's what we need, a direct flight to Inuvik!

[Helladog]

Interesting that this site would place Moncton on the Canada map, and not the Capital...strange

http://www.kijiji.ca/

Yeah, Saskatoon is there but not Regina too...guess there are more ads from Moncton.

[mmmatt]

Dieppe: A great place to fly a kite!
April 14, 2008 - 5:43 pm
By: Allan Dearing - News 91.9 Staff

DIEPPE, NB - The Dieppe International Kite Festival is only four years old but the event is already attracting worldwide attention.

Dieppe has been named one of the top ten places in the world in which to fly a kite by "USA Today" in its travel section.

Other popular kite flying locales including San Diego, California, Jaipur, India and Dieppe, France.

Last year the kite festival brought about 50,000 people to Dieppe.

Event officials are thrilled - but not surprised - by the recognition

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/10great/2008-03-27-10-great_N.htm

[mylesmalley]

Riverview to get new 72-bed nursing home
Province announces private-sector partnership deal to build three for-profit care facilities by 2010

By Mary Moszynski
Times & Transcript Staff
Published Wednesday April 16th, 2008
Appeared on page A1
A private company will build a new for-profit nursing home in Riverview as part of a pilot project that will see government partner with the private sector to help alleviate the number of seniors occupying hospital beds while waiting for a placement in a home.

Shannex, a company that operates for-profit nursing homes in Nova Scotia, announced it will spend $112 million and create about 450 jobs to open three 72-bed nursing homes in the next two years.

Three communities -- Riverview, Quispamsis and Fredericton -- will see Shannex build and operate a retirement home, assisted living facility and nursing home.

The company owns Royal Court retirement home in Riverview and will open a 60-suite special care residence in the summer of 2009. The 72-bed nursing home will open in the fall of 2009. Construction will begin this summer.

The Quispamsis facility will also open in 2009, while the Fredericton home will open in 2010.

"Within 30 months, the three communities will be able to offer their seniors three levels of care on each one of our campuses," said Shannex president Joe Shannon.

This is the first public-private partnership announced by government to operate nursing homes. All existing nursing homes in the province are not-for-profit entities.

Government has a five-year contract with Shannex and will pay the company a per diem of roughly $213 per day, per patient. That compares to the roughly $240 per diem given to new not-for-profit nursing homes in the province.

When determining the per diem, government includes mortgage costs for both profit, and not-for-profit nursing homes.

The company is able to turn a profit because of the large-scale of the business and developing long-term relationships with its clients, said Shannon.

"Because we have so many people living on one campus, it certainly enables us to offer very affordable rates to our (residents) as well achieve those economies," said Jason Shannon, chief operating officer of the company.

"These are long-term investments that we're making."

All seniors waiting for a nursing home placement will still need to go through the existing lists, meaning a senior can't simply choose to pay to live at a Shannex nursing home. The new homes are subject to the same regulations and licensing requirements as existing homes. Residents will also be charged the same rates -- up to $70 a day.

"It gives us an opportunity to blend the two associations we have -- our not-for-profit nursing homes and the for-profit -- to complement each other very well," said Social Development Minister Mary Schryer. "We also want to make sure that, moving forward, we can analyze as far as cost-effectiveness goes and the delivery of service."

There are about 400 seniors in hospital beds waiting for placement in a care facility. About 92 beds -- or 25 per cent -- at The Moncton Hospital are occupied by seniors waiting for long-term care, while more than 60 were occupied at the Dr. Georges-L-Dumont Regional Hospital last summer.

The cost of keeping a senior in a hospital bed is $600 a day, compared to about $117 in a special-care home, depending on the senior's level of care.

The short-term measures implemented by government to alleviate some of the waiting lists, such as additional special-care home beds, will continue until the new facilities are built, said Schryer.

Simone Comeau, a resident of Royal Court, said she likes the idea of being offered three different levels of care.

"It's a home away from home," she said of Royal Court. "It's the best move I ever made. And I hope it's my last one. If I have to go further, what I like is I can just take a little car and drive there to the nursing home or assisted living, whatever it is."

Pat Diotte, president of the New Brunswick Nursing Home Association, said the additional beds are needed. However he expressed concern about allowing the private sector to operate nursing homes.

"Sometimes in service industries if profit is there, profit can become the number one goal and when that happens then it's not so good for the public. We've been ensured by the government this will not happen in that case."

Shannex acknowledged hiring and retaining skilled workers is the largest challenge facing the company. The company will require nursing home attendants, nursing staff, human resources staff and construction workers.

A "centre of excellence" will be established in Fredericton and offer training via video-conferencing. The company will also offer competitive wages, said Jason Shannon.

"Where our success has been, and what our residents appreciate, is knowing that they can move into these campuses while they're still independent and have very few health-care needs but knowing that no matter what happens there will options available for them."

Riverview Mayor Clarence Sweetland said the new facilities will serve Metro Moncton's growing senior population.

"I'm a believer in the private sector. I'm confident they'll do well in New Brunswick and serve our seniors well," he said.

"I see the logic there. These levels of care are necessary and apparently people have been asking for it so I think it's a great thing."

[mylesmalley]

Tories cry foul over Royal Oaks deal
April 16, 2008 - 5:38 am
By: Darrell Quann - News 91.9 staff



MONCTON, NB - The opposition Tories are crying foul over the Liberal Government's recent decision to accept shares in Moncton's Royal Oaks Golf Course.
The governing Liberals recently accepted an unspecified amount of shares in the course worth approximately five million dollars to offset a government loan granted to the course in 1998.
The Tories say the deal has raised more than a few eye brows.
The course is owned by Ron Goguen Sr., who is also President, CEO and board member of Land Drill International.
Another board member of Land Drill is Alan Graham father of Premier Shawn Graham.
Goguen founded and was the CEO of major drilling until he stepped aside in 2000.
Francis McGuire then took over that role
Before that McGuire was Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Tourism during the Frank McKenna years, and was recently appointed chair of NB Power after developing Shawn Graham's self-sufficiency scheme.
Frank McKenna is also a former board chair at Major Drilling and it was his government that initially gave Goguen and Royal Oaks the $3.3 million loan.
The course hasn't been able to pay back the loan.
The government will make 50% of all net profits from the golf course.




- The conservatives will reach at anything. Funny how none of them have made a stink over how the provincial ombudsman is the one investigating the French Immersion issue. Might not seem untoward, except he used to be the Progressive Conservative education minister who was a very strong supporter of the traditional French Immersion system. Bias? No way!

This is a small province. If you start digging at names, you'll find pretty quickly that it isn't a big stretch to find family connections in a lot of businesses. Just because a minister's third cousin's brother's fiance works for a company that got a government grant, doesn't mean it's playing favorites.

[ErickMontreal]

Textile jobs

Minister of Business New Brunswick Greg Byrne will take part in a job announcement in Moncton on Thursday. We're told that the former Tandem Fabrics on Mill Road, which had ceased operations in 2005, is reopening under new ownership, and will be known as Tandem Textiles. There is government help, but no word to what extent.

http://www.c103.com/default.asp?mn=1.40.85

[ErickMontreal]

N.B. invests $2.4M in historic Moncton mill
40-plus employees will work at Mill Road textile business

By Mary Moszynski
Times & Transcript Staff
Published Thursday April 17th, 2008
Appeared on page A1

Business New Brunswick Minister Greg Byrne will be in Moncton today to announce government assistance for the creation of 44 jobs at the city's historic textile mill.

Government will provide Tandem Textiles Inc. a six-year forgivable loan of $1.43 million and a 10-year repayable $1 million loan as the business breathes new life into the mill on Humphrey Brook at Mill Road.

Byrne will announce the assistance will help with capital costs, facility upgrades, as well upgrades to environmental and water recycling equipment.

"We're committed to supporting our New Brunswick companies and it's encouraging to see a company such as Tandem Textiles partnering with the government to invest in its operation to reopen this facility," said a government source. "By helping this facility, we're helping it to modernize, to be innovative and to upgrade technologies in order for it to be successful."

The mill has a rich history in Metro Moncton, having operated since at least the late 1820s. Initially used to saw lumber and grind grain, it became a woolen mill when John Albert Humphrey moved to the area in 1850.

The textile factory has had several owners -- most recently Tandem Fabrics -- but shut its doors in June 2005, signaling what seemed to be the end of an era.

However a Moncton developer, with a passion for old buildings, saw a market for high-end textiles.

Dick Carpenter of Heritage Developments saw a niche for textiles intended for aircraft seating, hospitals and cinemas. "It is a fully integrated mill. You can take the raw product to make yarn. It's very impressive to see what is in there," Carpenter said in an interview last June. "The infrastructure would cost millions and millions to replace."

Carpenter has said the business also complements a number of companies he already owns, including one that rebuilds locomotive and train cars.

"The other thing is it is disappointing to see our manufacturing infrastructure eroding in the province. When you walk in and see a place like that, you think you need to try to do something before you just give up," he said in June.
________________________________________________________________________________________

Asurion call centre moves into new digs

Alan Cochrane
Cochrane report
Published Wednesday April 16th, 2008
Appeared on page C2

Asurion, a Tennessee-based company which provides services to the wireless communications industry, will soon move its Moncton location to a new building.

The new building at 11 Ocean Limited Way (on the former CN Shops property) is more than 7,000 square feet larger than the current office space. It will be used by Ausurion call centre workers responsible for roadside assistance and handset insurance service for subscribers across North America. More room is needed for extra staff brought in during the busy summer season.

The new location will have more space for parking, employee lockers, conference rooms, training facilities and large lunchroom.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Bikini Village opens in Metro

Times & Transcript staff
Published Thursday April 17th, 2008
Appeared on page C2

Bikini Village, a retail chain famous for its brand-name swimwear and beachwear, has opened its first Metro Moncton store, in Champlain Place in Dieppe.

The store, number 58 in the chain, opened yesterday, offering a large selection of summer beach-type apparel with warm summer weather just around the corner.

Bikini Village has stores across Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia.

Among the top-name clothing brands sold are Roxy, Christina, Gottex, O'Neill, OP, Anne Cole, Guess, Body Glove and Tommy Hilfiger.

Shoppers will be able to find everything they need in beachwear to fit their needs, style and silhouette year-round, said a spokesman.

"Always on top of the latest international trends, Bikini Village differentiates itself by podium-inspired collections," said Yves Simard, president and CEO of Groupe Bikini Village Inc.

Over the past 25 years, Bikini Village has "positioned itself as the unique destination for beachwear and swimwear in all its markets. We are now proud to open our 58th store" in Metro, he said.

[mmmatt]

We're moving!! I guess its not a secret anymore haha..Ive known since last year.

[mmmatt]

Textile jobs

Minister of Business New Brunswick Greg Byrne will take part in a job announcement in Moncton on Thursday. We're told that the former Tandem Fabrics on Mill Road, which had ceased operations in 2005, is reopening under new ownership, and will be known as Tandem Textiles. There is government help, but no word to what extent.

http://www.c103.com/default.asp?mn=1.40.85


Great news! 40 good jobs is always a good thing.

[ErickMontreal]

We're moving!! I guess its not a secret anymore haha..Ive known since last year.

That move will end-up with a positive absorption. (7000 S/F)

Good news !

[mylesmalley]

I'm guessing you work for Assurion, not Bikini Beach, eh?

Although come to think of it, Bikini Beach wouldn't be such a bad spot to work.

Either way, both stories are great news.

[mylesmalley]

All I can say to this is that, a casino isn't going to make it any easier to gamble than it already is. In fact, having a supervised facility is probably a lot better for everyone.




Group calls for public casino consultations
Times & Transcript staff
Published Thursday April 17th, 2008
Appeared on page A11
The Evangelical Fellowship of Greater Moncton is calling on the general public to lobby for public consultation meetings before approving construction of a gambling casino in New Brunswick.

The negative effects of gambling are well documented, said the fellowship. It can lead to addiction, family breakdown, massive debt and even suicide.

The fellowship, led by Rev. Sterling Penney, is encouraging pastors to address the issue from the pulpits and the public to write and e-mail MLAs asking for public consultations.

Twenty-eight pastors and community representatives attended a recent meeting to express concern that the province was willing to proceeding with the plan for a casino without first consulting the public.

The fellowship represents evangelical churches and religious organizations in southeast New Brunswick.

[mmmatt]

The gambling situation right now with the 50 mini casinos running VLTs is much worse than a central casino which is better supervised.

[mylesmalley]

Less than a month now until we get the good news! Fingers crossed for something huge.

[someone123]

Maybe this is buried somewhere in this thread but I came across this rendering for a courthouse complex in Moncton (Gottschall Square) at Studio-Works.ca:

http://www.studio-works.ca/images/proj2pe.jpg

This could be the basis of the actual development or just conceptual. Not much information is given.

[acrew79]

Hey All .. .Just wondering if we have heard any updates lately about the proposal ( or the " stupid" thought) that the city wanted to put in a 5 entry rotary to imalgamate the intersections of

Collishaw,
Killam ( East/west)
Purdy,
and Makenzie ( or whatever the street is facing Collishaw)
as well as have an entry point to the double double sportsplex from Killam?

and get rid of the Set of Lights.

[ErickMontreal]

Maybe this is buried somewhere in this thread but I came across this rendering for a courthouse complex in Moncton (Gottschall Square) at Studio-Works.ca:


This could be the basis of the actual development or just conceptual. Not much information is given.

Wow, thank you !

They talk about a 20-25-story building along with a 18/15-story building.


:: GOTTSCHALL SQUARE ::

Urban renewal project set into the downtown core of Moncton, New Brunswick. Redevelopment of entire city block bounded by Queen, Steadman, Main and King Street. To include convention centre, Office building, residential highrise, shopping area and hotel.

http://www.studio-works.ca/images/proj2pg.jpg

http://www.studio-works.ca/images/proj2pe.jpg

http://www.studio-works.ca/images/proj2p.jpg

http://www.studio-works.ca/images/proj2pa.jpg

http://www.studio-works.ca/images/proj2pb.jpg

http://www.studio-works.ca/images/proj2pc.jpg

http://www.studio-works.ca/images/proj2pd.jpg

[JasonL-Moncton]

:: GOTTSCHALL SQUARE ::

THAT^.. would be AMAZING!

[ErickMontreal]

THAT^.. would be AMAZING!

Agreed, its by far the better proposal that came out in Moncton since Assumption Place.

[ErickMontreal]

There is a Federal building that got built along King street couple years ago, this could be a indication that we are dealing with a old rendering.

Anyhow, the major part of the block is currently for sale, the price tag is $ 4 200 000

[GUB]

Scotia Square anyone? THAT^.. would be AMAZING!

[mylesmalley]

Holy sh*t that's enormous! How could none of us have heard about it? When i first saw it, i thought i must have clicked on a halifax thread with Someone123 having posted it.

On a different note, the roundabout is on track as far as I know. As of last night though, nothing has changed there at all. The thing to bear in mind though is that this isn't going to be some massive traffic circle like at the causeway or Hall's Creek. It's going to be a smaller 'european' style roundabout. In England etc, they often put them at the end of on/off ramps on freeways and at major intersections because they are better at handling large amounts of traffic than traditional lighted intersections. As well, i can't even imagine what a five-way stop would look like. It'll definately take some getting used to though.

[ErickMontreal]

Holy sh*t that's enormous! How could none of us have heard about it? When i first saw it, i thought i must have clicked on a halifax thread with Someone123 having posted it.

Definitely ! :)

That could really make-up the downtown entrance and giving a new life to the skyline.

I wonder how serious is it though. Even Downtown Moncton did not talk about it.

[ErickMontreal]

Scotia Square anyone?

Bla bla bla ... bla

At the end of the day, this is more valuable than dealership and a handful of unattractive buildings. Is it not ?

[mylesmalley]

I like how the taller building doesn't front Main street. There are more and more 4/5 story buildings going up along King and Queen and this would make a fantastic centerpiece.

[ErickMontreal]

I like how the taller building doesn't front Main street. There are more and more 4/5 story buildings going up along King and Queen and this would make a fantastic centerpiece.

Agree with you. Moreover, if "Heritage properties" win the battle for courthouse, the building risk of being located right in front of the new complex. A pedway could be conceivable.

In any case, that would really transform,in a favourable way, the Main/King axis.

[mylesmalley]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/36/Swindon_Magic_Roundabout_eng.svg

[mmmatt]

WOW! Thats an awesome proposal! :D I have a feeling this was just a dream kinda thing, but its a great dream none the less...

[mylesmalley]

More immigrants fast-tracking to N.B.
Last Updated: Friday, April 18, 2008 | 3:18 PM AT Comments0Recommend1
CBC News
New Brunswick saw a large increase in the number of immigrants applying to come to the province in 2007.

About 1,500 immigrants applied to come to New Brunswick in the 2007-08 fiscal year through the provincial nominee program, compared to 952 in 2006-07 and 24 in 1999-2000. The program fast-tracks immigrants through the federal queue to fill gaps in provincial labour markets.

Population Growth Secretariat Minister Greg Byrne said the immigration application increases are related to the province's promotion of New Brunswick as a place to relocate.

"Not only are we attracting more immigrants, we are taking specific actions to make sure they stay," Byrne said.

The government is investing in multicultural associations and language training, said the minister.

The Population Growth Secretariat is also processing 416 files, Byrne said.

"The added resources we have put into our immigration has meant that we are now able to process more applications simultaneously," said the minister.

[ErickMontreal]

WOW! Thats an awesome proposal! :D I have a feeling this was just a dream kinda thing, but its a great dream none the less...

Just one of these buildings could be great ! :haha:

http://www.studio-works.ca/images/proj2pf.jpg

[mmmatt]

Just one of these buildings could be great ! :haha:

http://www.studio-works.ca/images/proj2pf.jpg

Very true, what would be amazing is if something like this was built for the casino/convention center/hotel/retail project which we could see approved soon...I highly doubt it would happen, but its a nice thought :D

[ErickMontreal]

Very true, what would be amazing is if something like this was built for the casino/convention center/hotel/retail project which we could see approved soon...I highly doubt it would happen, but its a nice thought :D

Well, just the fact someone had proposed something like that in this city represents a huge step forward as well as great improvement. Franckly, this project blow out the water all projects I`ve seen up to now in Moncton.

That could work with the support of the City hall attached with a huge marketing plan in order to lease apartment / condo units. Moreover, the anchor could have been the courthouse, the 15/18-story building along Main street proposed on the rendering is quite suitable for the courthouse project.

A such high-end project can only draw attention and quality tenants. Actually, I don`t think Moncton city council could approve a such ambitious project, they prefer to focus on 4-story concrete building (sarcasm)

[mmmatt]

Well, just the fact someone had proposed something like that in this city represents a huge step forward as well as great improvement. Franckly, this project blow out the water all projects I`ve seen up to now in Moncton.

That could work with the support of the City hall attached with a huge marketing plan in order to lease apartment / condo units. Moreover, the anchor could have been the courthouse, the 15/18-story building along Main street proposed on the rendering is quite suitable for the courthouse project.

A such high-end project can only draw attention and quality tenants. Actually, I don`t think Moncton city council could approve a such ambitious project, they prefer to focus on 4-story concrete building (sarcasm)

hahaha very true Erick a project like this could easily be a great success if it was supported properly with marketing and whatnot, and I'm sure it would draw considerable attention just for being so awesome! I hope quality development is on the next city governments mind more-so than the current (not that there were not quality projects built during the time of Mitton et al, but they just didnt support enough I feel...for example the stupidness of the veridoc development etc)

[ErickMontreal]

hahaha very true Erick a project like this could easily be a great success if it was supported properly with marketing and whatnot, and I'm sure it would draw considerable attention just for being so awesome! I hope quality development is on the next city governments mind more-so than the current (not that there were not quality projects built during the time of Mitton et al, but they just didnt support enough I feel...for example the stupidness of the veridoc development etc)

You`re right, the current city council made a decent job overall but the Verdiroc issue make me forget everything else. Moncton have to grab opportunities when it comes mainly when the city handles "major league development" like this.

Anyway, I am just quite curious to know the status of that project and who proposed it.

[Smevo]

That project would be great, doubtful that it's too serious (or at least near to realization) since nobody heard about it before though.

As for the roundabout, not sure where it is offhand, but roundabouts seem to be the new trend in major intersection design, judging from recent proposals. If you want to picture what a 5-legged traffic-light-controlled intersection would look like (and work like), picture the Smythe/King/Brunswick/Woodstock intersection in Fredericton. There are a couple of examples elsewhere too, but that's one that should be familiar to at least Matt and Myles anyway. :)

[mylesmalley]

The roundabout is supposed to be at the junctions of Colashaw, Killam, Edinburg, some other street, and the extension of the road through the Commons, which I think is called Russ Howard Lane.

Good point Smevo. I HATE that intersection, too. For some reason, I always take the wrong street there.

[ErickMontreal]

GOTTSCHALL SQUARE PROPOSAL

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3163/2424834680_1c5bf43d40_o.jpg

:: Ownership ::
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1 :: Heritage Properties :: For Sale : $4 200 000

2 :: Suzanne Trottier ::

3 :: Riverview Plaza Ltd :: For Sale : $425,000

4 :: Gale RayJal ::

5 :: Mapleton Place Development ( Custums Building ) ::

6 :: CAA Building ::

7 :: Housing subdivision ::

[ErickMontreal]

Well, even though that proposal still on devlopement it would be more difficult than I though to get it started. It could cost to the promoters around 7-9 million dollars just to buy the lands. Moreover, they need to clean the whole land before the first shoveling in aim to get built the underground parking lot.

[mylesmalley]

Well, even though that proposal still on devlopement it would be more difficult than I though to get it started. It could cost to the promoters around 7-9 million dollars just to buy the lands. Moreover, they need to clean the whole land before the first shoveling in aim to get built the underground parking lot.

A lot of money. At the same time though, two towers that tall would probably clost 80 million or more. I don't know a lot about property development, but I'd think 10 to 20 percent of your total costs being for property and site preperation would be fairly reasonable.

[mylesmalley]

GOTTSCHALL SQUARE PROPOSAL

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3163/2424834680_1c5bf43d40_o.jpg

:: Ownership ::
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1 :: Heritage Properties :: For Sale : $4 200 000

2 :: Suzanne Trottier ::

3 :: Riverview Plaza Ltd :: For Sale : $425,000

4 :: Gale RayJal ::

5 :: Mapleton Place Development ( Custums Building ) ::

6 :: CAA Building ::

7 :: Housing subdivision ::

Nice map! where do you get all that info though?

[ErickMontreal]

Nice map! where do you get all that info though?

Thank you. I got it from Colliers International (Moncton) website. They are the broker for Heritage Properties.

[ErickMontreal]

A lot of money. At the same time though, two towers that tall would probably clost 80 million or more. I don't know a lot about property development, but I'd think 10 to 20 percent of your total costs being for property and site preperation would be fairly reasonable.

Good point and estimate Myles.

I dont know more about development.

:: My estimate ::

Residential Tower (100 to 200 apartment/condo units) :: $25 to $30-million
Office Tower/Restaurant/Retail (15/18-story) :: $20 to $30-Million
Convention Center / Hotel :: $30-Million
Parking-Lot (500) :: $10-Million
Property and site Preperation :: $10 to $15-Million

To me this projet could cost $95 to $115-Million dollars

[mmmatt]

That project would be great, doubtful that it's too serious (or at least near to realization) since nobody heard about it before though.

As for the roundabout, not sure where it is offhand, but roundabouts seem to be the new trend in major intersection design, judging from recent proposals. If you want to picture what a 5-legged traffic-light-controlled intersection would look like (and work like), picture the Smythe/King/Brunswick/Woodstock intersection in Fredericton. There are a couple of examples elsewhere too, but that's one that should be familiar to at least Matt and Myles anyway. :)

Yes that intersection is retarded, I always hate turning left from Smythe to Woodstock...I always feel like Im gonna end up in the wrong place haha, I feel bad for new people in the city who drive through there for the first time :S scary stuff.

[mmmatt]

GOTTSCHALL SQUARE PROPOSAL

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3163/2424834680_1c5bf43d40_o.jpg

:: Ownership ::
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1 :: Heritage Properties :: For Sale : $4 200 000

2 :: Suzanne Trottier ::

3 :: Riverview Plaza Ltd :: For Sale : $425,000

4 :: Gale RayJal ::

5 :: Mapleton Place Development ( Custums Building ) ::

6 :: CAA Building ::

7 :: Housing subdivision ::

Nice map! you should send it to the people who proposed it haha, bet you they dont even know this much! haha

[mmmatt]

Good point and estimate Myles.

I dont know more about development.

:: My estimate ::

Residential Tower (100 to 200 apartment/condo units) :: $25 to $30-million
Office Tower/Restaurant/Retail (15/18-story) :: $20 to $30-Million
Convention Center / Hotel :: $30-Million
Parking-Lot (500) :: $10-Million
Property and site Preperation :: $10 to $15-Million

To me this projet could cost $95 to $115-Million dollars

Id say thats a fair estimate, a lot of money, but Im sure they would see a good return if they did it right.

[ErickMontreal]

Id say thats a fair estimate, a lot of money, but Im sure they would see a good return if they did it right.

Well, like you said, the income for both the city and the promoters for a such projet could be quite considerable. If we look at it, its not that much it could be roughly the same cost bracket than Uptown Dieppe.

Just imagine the impact of it on the skyline make me dreaming

[mmmatt]

Well, like you said, the income for both the city and the promoters for a such projet could be quite considerable. If we look at it, its not that much it could be roughly the same cost bracket than Uptown Dieppe.

Just imagine the impact of it on the skyline make me dreaming

Yeah, if I had photoshop nearby I could do up a little sketch of it...dreaming is fun, but Im very excited to see some more realistic proposals, which we should be soon for the casino progect as well as the courthouse. :D

[ErickMontreal]

Yeah, if I had photoshop nearby I could do up a little sketch of it...dreaming is fun, but Im very excited to see some more realistic proposals, which we should be soon for the casino progect as well as the courthouse. :D

Frankly, I still think the Casino project got to be located Downtown, I could be quite ennoyed to see it out of the core. The long-term impact of it could be enormous for the downtown and on the viablities of handfull small and mediem-sized business that are waiting too long to get something built.

[ErickMontreal]

The GOTTSCHALL proposal is the kind of project I wished for too long, I mean SJ will get a similar project, why not Moncton ?

Of course, this is prematured and inappropriate to talk about it as something serious but it deserves we try to know more about it.

[mmmatt]

Frankly, I still think the Casino project got to be located Downtown, I could be quite ennoyed to see it out of the core. The long-term impact of it could be enormous for the downtown and on the viablities of handfull small and mediem-sized business that are waiting too long to get something built.

Very true, if the province places it anywhere BUT downtown they obviously dont care about downtown Moncton...because without this development there will be MANY upset businesses, and I personally dont like seeing that...in a gorwing city we should not have trouble with urban development, the backward ideas of suburban development are foolishness, once we invest more into downtown and make it more attractive to locals, tourists and business people...THEN we can develop the finge areas...but I mean within the past 3 years there have been about four new hotels built on the fringes of the city, one of which is six stories! I guess money talks and its makes more sence money wise for a hotel to be built right beside the highway...oh well, Im hoping this year will bring some nice urban projects *crosses fingers*

[ErickMontreal]

Very true, if the province places it anywhere BUT downtown they obviously dont care about downtown Moncton...because without this development there will be MANY upset businesses, and I personally dont like seeing that...in a gorwing city we should not have trouble with urban development, the backward ideas of suburban development are foolishness, once we invest more into downtown and make it more attractive to locals, tourists and business people...THEN we can develop the finge areas...but I mean within the past 3 years there have been about four new hotels built on the fringes of the city, one of which is six stories! I guess money talks and its makes more sence money wise for a hotel to be built right beside the highway...oh well, Im hoping this year will bring some nice urban projects *crosses fingers*

Very well said Matt. The thing I really appreciate in regard to that analysis is the fact KMPG-the firm that launched the last market assessment - was clear, Moncton downtown was the more suitable/profitable/viable place to get it done in the province and the firm still is involved in process. Moreover, the suburban supporters used to say : " there is no place in downtown to get done a such project, downtown is not a tourist magnet". Bullshit, there is a lot of room in downtown to get it done properly , just to take a look at the GOTTSCHALL project to see what we could acheive with limited space.

[mylesmalley]

Very well said Matt. The thing I really appreciate in regard to that analysis is the fact KMPG-the firm that launched the last market assessment - was clear, Moncton downtown was the more suitable/profitable/viable place to get it done in the province and the firm still is involved in process. Moreover, the suburban supporters used to say : " there is no place in downtown to get done a such project, downtown is not a tourist magnet". Bullshit, there is a lot of room in downtown to get it done properly , just to take a look at the GOTTSCHALL project to see what we could acheive with limited space.

I'm pretty confident downtown will be picked.

Being at the edge of town could have one advantage though:

The beaver lumber lot would finally be out of Verdiroc's control! I think city council would be pretty quick to tell them that they've had more than enough time to do something, and if they contiue to dilly dally, somebody else will get a chance.

[ErickMontreal]

I'm pretty confident downtown will be picked.

Being at the edge of town could have one advantage though:

The beaver lumber lot would finally be out of Verdiroc's control! I think city council would be pretty quick to tell them that they've had more than enough time to do something, and if they contiue to dilly dally, somebody else will get a chance.

The only advantage but a huge one ! So we should keep our finger crossed that the courthouse won`t land on this lot. Anyway, if Verdiroc lose and the courthouse is being built away of it, the city could try to acheive a master plan along with the private. In some extent it could even include Assumption parking lot and the Correctional Centre.

They could do a REAL requests for proposals.

[ErickMontreal]

Mayor race heats up
Candidates have side-by-side discussion about their plans for leading Moncton

By Brent Mazerolle
Times & Transcript Staff
Published Saturday April 19th, 2008
Appeared on page A1

Editor's note: The two men who want to be the next mayor of Moncton sat down together with the Times & Transcript's editorial board yesterday to show where they stand on the issues. A coin toss determined who answered the initial question first, and the candidates alternated after that.

Here's what they have to say about some of the things that matter to you:

Times & Transcript: What's the very first major item you will pursue as mayor?

Pierre Michaud: I would like to lead council into performing better. The first thing would be to sit down with council and look at what we need to function as a council. I think this is a very important election because right now there are at least four new seats. I don't think the training (of new councillors) in Fredericton is sufficient. As mayor, you are the leader of council. You have to establish the relationship and after that get down to work.

George LeBlanc: I agree getting council pulling together in the same direction, with city staff, on priorities is very important. One of the very first things I intend to do though is take a hard look at the tax rate in the city and how the city spends money. I intend to create a special committee which will review the way the city spends money and the level of taxation we have, and to have it report back to council within four months. It will advise and make recommendations on whether we can cut the level of taxes while still meeting the important goals we have set for the city.

T&T: What leadership will you bring to jump-starting downtown development?

LeBlanc: What I would like is to get council to make its priorities on what it would like to do with downtown development and look at how we might put together a proposal for a multi-use facility downtown -- it might include an arena, it might include convention facilities, it could also include entertainment and museum space -- but a multi-function facility that would really get downtown moving.

Having said that there would have to a realistic plan for financing it. It has to be economically feasible and we have to get a proper business plan. But that is one way we can really get things moving.

Michaud: Over the past few months I've been walking downtown and seeing restaurants and stores closing and second and third floors empty. That's a fact. We need to densify the downtown area and we need more people living in the downtown area. We need more businesses in the downtown area to create this downtown. As far as other things in the downtown, we'll have a justice building being built. The police station is one of the things that has to come up at some point and council will have to decide do we want to be in the business of owning this premises or should it be somebody else?

And of course, in order to densify the downtown area the most likely thing we could see is possibly the movement of the coliseum to downtown, but not the way it's set up now. It has to be multifunctional and has to answer the needs of people downtown. Most importantly it has to be something the population wants. We need a downtown, but how much money can we spend on it?

T&T: The amount of property tax collected by the City of Moncton has grown to $85 million in 2008 from $55 million, a jump of 55 per cent in a period where inflation climbed by less than 10 per cent. Will you work to lower the tax rate?

Michaud: I think what we have to do is be creative. We have to try to maintain the tax rate and at one point I think we will have to lower it because competition from neighbouring cities will force us. Being cost effective and how tax dollars are being spent, we will have to look at that. We also have to look at where in the budget have we seen major increases and can we control these expenses?

The minute you create an asset in this city, you have to maintain it and remember in the long run you will have to replace it. The Moncton Coliseum is a good example. The coliseum is costing the city a lot of money. Is it producing revenues? Yes. But is it cost effective? Should we be looking at a different kind of coliseum that is more cost effective? That's the way you'd be lowering expenses.

There are only a few ways to cut taxes. You have to cut services. If you cut services, the next council will have to decide how much of your money we want to spend on recreation, the fiscal on protection and so on. Some of these budgets are quite fixed, like the police contract.

The biggest challenge for the new council is the four main collective agreements with city employees will come to maturity. We need to start planning on that. The press in December (on senior management salaries) makes one thing sure, the unions are going to come out and ask why this has happened.

LeBlanc: Will I try to lower taxes? The short and simple answer is yes.

I have always been concerned about the levels of taxes we pay to all levels of government. I'm also very concerned that we have to spend our money carefully. As a taxpayer, I don't want to pay any more taxes than I have to. I fundamentally believe a fair and competitive tax rate is absolutely essential to this being a prosperous city. If taxes are too high then people and businesses are not going to want to come here. My pledge is that I will lead a council that is very careful in how it spends taxpayers' dollars and that we will find a fair and competitive tax rate.

The two fundamental pillars of my vision and action plan are that in everything we do we try to focus on and enhance the quality of life in the city, and secondly that we will aggressively seek opportunities for prosperity.

In the past four years the budget of the city has grown by $40 million. We have to recognize that has been in part because of the growth of the city. But we also have to realize every single dollar of those increases has been committed or spent. I think we have to do everything we can to keep that tax rate competitive and to try and reduce taxes, provided it doesn't impair our ability to meet those two pillars I have.

T&T: Policing costs have doubled in the 10 years since the RCMP has taken over policing our streets and the costs keep rising because of salaries imposed by Ottawa. Will you look at a return to a municipal police force? Is that an option?

LeBlanc: I come back to my fundamental about enhancing quality of life. Feeling safe and secure in this community is an absolutely essential part of that. That's one of the factors of building a community people want to live in and want to come to. The RCMP are doing a great job, working hard for the people of Moncton. Having said that, I think it's very, very important for the administration of the RCMP to understand that cost is a very significant issue for this community. Council has to take a very hard look at the cost and work with the RCMP to see how those costs can be reduced. As for returning to a municipal force, it seems to me that's an extremely significant decision that I would want input from the community on before making that decision. That's the kind of decision the community would want to be involved in.

Michaud: We will have to look at that before the contract matures in 2012. We will have to look at how we police. Can we afford RCMP when we have no control over that expense? Or can we find enough police officers to police this community with the types of crimes we have now? We have organized crime, prostitution, drugs and now we're starting to see commercial crimes. Can we handle all of that and do we have a facility in Atlantic Canada that can train these police officers for the size of the city we have and the growth we're experiencing?

T&T: There is at least a perception that City of Moncton staff have too much authority and council has too little. What are your thoughts on this?

Michaud: It's one of the 32 statements in my platform. My past performance in every business has been governance, has been looking at transparency. It's looking at what we give as a contract to our (city) manager and how often does he have to report back. I was amazed in December's budget process that it had been 19 years since the city manager has been in place and no one has questioned the salary increases nor the position increases over those years. It's not normal that you do that. You have an employee, but you still have to give an employee working orders and have them report back to you. If within these orders he cannot perform, he has to come back to council. Secret meetings. There's a need for secret meetings. Some things have to be secret. But there needs to be more transparency. The council needs to connect with citizens, and that's what I plan to do.

LeBlanc: I've been going door to door and talking to people in the community and I agree there is that perception among some people that perhaps council doesn't have enough control over things. I would say this first of all. It's pretty clear that the mayor and council have to assume a leadership position with respect to the priorities of the City of Moncton. It's also very clear the mayor and council are ultimately accountable to the people of the city. That's where it all has to start from. The strategic direction and energetic leadership has to be shown by the mayor firstly and secondly by council.

Having said all of that, I know we're blessed with a very professional and energetic staff at city hall. The challenge is to get everybody pulling in the same direction.

[ErickMontreal]

Moncton: Pierre Michaud mise sur le centre-ville
Acadie nouvelle
Mise à jour le vendredi 11 avril 2008

MONCTON - S'il est élu maire de Moncton le 12 mai, le développement du centre-ville se retrouvera en tête de liste des priorités de Pierre Michaud. Toutefois, il estime que la municipalité doit abandonner l'idée de financer la construction d'un centre des congrès, un projet beaucoup trop dispendieux.

Pierre Michaud a lancé son programme électoral devant une quarantaine de partisans réunis au Théâtre Capitol, hier midi. Les grandes lignes de ce programme s'articulent surtout autour du développement économique, mais aussi du développement social et communautaire.

_________________________________________________________________________________

GOSSIP FROM N.B.’S FAVOURITE RUMOUR-MONGER
Published Saturday April 19th, 2008
Appeared on page D10

The fancy new BMW-Mini dealership on Ferdinand Boulevard in Dieppe takes place on Monday. Owned by the Lounsbury Co. Ltd., the dealership will be the only one of its kind in New Brunswick.

[ErickMontreal]

So far, I think my vote will go to Leblanc.

[mmmatt]

So far, I think my vote will go to Leblanc.

Probably for myself as well, basically whichever seems more apt to promote downtown development is #1 on my list :)

[ErickMontreal]

:: Moncton Downtown ::
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2083/2419413025_3f8cb4f248_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2328/2417750192_8916d64f43_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3181/2398792336_f359fdc4cc_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3186/2397963561_cef0e05dca_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3262/2398793578_6612f04545_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2373/2419390513_c8256e541e_b.jpg

By Patrick Arseneau :: http://www.flickr.com/photos/25524684@N08/

[mmmatt]

Awesome shots!! That first one is amazing :D

[mylesmalley]

Awesome shots!! That first one is amazing :D

Fantastic shots

The first one is my new wallpaper

[mmmatt]

Fantastic shots

The first one is my new wallpaper

Me too, and I asked the photographer if I could use it on Wikipedia :cool:

[Smevo]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3262/2398793578_6612f04545_b.jpg

Reminds me of a certain tune.
I hate traffic lights
I hate traffic lights
I hate traffic lights
I always want to finish it with "but only when they're green", but that makes no sense, just how I remember it. Then again, foolish songs like that often don't make any sense. :haha:
Anybody else know the one I'm talking about or am I just a weirdo. :haha:

[mylesmalley]

Reminds me of a certain tune.
I hate traffic lights
I hate traffic lights
I hate traffic lights
I always want to finish it with "but only when they're green", but that makes no sense, just how I remember it. Then again, foolish songs like that often don't make any sense. :haha:
Anybody else know the one I'm talking about or am I just a weirdo. :haha:

It's been my experience that the times I think I'm crazy for thinking something, I'm usually right. :jester:

However, I'm awesome that way :notacrook:

[Smevo]

Wait a sec, I just remembered, it isn't "I hate traffic lights", it's "I like traffic lights (x3), but only when they're green". I think it was one of those fringe songs that my older sister liked for being so stupid (she's weird like that). :jester:

I'm not crazy afterall! Ok, I am, but not because of that! :haha:

[ErickMontreal]

It is hard to speculate on a such project mainly when you do not know much about development assessment but I just get it done according to what have been done elsewhere.

:: Verdiroc / Ashford Properties / Paragon Gaming / Cyr Holding / Marriott Int. ::

:: Casino ::

Components :: 600 to 800 slot-machines
Size :: 70 000 S/F
Cost :: 100 to 130 million-dollars

:: Hotel (Marriott/Cyr) ::

Number of Rooms :: 150 to 250
Cost :: 20 to 30 million-dollars

:: Convention center / Performance Venue / Restaurant ::

Convention center

Size :: 60 000 S/F
Cost :: 30-million dollars

Performance Venue / Restaurant

Number of Seats :: 1500
Cost :: 10 to 15 million-dollars


Total :: 160 to 205 million-dollars

[mmmatt]

It is hard to speculate on a such project mainly when you do not know much about development assessment but I just get it done according to what have been done elsewhere.

:: Verdiroc / Ashford Properties / Paragon Gaming / Cyr Holding / Marriott Int. ::

:: Casino ::

Components :: 600 to 800 slot-machines
Size :: 70 000 S/F
Cost :: 100 to 130 million-dollars

:: Hotel (Marriott/Cyr) ::

Number of Rooms :: 150 to 250
Cost :: 20 to 30 million-dollars

:: Convention center / Performance Venue / Restaurant ::

Convention center

Size :: 60 000 S/F
Cost :: 30-million dollars

Performance Venue / Restaurant

Number of Seats :: 1500
Cost :: 10 to 15 million-dollars


Total :: 160 to 205 million-dollars

Thanks! Thats probably a bit of a lofty estimate for this casino though, Id probably ball park it more around the 100 million dollar range...but to tell you the truth I hope you are right! :D injecting 200 million dollars into a downtown is always a good thing thats for sure :)

[ErickMontreal]

Thanks! Thats probably a bit of a lofty estimate for this casino though, Id probably ball park it more around the 100 million dollar range...but to tell you the truth I hope you are right! :D injecting 200 million dollars into a downtown is always a good thing thats for sure :)

You are likely right so the Paragon Gaming in Edmonton was 178 -million without a convention center. I hope the Verdiroc project will be valuable because the Magnetic hill going to be huge, thats for sure.

[mmmatt]

You are likely right so the Paragon Gaming in Edmonton was 178 -million without a convention center. I hope the Verdiroc project will be valuable because the Magnetic hill going to be huge, thats for sure.

Really? So I suppose a casino plus convention center and hotel could be in the 150-200 million range, thats a nice thought...I hope we end up with a nice hotel tower out of this at least...Im hoping for more than 6 floors on this one, 8 would be awesomely amazing, and 10 would be the best thing ever to happen...heres hoping!!

[ErickMontreal]

Really? So I suppose a casino plus convention center and hotel could be in the 150-200 million range, thats a nice thought...I hope we end up with a nice hotel tower out of this at least...Im hoping for more than 6 floors on this one, 8 would be awesomely amazing, and 10 would be the best thing ever to happen...heres hoping!!

Well, the project in Edmonton includes Casino/Hotel (260 rooms)/restaurant and a arena (4-ice Tim Horton style). Frankly, If thats project end-up downtown, it would be surprising to get a hotel under 6-story.

I could say humbly I think the fact Magnetill is completely dead in winter period while a downtown location could be valuable all year long could be a favorable factor for Verdiroc.

[mmmatt]

Youre right, Magnetic hill is not alive during the winter, as all the activities are outdoor summer oriented things (water park, zoo etc) whereas downtown is more winter geared with indoor activities like champlain place and crystal palace near by. So this could help the decision.

I looked up the River Cree casino one (paragons venture in Edmonton) looks pretty nice:

http://www.merrittandharris.com/images/hotnews_cree_1.jpg
Credit:www.merrittandharris.com

Looks like 9 stories to me...and the hotel is a Marriott as well.

Here it is U/C in 2005...man what I would give to have that in downtown Moncton right now :) Cant wait for that announcement
http://www.abgaminginstitute.ualberta.ca/images/River_Cree_Casino_small.jpg
Credit: www.abgaminginstitute.ualberta.ca