The Official Moncton, NB Project Thread

[MonctonRad]

I'm sure that no one has mentioned this, and I just noticed this the other day...........

There is a four storey 55 unit condominium project under construction on Diamond Head Court, off of Oak Ridge in Magnetic Hill Estates. It is just south of Mountain Road, and just to the east of Glad Tidings Church.

Construction is well under way......in fact they are working on the fourth floor as we speak.

Judging from the layout of Diamond Head Court, I expect that this will be a multi-unit development with other condo complexes to be built in the future.

This whole area of the city has exploded in the last five years. Magnetic Hill Estates is now fully connected to the Kingwood area south of Mountain Road. There are hundreds of houses that have appeared out of nowhere.

No wonder they are building the new north end (English) school and planning a new French school as well.

:tup:

[MonctonRad]

Little Caesar's Pizza is about to open it's second location in Moncton, in the Valhalla Place strip mall on Mountain Road. Panago opened it's new store on Plaza Blvd. just two weeks ago.......

[mylesmalley]

It's been a good few months for the pizza aficionados! I'm about a year behind right now. Just tried Papa John's about two weeks ago.

I hope the market isn't as saturated as the fats on those pies :haha:

[MonctonRad]

The co-branded Tim Horton's/Wendy's on Coverdale Road in Riverview is now officially triple branded.........

It is now a Tim Horton's/Wendy's/Cold Stone Creamery.

Cold Stone recently opened in Shediac as well. I wonder if there are other openings soon..........

[-Harlington-]

The co-branded Tim Horton's/Wendy's on Coverdale Road in Riverview is now officially triple branded.........

It is now a Tim Horton's/Wendy's/Cold Stone Creamery.

Cold Stone recently opened in Shediac as well. I wonder if there are other openings soon..........

theres about three or four of those tims cold stone creamy places in the halifax area and i think they are planning on making more im not sure but i think i heard from someone that tims is going to try to make one in all of them but i think there just expanding it now.

[mylesmalley]

I was listening to a repeat of The Drive with Dan Alstrand. He was interviewing a guy from the city responsible for street repair planning. He mentioned that Killam drive is being resurfaced from Mountain to Purdy in anticipation of a new roundabout and an extension of Russ Howard Drive in 2012.

[JasonL-Moncton]

Holy crap I just heard that the first portion of Main St. is already 'done' being resurfaced, the lines are even painted!

[gehrhardt]

Did they get MRDC to do it? Man, they can resurface sections of Rte 2 in a few days. :)

BTW, I'm in Rome right now guys, and I can tell you that Moncton is a very clean city. Stoop and scoop, people. :yuck: Come here if you want to see some density, though. I'll never complain about Moncton traffic again.

[mmmatt]

The co-branded Tim Horton's/Wendy's on Coverdale Road in Riverview is now officially triple branded.........

It is now a Tim Horton's/Wendy's/Cold Stone Creamery.

Cold Stone recently opened in Shediac as well. I wonder if there are other openings soon..........

I tried it in Shediac last weekend (it was a hot day and the lineup was far outside the door) They ran out of probably 75% of their flavors by the time I got mine...The one I got was very good though, incredibly sweet...need to eat very slow haha.

[mmmatt]

Holy crap I just heard that the first portion of Main St. is already 'done' being resurfaced, the lines are even painted!

Yeah its basically all done except for the crosswalks...very impressive.

[mmmatt]

I was listening to a repeat of The Drive with Dan Alstrand. He was interviewing a guy from the city responsible for street repair planning. He mentioned that Killam drive is being resurfaced from Mountain to Purdy in anticipation of a new roundabout and an extension of Russ Howard Drive in 2012.

That's awesome! that will be a huge shortcut going through the city coming from millennium.

[JasonL-Moncton]

Yeah its basically all done except for the crosswalks...very impressive.

Yah I hope they are putting the crosswalks back...drove down main last night and it really doesn't look as nice without them... :(

JL

[BlackYear]

It's been a good few months for the pizza aficionados! I'm about a year behind right now. Just tried Papa John's about two weeks ago.

I hope the market isn't as saturated as the fats on those pies :haha:

Speaking of new pizza places in Moncton, Antonio's just open their doors at the Elmwood Plaza next to Blockbuster. www.antonios.ca

I had one on Sunday and it's already one of my favorites because they offer stone oven pizza, not an automated conveyor belt oven.

[MonctonRad]

Yah I hope they are putting the crosswalks back...drove down main last night and it really doesn't look as nice without them... :(

JL

They're going to be pressing a crosswalk design into the asphalt, just like in front of the Moncton Hospital. It's OK, but I rather liked the brick better. I do understand however the cost of maintaining the brick in our climate but it's still rather sad to see it go.............:(

BTW, is anyone else a little distraught over how quiet thing are right now in terms of new announced projects? I'm getting a little tired about announcing new pizza joints! :haha:

[riverviewer]

Well the tending is up on Friday for "BERNICE MACNAUGHTON HIGH SCHOOL ACCESS AND WHEELER BLVD. INTERSECTION UPGRADE - RESURFACING - ST. GEORGE BLVD." So maybe we will see some action there soon.

Oh and as for downtown, I noticed the tender deadline has passed for "Placement and Removal of Main Street Flower Pots".

from http://www.moncton.ca/Moncton__Our_Tide_is_Rising___/Tenders.htm#QP10-042

[MonctonRad]

Oh and as for downtown, I noticed the tender deadline has passed for "Placement and Removal of Main Street Flower Pots".

Sounds like it's going to be a long slow summer in metro Moncton! :(

But on the other hand, Regis Philbin and his Orchestra is going to play Casino NB!!! :haha:

[Phil_5]

There is also a building under construction on Champlain street. It is said that it will have apartments/studios and commercial space to rent. The three story structure should be finished by September 2010.

I will try to post a picture later. :)

[David_99]

Well that red house on the corner of Gordon and High was finally demolished. Maybe something is starting there?

[Phil_5]

Here's a pic of the building under construction on Champlain street. (near Mathieu-Martin High School) :
http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/1707/dscn1276g.jpg

[MonctonRad]

@ Phil_5

That's a Biiiiiiiiiiig picture for a small building :haha:

@ David_99

That building was likely just demolished because of the recent fire and because of the vagrants who had been living there.

Still, it's nice to fantasize that a shiny new mixed use development might get started there soon. That's a full city block, easily visible from Vaughn Harvey Blvd. Anything over five stories tall would really change the character of that part of the west end of downtown. :tup:

And on a final random note from Champlain Place..............Quilts etc. has decamped from their old location near The Gap to a new location next to Costa Blanca. Their old storefront, and the adjacent Sony Store location are now being renovated together, presumably for a single larger store of some form.

[Phil_5]

I'm sorry for the size of that picture, I will try to correct that. :jester:

[mylesmalley]

They're going to be pressing a crosswalk design into the asphalt, just like in front of the Moncton Hospital. It's OK, but I rather liked the brick better. I do understand however the cost of maintaining the brick in our climate but it's still rather sad to see it go.............:(

BTW, is anyone else a little distraught over how quiet thing are right now in terms of new announced projects? I'm getting a little tired about announcing new pizza joints! :haha:

I know what you mean.

I guess in fairness we're coming off a pretty big year for major projects. There's still a lot of work being done around the city. Quite a bit of infill residential downtown. Not to mention large apartment buildings in several parts of the city. Less noticeable, but still important are the major expansions to two industrial parks as well as the fairly brisk pace that lots are filling up. It only took a couple years for the newer half of the Dieppe Industrial Park to fill in completely. MID is full. Caledonia is seeing some huge developments. Hell, even the Victory industrial Park is seeing some love with the new roundabout and Russ Howard Dr extension in teh works.

Worry not, MonctonRad. The city is still humming.

[MonctonRad]

Worry not, MonctonRad. The city is still humming.

Oh I know, there is a lot going on, especially residential construction in the northwest end and around Dieppe Blvd, Industrial expansion at the MID, Caledonia and Dieppe industrial parks, expansions at NBCC Moncton, Crandall University and U de M, and the new retail cluster at Findlay Park but there are no new signature developments in the offing like the stadium, casino or courthouse.

The downtown in particular has been quiet. We need to have some word soon on projects like the new downtown arena and Valmond Robichaud's condo/apartment proposals.

Cities are defined by their downtown cores. Right now, there's a lot more going on in the downtowns of smaller cities like Charlottetown and Fredericton rather than in Moncton. With the end of federal stimulus funding in sight, I fear that Moncton has missed the boat. :(

[JasonL-Moncton]

Noticed them pooring the concrete bed on the new Mapleton Overpass this am as I flew under it.

JL

PS> Who is booking those shows at the Casino...dear God...Regis Philbin!?

[acrew79]

hey All forum-ers :P

Just wondering if anyone has any news on Summer Concert at Mag-Hill? is there even going to be one?

Also .. unconfirmed sources indicate that the Mapleton Power Center has investers,,however they are waiting for the US $$ situation to improve prior to comitting, as well they are waiting for all road / bridge construction to be fully complete..

Swiss Chalet Source has un-officially confirmed that they have a rental agreement with the new property, they are simply waiting for the building to be built..

[D3nZ]

With Bono and his back problems we can take U2 out of the picture.

[MonctonRad]

hey All forum-ers :P

Just wondering if anyone has any news on Summer Concert at Mag-Hill? is there even going to be one?

Nothing to hear I'm afraid and I think that this year will be a write-off. The IAAF World Championships are taking a big chunk out of summer and there are conflicts between this event and the touring schedules of major acts.

Also .. unconfirmed sources indicate that the Mapleton Power Center has investers,,however they are waiting for the US $$ situation to improve prior to comitting, as well they are waiting for all road / bridge construction to be fully complete..

Swiss Chalet Source has un-officially confirmed that they have a rental agreement with the new property, they are simply waiting for the building to be built..

Good to hear. Verdiroc has been a disaster for the city. I presume that the new partner for Ashford is from the USA?

Swiss Chalet has long been rumoured as part of this development. I presume that The Brick and Best Buy are still committed. Anchors like this would help to draw other tenants.

I understand that they want to wait for the roadwork to be completed but maybe we'll see some action on this development by the late summer.......:tup:

[mylesmalley]

I appreciate the traffic problems this could create, but having seen how fast crews can resurface main st when it's completely closed has really made me wonder why we try so hard to keep roads open at all. Instead of doing it in one quick job, they drag out the pain of congestion for days or weeks depending on the length of the project. How quickly could Mapleton have been widened had it just been closed in sections as needed?

[JasonL-Moncton]

Noticed when I dropped the wife at the mall this morning that the strip mall across from Champlain Place is almost completely gone, they tore most of it down yesterday, and looking at the progress the remainder should be gone by about midday today.

The Ultramar on the corner was previously torn down.

JL

[MonctonRad]

:previous:

I'm looking forward to the realignment of Paul Street......this should be quite nice.

also:

Has anyone else noticed that the delapidated strip mall in front of NBCC Moncton is now mostly empty? The most recent tenant to decamp is Tabrizi Oriental Rugs. I wonder if this is to be torn down? It would be no loss as it is a hideous building. I have often thought that NBCC should take over this land anyway.

Finally, the "Club So Ho" next to Moncton High is proudly flying a couple of rainbow flags. Does this mean that it has morphed from a strip club to a gay bar? That would be a change!! :haha:

[benvui]

Noticed when I dropped the wife at the mall this morning that the strip mall across from Champlain Place is almost completely gone, they tore most of it down yesterday, and looking at the progress the remainder should be gone by about midday today.

The Ultramar on the corner was previously torn down.

JL

As of 4:30 yesterday afternoon the strip mall was gone. Also this morning they started working on the water main closer to Veterans highway. I work on Paul st. and can't wait for this to get done the road is terrible right now.

[JasonL-Moncton]

As of 4:30 yesterday afternoon the strip mall was gone. Also this morning they started working on the water main closer to Veterans highway. I work on Paul st. and can't wait for this to get done the road is terrible right now.


I agree, I drive my wife down here all the time for her work, this road is crazy bad right now.

It's weird looking to where the Ultramar/Strip Mall were and now there is nothing...strange being able to see Sobey's from the lights in front of Crystal Palace/Chapters.

JL

[acrew79]

Hey Everyone...

looks like another Greenhouse has 'fallen' to the powers of Supermarket garden centres..

the Flower/garden/plant shop on Lewisville road has closed and gone into receivership.

( could be old news.. just thought id post/repost for those that havent noticed)

[MonctonRad]

Yep, it is kinda old news but I'm not sure it was ever posted here. :haha:

That was Green Village. They had another store in Fredericton and they both closed.

They expanded to Moncton about two years ago (just before the height of the recession - which was particularly bad timing). Retail sales were not what they anticipated and they couldn't keep up with the loan they took out for the expansion. Very sad really. Under different circumstances, this probably could have been successful. :(

[David_99]

They expanded to Moncton about two years ago (just before the height of the recession - which was particularly bad timing). Retail sales were not what they anticipated and they couldn't keep up with the loan they took out for the expansion. Very sad really. Under different circumstances, this probably could have been successful. :(

One has to question their choice of location. Literally 2min drive up the road from the long standing Macarthur's Nursery. Had they settled in fast growing North/Western Moncton area, would they still be here?

[MonctonRad]

Riverview Animal Hospital moving (and other Riverview updates.....)
Published Friday June 4th, 2010
by ALAN COCHRANE
Times & Transcript staff

The Riverview Animal Hospital, a landmark on Trites Road for more than 40 years, will soon move to a new home at the corner of Pine Glen Road and Gunningsville Boulevard.

The building will also house the Animal Neurology and Opthalmology Centre, a referral-only practice that will be operated by Cheryl Cullen and Aubrey Webb, who are returning to Moncton from Calgary. The specialty clinic is expected to open in October.

The new building is one of several projects taking shape around Riverview.

Land is also being cleared for the new Canadian Tire outlet next to the new Sobeys while two 24-unit apartment complexes are under construction nearby at the corner of Whitepine Road and Cleveland Avenue.

"I think the area around Findlay Park will be a big development and a focal point for business in the town," Mayor Clarence Sweetland said this week.

Shane Thomson, director of economic development for the Town of Riverview, said few details of the Canadian Tire development are available. Land is being cleared in a lot adjacent to the new Sobeys grocery store which opened in March.

Bill Budd, executive-director of the Greater Moncton Planning District Commission, said Canadian Tire's application for a building permit is still in the works.

The national retailer made its application to the commission in March with a plan for a 2,800-square metre (30,000-square feet) store complete with auto repair centre and garden centre at the intersection of Pinewood Road and Findlay Boulevard.

Meanwhile, a new Bank of Montreal branch on Coverdale Road is nearly complete and the Shoppers Drug Mart has been demolished to make way for a new building that will house the pharmacy and medical clinic. Thomson said there has been no confirmation on what will go into the old Sobeys building on Coverdale Road. Construction is also continuing on a new sewer system adjacent to Gunningsville Boulevard.

[MonctonRad]

QMJHL commissioner takes aim at City of Moncton
Published Saturday June 5th, 2010

Gilles Courteau criticizes Moncton Coliseum availability
by Neil Hodge
Times & Transcript staff

DRUMMONDVILLE, Que. - Gilles Courteau went on the attack yesterday when asked about his primary focus as the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League moves forward.

"I think in the future it's going to be very important for us to make sure that our teams are going to be able to play in their appropriate building,'' said the league commissioner.

Courteau proceeded to tell a media scrum that the Moncton Wildcats have the worst building availability problem in the league.

"It's the biggest concern for us because for the last three years it was a mess on the availability (at the Moncton Coliseum in the playoffs)," he said. "I understand it's important for the city to generate money with their building, but I think the Moncton Wildcats have shown to the City of Moncton how good they've been.

"They know exactly our dates of playoffs. I'm talking about the City of Moncton. They know what dates we're looking for so I think they should cooperate more with the hockey club because right now it doesn't look like (that's happening)."

Moncton is fresh off capturing its second QMJHL championship in five seasons. It has been the league's most dominant team over the past seven seasons with three President Cup final appearances and an average of 90 points per season.

The Wildcats had to play a second-round playoff series at the J. Louis Levesque Arena two seasons ago. The QMJHL later put a new rule in place that forces teams to play home games in another league building if their regular building isn't available.

Moncton defeated the Saint John Sea Dogs in the QMJHL final this season. The league had to stickhandle around a building availability issue so that the Wildcats could play their home games in that series at the Moncton Coliseum.

"If we would not have been able to come to an agreement between Saint John and Moncton, our alternative was to have Moncton play its home games at the Halifax Metro Centre," said Courteau. "It would've been a disaster.

"We don't want to provoke or create a major issue. We just want to make sure that all the cities (in our league cooperate with their QMJHL team). In most cases, (the cities) are very cooperative with us and they're very good about their buildings. Moncton is the No. 1 worst building in our league for ice availability and this is something that we need to get clarified."

Courteau said that he wrote a letter last month to Ian Fowler, Moncton's general manager of recreation, parks and culture.

Fowler acknowledged yesterday that the city has scheduling problems at the Moncton Coliseum. He pointed out these challenges have been in existence for 30 years since the American Hockey League was in Moncton.

"Many of these trade shows in Moncton have been in the building for 20-plus years," said Fowler. "Just as we value the Wildcats and what they contribute to the image of the city, these trade shows provide significant economic impact in the community and are a key component in maintaining our hospitality industry on an annual basis.

"Despite the difficulties, the trade show managers continue to work with the city to provide as many opportunities as possible when there's a scheduling conflict with the Wildcats. We've certainly been fortunate to have their support."

Moncton is hoping to build a new downtown stadium that would serve as a true entertainment facility. The Moncton Coliseum could then focus on hosting events such as trade shows.

Having two stadiums with different operating mandates would allow the city to host multiple events at the same time and eliminate scheduling conflicts.

"One of the three deal breakers relevant to getting a new downtown stadium is getting an appropriate business arrangement with the Wildcats as a major tenant on a long-term basis," said Fowler. "The current lease arrangement between the city and the Wildcats is not sustainable moving forward in a new facility.

"The city is certainly hopeful that in its meeting next week with (Wildcats owner) Mr. (Robert) Irving that appropriate contract negotiations can be concluded that provide for a mutually beneficial contract for both parties on the long term.

"The city certainly values the Wildcats as a tenant at the Moncton Coliseum and has the utmost respect for the professional manner in which Mr. Irving operates the hockey club. However, we also have a business to operate and must be accountable to the taxpayers of Moncton."

Personal note - This issue will not go away. The Wildcats are currently the most successful franchise in the league. They make deep playoff runs more often than not. They have been in the league final three times in the last seven years, winning the championship twice. Failure is not an option for team owner Robert Irving. The team will continue to be successful in the future. This will ensure ongoing conflicts at the Moncton Coliseum. The only solution is a new downtown hockey arena /event centre.

A substantial building with seating for around 10,000 is needed, both for playoff hockey and for major concerts. There are several sites available in the downtown core. The only major obstacle is the ongoing dithering at city hall. The federal stimulus money has leaked away. With both federal and provincial election likely within the next year, this may be our last remaining chance to secure funding from the other levels of government in the foreseeable future. Time is of the essence........

Let's git 'er done Moncton!! :tup:

[mylesmalley]

Jeez. I go away for a week and half of Riverview is being redeveloped!

[MonctonRad]

Petitcodiac River changing faster than expected

River banks are wider, tidal bore is growing: AMEC
Last Updated: Monday, June 7, 2010 | 7:24 AM AT
CBC News

The Petitcodiac River is changing faster than predicted only two months after the controversial causeway gates were opened, according to a local engineering firm.

After more than 40 years, the causeway gates were opened on April 14 to both cheers and jeers.

Jacques Paynter, an engineer from AMEC Earth and Environmental, the firm overseeing the river restoration, said the river banks are already widening at a noticeable pace and the Petitcodiac's famous tidal bore is also growing.

"We were actually anticipating a fairly modest increase in height. It seems to be already exceeding what we might have expected," Paynter said of the tidal bore.

The tidal bore is a regularly occurring wave that travels up the Petitcodiac River as the tide changes. The tidal bore has been a tourist attraction in the area for decades.

The causeway was built in 1968 and the bridge over top of it connected Moncton and Riverview. Its construction also created a permanent block of the river, which created a headpond known as Lake Petitcodiac.

The river soon became known as much for its muddy banks as for its tidal bore. The Petitcodiac River was also nicknamed locally as the Chocolate River because of its brown colour thanks to all of the silt.

Paynter said scientific tests are being carried out as the changes take place and that involves closing the causeway gates off and on.

Paynter said the flow of fish in the river is also encouraging. Roughly 40,000 Gaspereau were counted in just one day near Sailsbury.

More study needed
Paynter said so far, experts are more than satisfied with the results, which mirror what the environmental impact assessment predicted would happen if the causeway gates were opened.

But he said the river must be subjected to months of more studies and tests to see the long-term impact of removing the causeway.

The decision to open the causeway's gates has been contentious for many years.

In 2003, the river was ranked second on a list prepared by B.C. environmentalists of the most endangered rivers in Canada.

But the opening of the causeway gates was hardly unanimously endorsed. The Lake Petitcodiac Preservation Association and the Alma Fishermen both appealed to the courts to have the gates closed in April, a petition that failed.

In 2008, the New Brunswick government committed $20 million to the first stage of a restoration project for the 3,000 square-kilometre watershed.

Depending on the outcome of the studies, the province plans to replace the causeway gates with a four-lane bridge from Riverview to Moncton.

The total cost of the project has been pegged at $68 million.

Personal note - I have become a believer in this project. There is no question that the river below the causeway is widening. The current is also more vigorous and the tidal bore has returned. This has made the river much more interesting.

My only major concern is that they are planning on waiting two years before starting to build the new bridge. Allowing a couple of years for construction, it will be 4-5 years before the old causeway is removed. I'm very concerned that there will be a lot of siltation of the old headpond during that time. To minimize this, they should get off their asses and start construction of the new bridge ASAP!!

Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/new-brunswick/story/2010/06/07/nb-petitcodiac-river-changes-619.html#ixzz0q7zXJa2I

[MonctonRad]

Sunny Brae residents to sound off on neighbourhood strategy
Published Monday June 7th, 2010

Public hearing on Sunny Brae development plan at Moncton council meeting tonight
by Cynthia Vukets
times & Transcript staff

An historic neighbourhood, a student hub and a burgeoning multicultural community — Sunny Brae is changing and the municipality aims to shape that process.

The Sunny Brae Plan has been in the works since early 2009. Since then, residents, business owners and students have contributed ideas on what makes the neighbourhood special, and what could be improved.

A community survey and workshop were done and the city's planning department developed a draft plan.

There will be a public hearing on that document at tonight's city council meeting.

Residents will have a chance to speak up at the meeting, and written objections will be read aloud.

The Sunny Brae Plan's goal is to create more safe, affordable housing and commercial development while maintaining the neighbourhood's historic character and mature trees. Some residents have expressed concern over the past year that a rash of new three-storey apartment buildings will harm the neighbourhood's family-oriented appeal.

"Any proposals for redevelopment involving more than three units must clearly demonstrate that the project fits in very well and adequately mitigates potential impacts on neighbouring properties, including potential loss of privacy and sunlight, sufficient on-site parking, direct lighting and noise," reads the section of the development plan related to a revitalization project for Donald Ave.

There will also be stricter regulations for landlords who renovate one and two-unit buildings to create several smaller rooms or apartments for rent. This type of housing can increase noise and safety concerns, say residents, and the plan proposes to reduce zoning infractions and better monitor renovations.

And city planners are encouraging mixed-use development, which means retail space, restaurants and recreational infrastructure alongside housing. There are also provisions to preserve several designated heritage buildings and survey whether there are other homes that should be added to the heritage preservation list.

Donald Avenue and Broadway Street are slated for revitalization projects that should see higher-density housing constructed in major neighbourhood corridors. Beautification work is also slated for some of the more run-down areas.

There are also plans to improve the area's outdoor space. A water play area is in the works for Gurney Park and the plan presents new trails and possible bike lanes as a way to maintain the neighbourhood's pedestrian and bike-friendly vibe.

Some challenges that need to be addressed include: a lack of public transit, litter and dilapidated buildings, inadequate parking, and making the neighbourhood more pedestrian-friendly.

A few of the area's strengths that residents would like to see maintained are: diversity, affordable housing, green space and the historic neighbourhood's friendly character.

Sunny Brae, a neighbourhood of 1,800 residents, is anchored by the Université de Moncton campus and is home to a large part of Moncton's multicultural community. The development strategy's goal is to create "a more attractive, compact, pedestrian and transit-friendly environment . . . (and) support and encourage initiatives that help to renew community spirit and a sense of belonging and pride in Sunny Brae."

* The Sunny Brae Plan is available online at: http://www.gmpdc.ca/webcura/files/661.pdf. The council meeting today at 5 p.m.

[MonctonRad]

They are starting work on the new roundabout at Ryan Street & Horsman Road.........

[MonctonRad]

Moncton considers parking 'boot' ban
Last Updated: Tuesday, June 8, 2010 | 8:23 AM AT
CBC News

A Moncton city councillor is calling for a bylaw to ban private companies from using a wheel-clamping device to trap people's vehicles in private parking lots.

Coun. Pierre Boudreau said he believes the city has the power to ban the so-called boots and he wants a new law in place before summer.

"It's causing people an awful lot of grief," Boudreau said on Monday.

On the weekend, he heard that a family from northern New Brunswick brought their four-year-old child to Moncton for cancer treatment. The family's car was clamped and they didn't have the money to pay the fine.

Boudreau said the child was traumatized by what happened.

"He says, 'Mom, I don't want to go to Moncton. There are bad people there,'" Boudreau said.

The yellow boots have been appearing on people's tires for the last few months. City officials are concerned the devices might tarnish Moncton's image. But they also say the practice is difficult to legislate or regulate.

Last month, the city said it wanted to work with private lot owners to design a uniform sign that would warn motorists where not to park.

Bylaw ready in 2 weeks
But the councillor said the city regulates parking for private condominiums, so he feels it can also deal with these boots.

Boudreau said the city also has the right to protect citizens from companies that prey on people's mistakes.

Boudreau has told the city manager to have a bylaw ready for the next council meeting in two weeks.

He said if the companies don't like the new law, they'll have to take the city to court.



Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/new-brunswick/story/2010/06/08/nb-moncton-boot-ban-632.html#socialcomments#ixzz0qE0V2E8m

[MonctonRad]

Well, traffic this morning was pure chaos on the western portion of Mountain Road. It took me about 12 minutes to drive the 2 km from Evergreen Drive to Hildegarde Drive.

It's not difficult to see why. Everyone is avoiding Mapleton because of the work on the overpass. At the same time, they are working on the Ryan/Horsman roundabout and are tearing up the pavement on Horseman to prepare for it's widening and reallignment with Berry Mills Road.

With both Mapleton and Horsman out of commission, the only escape route out of the northwest end of the city (population about 25,000) is Mountain Road.

It's going to be a long slow summer construction season..........:yuck: :hell: :( :koko: :shrug:

If you are going to be commuting into the city from further afield (Salisbury, Petitcodiac), my suggestion would be to use the Salisbury Road, or if you are going to use the TCH, keep on going until the Elmwood exit.

As an aside, it appears that they are starting work on extending Twin Oaks to the new roundabout coincidentally with the actual roundabout construction. This is a good thing. Twin Oaks would be the most direct route from the Kingswood/Evergreen area to the roundabout and then on to Horsman and Berry Mills.

Eventually, with the new Mapleton overpass and with the Horsman/Berry Mills widening and realignment, this should improve traffic flow out of the northwest end but for the time being, it's going to be a real pain in the ass!!

[MonctonRad]

It has just been confirmed by the Frye Festival that the headline author for the upcoming festival in 2011 will be Margaret Atwood. This is quite a catch and will serve as an interesting counterpoint for the upcoming visit by Mike Tyson to the area! :haha:

[josh_cat_eyes]

I have been away for some time, and it's nice too see Moncton is still growing. I just hope they can get this arena built downtown. I think what the city could also use is another big office building downtown, like a head office for example.

[JasonL-Moncton]

It has just been confirmed by the Frye Festival that the headline author for the upcoming festival in 2011 will be Margaret Atwood. This is quite a catch and will serve as an interesting counterpoint for the upcoming visit by Mike Tyson to the area! :haha:

Atwood = pretty cool

Tyson = Huh?? Why?

JL

[mylesmalley]

why not? :haha:

I wonder if she could bore him to sleep before he could knock her out?

[JimiThing]

Here are a few update pics of the courthouse for you out of towners.
Although, the courthouse seems to be coming along nicely, sources tell me the project is now 7 months behind schedule.



http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y65/tibrcr/MonctonCourthouse3.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y65/tibrcr/MonctonCourthouse2.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y65/tibrcr/MonctonCourthouse4.jpg

[Dmajackson]

This is not meant to start off any Halifax vs. Moncton arguements but when I noticed this in the newspaper I got a good chuckle out of it because even though we are competitors we are not bitter rivals.

METRO MUSINGS


Which municipality is better — Halifax, or an Atlantic Canadian city with a name that sort of rhymes with tungsten?

Well, it depends who you talk to.

Most metro residents will likely say Halifax Regional Municipality is a nicer place than that other city. But citizens of the rival city probably feel their bilingual hometown is better.

One thing is certain: Each municipality promotes its rock or country music concerts like they’re the second coming of John Lennon.

In many major North American communities, such events are placed suitably lower on the city hall (and local media) food chain. Not in this little corner of the continent, however.

On Sunday, The Chronicle Herald begins publishing a series comparing Halifax to its contemporary competitor.

[mylesmalley]

Halifax doesn't have anything to worry about. In fact I find it a bit silly that a city of 400,000 feels threatened by one the size of Moncton. That said, complacency is never good, and I think that Halifax has gotten a little too used to being Atlantic Canada's only 'city'. Having an up-and-comer close at their heels makes everyone run faster.

[MonctonRad]

Well DJ, I agree, Halifax shouldn't feel particularly threatened by Moncton but having a competitor is good for everyone.

Halifax does tend to feel complacent and entitled. This can lead to institutional paralysis where nothing of value ever gets done. Just look at the constant hand-ringing down in Haligon over development issues on the peninsula. If there were a competitor in the region that could give Halifax a run for it's money, I dare say that the HRM regional council might be a tad bit more nimble and responsive on development issues.

You guys should thank us. Like Myles says; Competition is good, complacency is evil.

P.S. - You should give us a link to the article when it comes out in the Chronically Horrid!

[MonctonRad]

Metro events centre needed: DMCI
Published Wednesday June 9th, 2010

President Maura McKinnon says multi-use facility would spur development, economic activity in the downtown
by Alan Cochrane

The president of Downtown Moncton Centre-Ville Inc. yesterday called on Moncton City Council, local politicians and the entire community to join the campaign to build a new downtown events centre.

“When you look at the work that’s been done and the studies that have been completed, everybody believes it will be one of those catalysts for future growth,” Maura McKinnon said following yesterday’s annual meeting of the downtown business association. “It’s almost like a chicken and egg case, if we build it they will come, if they come we will build it, so I think somebody has to draw that line in the sand and really move forward with this. It’s time to create a Metro Centre. When you look at all of the shows and events that are going elsewhere, it’s not quite right when we are supposed to be the entertainment hub of Atlantic Canada.”

In her speech to the 32nd annual meeting, McKinnon said Downtown Moncton has a lot to be proud of but needs a multi-use entertainment and sports facility as a catalyst for growth and more economic activity.

Mayor George LeBlanc has championed the idea, which has been supported by both Premier Shawn Graham and Conservative leader David Alward.

Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe MP Brian Murphy has urged the city to get moving on requests for federal funding. A 10,000-seat facility downtown would cost approximately $80 million. A task force report submitted to council suggests the federal and provincial governments would each contribute $25.2 million, while the City of Moncton would match that and pay about $4 million for the land. An exact location for the centre has not been chosen but it would be somewhere in the downtown. The Moncton Coliseum would remain in operation for sports and trade shows.

McKinnon said the city has suggested Downtown Moncton and its members come up with $2 million over 10 years to help build the facility. She believes that is reasonable but isn’t yet certain how the money can be raised. The idea will be discussed at upcoming meetings with business owners, property owners and other stakeholders in the downtown over the summer.

DMCI executive-director Lawrence Forbes said the organization has identified five key objectives for the coming months. He said a number of problems and concerns were addressed during a series of round table discussions on the downtown this spring, which are being listed in an upcoming report to be presented to city council. And while DMCI doesn’t have the authority to implement the recommendations, they are issues the organization will work on.

“It’s time for some quick fixes,” Forbes said, identifying the five key issues as downtown parking, making Main Street more vibrant, the general appearance and atmosphere of the downtown, retail opportunities and residential opportunities. He said more parking spaces are needed to allow shoppers and visitors quicker access to downtown shops. He also wants to improve the atmosphere, appearance and safety in the downtown. Forbes also likes the idea of a free shuttle bus service that would run along Main Street between Champlain Place and Highfield Square that would provide an ambiance and give tourists and shoppers another reason to venture downtown.

During yesterday’s annual meeting, Forbes said the business levy of 16 cents per $100 of assessed property value would remain the same for another year.

Meanwhile, guest speaker Jan Carinci dared Monctonians to dream big and encourage the idea of a CFL team for Atlantic Canada that could host the Grey Cup game in 2020.

Carinci, a former Toronto Argonaut who wears his Grey Cup ring with pride, said the Touchdown Atlantic Game scheduled for Sept. 26 at the Stade Moncton Stadium will be an historic event for Metro Moncton. A capacity crowd of more than 20,000 fans is expected when the Argos and Eskimos square off at the new 10,000-seat stadium.

Carinci said it will be up to the people of Metro Moncton to convince the league, the teams and fans from across Canada that the city is ready to be home to an Atlantic Canadian CFL team.

“We need to make it impossible for them to not want to come back and possible for them to share in our dream of what could happen over the next two decades.”

He posed a scenario where Moncton would host more regular season games and get its own team for the 2015 season, and then host the national championship Grey Cup game in 2020.

He said a Grey Cup game would likely draw upwards of 121,000 fans to the city, but the stadium would have to be increased to a seating capacity of 46,000.

He quoted a recent report that the 2009 Grey Cup Festival in Calgary drew over 121,000 fans who spent over $35 million, which generated an estimated $81 million in economic activity for the Province of Alberta over four days.

“It’s just a dream, but these are real numbers. This could happen. If we get a team, we get the game. If you can play a game in Calgary in November, you can play in Moncton too.”

Carinci said a Grey Cup game would be the biggest tailgate party Monctonians have ever seen, with fans in crazy costumes, special events, golf tournaments and high school football games leading up to the big event.

[pierremoncton]

They've started covering the apartment building on Lewisville Rd with stone blocks, much the same colour as the courthouse. It's probably going to end up looking quite nice, and I assume the rent will be above average.

MonctonRad: Northwest Moncton isn't the only place with construction headaches -- Dieppe has its own warzone on Paul St.

[C_Boy]

Metro events centre needed: DMCI
Published Wednesday June 9th, 2010

Come on Moncton lets get moving!!! Yeah the Petitcodiac is widening and it's bore may be rising but the boat is getting ready to sail away! Don't miss the boat!!!!!!! This has got to move, and it's got to move NOW :whip:

[JasonL-Moncton]

-- Dieppe has its own warzone on Paul St.

Was just down there...what a mess...I will say one thing though, it's not a half assed attempt at this where something get's started and they come back a month later and do more work...they are going full bore on it.

JL

[JHikka]

On Sunday, The Chronicle Herald begins publishing a series comparing Halifax to its contemporary competitor.[/I]

Why am I not surprised by this. :rolleyes:

[Jerry556]

The tore down another 1 or 2 houses beside Staples en main st, they might be starting on that 6 or 7 story condo/ apartments soon. there wasn't any activity there since feb or march when they tore down the old garage. plus they tore down the last house on the lot near VaughnHarvey.

[Jerry556]

I went to panago for the second time tonight, its awesome you guys should check it out, there prices arent bad for the quality of pizza too. Its like Boston pizza,

[NBNYer]

:previous: SPAM

[Jerry556]

its not spam, you guys were talking about panago a couple pages back!!!!!!!

[Jerry556]

its not spam, people were talking about a couple pages back, and were wondering how it was, am just letting them know, mind your buisness!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[NBNYer]

Whoa!!! :stunned:

just trying to have fun with you but I guess I hit a nerve somehow. :shrug: no insult intended here.

[MonctonRad]

Making Moncton thrive
Published Thursday June 10th, 2010

New organization Tech South East Inc. devoted to growing technology and health and life science sectors in region
REBECCA PENTY
Telegraph-Journal

MONCTON - Michelle Carinci says southeastern New Brunswick's technology and health and life science sectors could grow so much that the region becomes busier than Finland's Oulu - the heart of Nokia Corp.'s (NYSE:NOK) research and development operations.

The president and CEO of Atlantic Lottery Corp. says collaboration between academia, the business community and government in the Finnish city is a "stellar example" of what's possible for Moncton and the surrounding region.

"They have 10 times the air traffic that we have here in Moncton and they're the same size," Carinci said of the northern Scandinavian city in an interview Wednesday, speaking after the official launch of Tech South East Inc.

The new organization is devoted to growing the technology and health and life science sectors in the region and Carinci is among the roster of corporate heavyweights who make up the board of directors.

"I see one day we'll have 10 times the air traffic as Oulu," Carinci said.

The executive was part of the Moncton Technology Planning Group, which visited Oulu to see how that community leveraged the success of Nokia - a big player among phone companies globally - and spun out a thriving tech sector.

That group's work led to the incorporation last year of Tech South East, which launched Wednesday at Moncton's Capitol Theatre. The organization revealed its board of directors and strategy - to be an enabler that will accelerate the growth of innovation-based entrepreneurship and economic development in the region.

Tech South East has a suite of programs: Peer-to-peer sessions connect members from different companies with parallel responsibilities to share tricks of the trade and tackle industry-wide challenges; mentoring programs bring seasoned professionals to companies that need advice; workshops and seminars provide professional development and networking opportunities; and business and education partnerships are meant to grow the talent pool of workers.

Premier Shawn Graham was among those who addressed the audience and announced his government is committing $331,000 to help get the organization off the ground.

Chairing the board is Jon Manship, the man who founded Spielo Manufacturing ULC in 1990 and who now runs Technology Venture Corp., a private venture fund that has investments in five Atlantic Canadian firms.

Manship said he believes Tech South East will have a "huge" impact.

"If I had had this type of entity when I started Speilo, it would have been really helpful," he said of the manufacturer of video lottery terminals he founded with just a few others; Spielo now employs more than 400 in Moncton.

"It would have saved me a lot of time. When you're a small business and you have four or five people, you don't have time because you're too busy doing work."

The vice-chairman of Tech South East is Jock English, president and CEO of InteliSys Aviation Systems Inc.

Other directors include: Bob Rybak, president of Horizon Gaming Consultants; Rodney Ouellette, president and scientific director of the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute; Mitch Manuel, president of Vimsoft Inc.; Robin Drummond, vice-president of Spielo; Paul Gunn, president and CEO of Soricimed Biopharma Inc.; Claude Allard, principal of the New Brunswick Community College's Dieppe campus; Stephen McClatchie, vice-president of academic and research for Mount Allison University and Doug Robertson, president and CEO of Tech South East.

There was an article on this in the T&T as well, but I liked the Telegraph Journal article better. Below is a snippet from the T&T article which helps to flesh out this initiative. It's impressive that they have partnerships with the three universities, two community colleges and other key players in the region. This could be a very powerful initiative!

Strategic partners include the municipalities of Moncton, Dieppe, Riverview, Sackville and Shediac, the New Brunswick Innovation Foundation, the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), l'Université de Moncton, Mount Allison University, Crandall University, NBCC-Moncton, CCNB-Dieppe, the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute, and the Multicultural Association of the Greater Moncton Area.

Additionally, Tech South East is a network member of the National Research Council's Industrial Research Assistance Program, has a close working relationship with NRC's Institute for Information Technology (IIT) and has engaged the local school districts in an effort to create awareness with high school students of the technology and health and life science sectors in our region. In addition to these local partners, Tech South East has established working relationships with many other innovation organizations around the world who have helped in its establishment in ways large and small.

"Tech South East will work to build a sense of excitement and community for our local technology companies," Robertson said. "We want to brand South East New Brunswick as a great place to grow and establish companies in the technology and health and life science industries."

[MonctonRad]

http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=516192&size=600x0

Get booted..........in this place!
From the Moncton T&T

[Halifax Hillbilly]

Michelle Carinci says southeastern New Brunswick's technology and health and life science sectors could grow so much that the region becomes busier than Finland's Oulu - the heart of Nokia Corp.'s (NYSE:NOK) research and development operations.

The president and CEO of Atlantic Lottery Corp. says collaboration between academia, the business community and government in the Finnish city is a "stellar example" of what's possible for Moncton and the surrounding region

There is certainly no lack of bravado in Moncton lately. :tup: It seems to me one hurdle to this type of initiative is the lack of a large research university, which are key drivers for this type of tech development throughout North America, although this is a problem that all Maritime cities share to a certain degree (even Dal in Halifax is not a very big research presence on the Canadian scale due to its moderate size).

Moncton certainly is focused on technology. I'm not too familiar with Moncton, but is the City also focusing on becoming a 'creative city' in the Richard Florida sense? It seems to be all the rage for cities to promote street level culture, arts and music, diversity, downtown living, outdoor recreation and general 'coolness' to help lure the talented people who (so says Florida) power the new creative, high tech economy.

[MonctonRad]

There is certainly no lack of bravado in Moncton lately. :tup:

Well, nobody has ever accused Moncton of being overly modest or unambitious. :haha:

It seems to me one hurdle to this type of initiative is the lack of a large research university, which are key drivers for this type of tech development throughout North America, although this is a problem that all Maritime cities share to a certain degree (even Dal in Halifax is not a very big research presence on the Canadian scale due to its moderate size).

Very true. It's hard to compare to major research universities like McGill or U of T.

The situation in greater Moncton is this:

We have three universities in the region:
- Crandall is just a bit player at present.
- Mount A. does some good research (Soricimed Biopharma for example does some very interesting anticancer work with targetted therapy against ovarian cancer that grew out of academic research at Mount A.)
- U de M is the provincial comprehensive francophone university for NB and has a broad range of masters and Ph.D. programs including a new medical degree program. There is a fair bit of academic research that goes on there.

There are two major hospitals in the city. Both the Moncton Hospital and the Dumont Hospital are tertiary care centres that are involved in teaching and clinical research. The Atlantic Cancer Research Institute is based at the GDH but works with both hospitals. It is a surprisingly active research centre and is well funded by the feds. It is a centre for innovation.

Moncton certainly is focused on technology. I'm not too familiar with Moncton, but is the City also focusing on becoming a 'creative city' in the Richard Florida sense? It seems to be all the rage for cities to promote street level culture, arts and music, diversity, downtown living, outdoor recreation and general 'coolness' to help lure the talented people who (so says Florida) power the new creative, high tech economy.

Yes, Moncton very much would like to become a "creative" city. For example, we have a technology cluster that has developed around the gaming industry, anchored by Spielo (one of the world's largest suppliers of electronic gaming and video lottery machines), as well as ancillary suppliers and smaller competitors which have also set up in the city. This cluster interacts with the Atlantic Lottery Corporation and now Casino NB. This technology cluster means that there are now a lot of computer literate programmers and developers in the city. These are creative people. There is also a telecommunications cluster and a cluster based on the banking and insurance industry (eg Assomption Life Insurance, Medavie Blue Cross Insurance and the regional HQ for the National Bank).

Moncton does believe in feeding these creative people with arts, music and sporting events. Examples would be the active and eclectic programming at the Capitol Theatre, the Frye Festival, the Atlantic Ballet Theatre, music concerts at the Coliseum and Magnetic Hill, major junior hockey, the new stadium at U de M, annual CFL games, the zoo and waterpark at Magnetic Hill, fine restaurants, quality shopping and the dozens of kms of walking and biking trails in the city.

The city is trying hard to become a place where people want to move to and to live in. I think they have been surprisingly successful in this. :tup:

[MonctonRad]

N.B. expected to purchase school land soon
Published Friday June 11th, 2010

One property being tested for French-language school; several properties being looked at in Riverview
by Aloma Jardine
Times & Transcript staff

The province is narrowing its search for land for two new K-8 schools in Metro Moncton.

A new English-language school for Riverview and a new French-language school for Moncton North were both announced in the last provincial budget.

While the province is still looking at a few different land options for the Riverview school, it is in the process of doing environmental and other site testing on a property in Moncton North to ensure the land is suitable for the construction of a school before moving ahead with its purchase.

Department of Supply and Services spokeswoman Sheri Strickland says they expect to have land acquired for both schools in the near future.

Construction on the schools is expected to begin early next spring with the aim of opening both to students in September 2012.

Strickland says the department should also soon receive the educational specifications for the schools from the Department of Education outlining the needs at each school. Once those are received, they will be able to move forward with preliminary design work on the buildings.

Strickland says both projects are currently running on schedule.

Both schools are being built as public-private partnerships. The new French-language school will accommodate 600 students, while the Riverview school will hold 650.

[MonctonRad]

Drivers should expect delays throughout summer
Published Friday June 11th, 2010

Major road projects on Horsman-Berry Mills, Millennium and Main to create traffic disruptions all summer long
by Cynthia Vukets
Times & Transcript staff

This summer will be busier than most for road work in Moncton.

The city has a few major projects on the go this year, two of which had been postponed for the last couple of years.

The widening of Horsman Road was supposed to happen several years ago. But it was postponed with the construction of the nearby industrial park. Richard says the city had to make plans with the province for a new intersection with Berry Mills Road to accommodate the increased traffic from the park.

"It's kind of a blessing in disguise that we didn't do it back when we were supposed to because we didn't know MID (Moncton Industrial Development) was going to be there," he says.

Horsman will be a construction zone until late October or November.

Work on Millennium Boulevard was scheduled for last year, but "by the time we got the project awarded for engineering it was too late to start construction," explains Richard.

When asked how much traffic would be disturbed over the summer, the engineer replied: "A lot."

Between those two projects and work on Vaughan Harvey Boulevard and Salisbury Road, traffic into the downtown core will be affected until the fall.

"Give yourself a bit more time," asks Richard. The northwest end of city, "is going to be difficult because of Horsman-Berry Mills.

There are a lot of people that use that way to get in, and there are a lot of people who use Millennium to get into the downtown. Both of those are out.

"We'll be there all summer. There's no way around that."

The good news is that work on Main Street should be completed by early next week. All the rain Metro has received lately had slowed the resurfacing and painting work down, but it is nearly finished.

This summer's roadwork will cost around $23 million, says Richard, but about $6 million of that has been carried over from last year's budget. And some of the funding will come from the province.

Most years, summer roadwork runs $18 to $20 million of municipal and provincial money.


----

Here is a snapshot of Moncton's major summer road projects and closures:
* Horsman Road: construction of a roundabout at Ryan Street, a new intersection with Berry Mills Road and widening between the two. Horsman will be closed to traffic starting Monday until the beginning of July.
* Main Street: resurfacing from Cameron Street to Bonaccord Street. Main will be closed Saturday and Sunday from 6:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. to complete the intersections at Botsford and Mechanic.
* Millennium Boulevard: widening and sealing between Russ Howard Drive and Berry Mills Road.
* Mapleton Road: bridge widening and intersection upgrade at Trinity Drive.
* Salisbury Road: widening and sealing between Carmel and Llangollen.
* St. George Boulevard: resurfacing and intersection upgrade with Wheeler Boulevard.
* Vaughan Harvey Boulevard: resurfacing from St. George to Main.
* Gorge Road: widening and sealing between King's Bridge and Chateau.
* Killam Drive: reconstruction between Purdy and Mountain.

[MonctonRad]

Centre's second phase on track
Published Friday June 11th, 2010

Moncton city council allocates funding for next phase of Kay-Crossman Community Centre
by Cynthia Vukets
Times & Transcript staff

Moncton city council has put up $1 million for the next phase of the Kay-Crossman Community Centre. Now they're just waiting for the federal and provincial governments to do the same. And that could happen quite soon.

"From my perspective it's looking very, very good," said Ward 1 Councillor Paulette Theriault.

The Lewisville arena complex falls within her constituency and she says the project has brought the community closer together.

"Everybody congregates around the Kay-Crossman Community Centre," she said. "There are all kind of activities. It's not just about hockey. There's karate, there are dance classes."

The new centre has been in the works since 2002. The first phase - an arena with community meeting space - was completed in April, 2008. The second phase will add a gymnasium and indoor walking track. She said the indoor track will be especially important for seniors during the winter.

Along with the track, Theriault envisions indoor shows of local artists' work and a place for people to gather and socialize during the harsh winter months. At this week's city council meeting, Moncton councillors passed a resolution from a special private meeting agreeing to put up their share of the gymnasium/track funding. That meeting "resolved that Moncton City Council authorize a $1,000,000.00 commitment in partnership with the Federal and Provincial Government's total commitment of $2,000,000.00 to complete Phase II of the Kay/Crossman Community Center," the motion reads.

Neither the federal nor provincial governments would comment on the project yesterday, but a funding announcement is said to be planned for the coming weeks.

"We've had the approval for funding from the province and from the federal government and from the municipality," said Theriault. "These are letters, of course, that confirm the funding and the city had already committed in its previous budget."

Theriault added she hopes the Kay-Crossman project will inspire the municipality and other levels of government to look at having similar centres in other Moncton neighbourhoods.

Personal note: I agree with Councillor Theriault's last sentiment. The city is large enough that additional recreational facilities are needed throughout the metropolitan area. The northwest end in particular needs a neighbourhood recreational centre. The area is 25,000 people now and may be 40,000 in another 15 years. A neighbourhood arena/recreational centre/pool would be just the ticket! :tup:

[MonctonRad]

Educational infrastructure in Moncton expands

http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=516995&size=500x0

Centre des Technologies et des science de la Sante at l'Université de Moncton. The Stade Moncton 2010 Stadium is also nearly completed on the campus.

http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/696.nsf/vwimages/atlanticbaptistuniv-1f.jpg/$file/atlanticbaptistuniv-1f.jpg

The new Education Building at Crandall University. A second residence and a new arena are also planned as part of a $24M expansion.

Finally, a new three storey $20M wing is being constructed at NBCC Moncton which will allow full time enrollment to increase to 1200. NBCC Moncton is the largest community college campus in the province.:tup:

[kwajo]

Educational infrastructure in Moncton expands

http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=516995&size=500x0

Centre des Technologies et des science de la Sante at l'Université de Moncton. The Stade Moncton 2010 Stadium is also nearly completed on the campus.

http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/696.nsf/vwimages/atlanticbaptistuniv-1f.jpg/$file/atlanticbaptistuniv-1f.jpg

The new Education Building at Crandall University. A second residence and a new arena are also planned as part of a $24M expansion.

Finally, a new three storey $20M wing is being constructed at NBCC Moncton which will allow full time enrollment to increase to 1200. NBCC Moncton is the largest community college campus in the province.:tup:
Are you sure that statement about NBCC Moncton is acurate? NBCC Saint John has 1300 students now, and is also expanding with a new three-storey wing and a new building on the UNBSJ campus. I'm not saying you are wrong, I'm just wondering

[MonctonRad]

Are you sure that statement about NBCC Moncton is acurate? NBCC Saint John has 1300 students now, and is also expanding with a new three-storey wing and a new building on the UNBSJ campus. I'm not saying you are wrong, I'm just wondering

Sorry kwajo, I got my facts wrong. The current enrollment at NBCC Moncton is a little over 1200. The enrollment will increase to over 1600 after the expansion.

It was always my understanding that the Moncton campus was the biggest in the province but it sounds like (as in most things), the Moncton and SJ campusses are equivalent in size.

[MonctonRad]

Links to articles in this weekend's Chronically Horrid on the Moncton vs. Halifax thing.

I detect a little Halifax bias.........quelle surprise!!

I guess however that they must be a little worried (at least perplexed) by having someone nipping at their heels. :haha: This issue is large enough that they have six different articles debating the point!

http://thechronicleherald.ca/News/1187018.html
http://thechronicleherald.ca/News/1187105.html
http://thechronicleherald.ca/News/1187026.html
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Front/1187024.html
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Front/1187043.html
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Front/1187042.html

[mylesmalley]

Quelle surprise, indeed.

I realize they were trying to be funny, but I think those articles had more than a little hint of insecurity to them.

[David_99]

I realize they were trying to be funny, but I think those articles had more than a little hint of insecurity to them.

Indeed. So what grade do you suppose this Peter White is in?

[mylesmalley]

I missed that one when reading through the list. Not impressed.

That wasn't even funny. There's plenty of things in Moncton worth making fun of. We our skyline can be summed up in one word: phallic. Our river is chocolate-milk coloured and smells like a Halifax hooker. Our biggest claim to fame is having more Tim Hortons than firemen. Our downtown is two miles long and a hundred feet wide... need I go on?

But there's a difference between good-natured ribbing and "One area that Moncton does trump Halifax is in protection. When Halifax was constructed, a giant fort was built overlooking the city to protect it from any attacks. However, the city of Moncton has a far greater defence mechanism. They simply built a city so undesirable that no one would ever try to invade it. Touche Moncton, touche.". That just sounds like 12-year-old's insecurity coming out as a bad case of verbal diarrhea. Oooh boy, he lampooned us good!

[GUB]

Links to articles in this weekend's Chronically Horrid on the Moncton vs. Halifax thing.

I detect a little Halifax bias.........quelle surprise!!

I guess however that they must be a little worried (at least perplexed) by having someone nipping at their heels. :haha: This issue is large enough that they have six different articles debating the point!

http://thechronicleherald.ca/News/1187018.html
http://thechronicleherald.ca/News/1187105.html
http://thechronicleherald.ca/News/1187026.html
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Front/1187024.html
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Front/1187043.html
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Front/1187042.html


I haven't read any of the above articles, nor have I ever lived in Moncton (although I have spent a fair amount of time there over the years).
I reside in Halifax, but am not originally from either of the 2 cities.
To me, comparing Halifax & Moncton, frankly, is a bit of a joke. Halifax has so much more to offer in almost every category.
I'm not attempting to offend Monctonians, the city appears to have a reasonable economy etc, but apples & oranges shouldn't be compared.
My 2 cents...

[JHikka]

To me, comparing Halifax & Moncton, frankly, is a bit of a joke. Halifax has so much more to offer in almost every category.

This is pretty much a fact. Halifax is far and away more capable than any other area in the Maritimes. It's silly to even consider that cities such as Moncton, Saint John, or even to a lesser extent St.John's are comparable to Halifax.

Because the Chronicle Herald have absolutely no competition in print media, they can pretty much write articles on whatever they wish, and that is the case in this instance.

[mylesmalley]

I think that's what we're getting at. Why should Halifax compare itself? The fact that they are says more about their insecurity in the region and on the national stage than actual reality.

[MonctonRad]

Well, the Chronically Horrid isn't done with us yet........

Here's a couple of new articles from today's paper:
http://thechronicleherald.ca/News/1187142.html
http://thechronicleherald.ca/News/1187149.html
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Front/1187216.html

I would have to agree with Myles, the mere fact that the paper is running this series of articles says something about latent insecurity amongst the leadership of our larger sister city down the road.

Halifax doesn't really need to fear Moncton but Moncton is an agressive entrepreneurial city that will occasionally win one away from the big guys. They should get used to it and celebrate the success of this rivalry. Competition only makes everyone better. :tup:

BTW, do you think the Horrid came up with the idea for this series of articles because they have been surfing SSP? :haha: We already know that both the Horrid and the T&T sometimes troll our forum for story ideas.......;)

[MonctonRad]

Champlain Place News:

- It is confirmed that Laura will be locating one of their "superstores" (Laura, Laura Petites & Laura Plus) in the space formerly occupied by English Butler, Source & Athlete's World next to Sears.

- I presume this means that Aeropostale will be locating in the old Sony Store/QuiltsEtc. location. I don't know if this means that they will be occupying both former storefronts or if there will be something else going in there as well.

- The only storefront in the mall that shows no activity is Sam's old location next to H&M. I know that Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory wants to locate in the mall. If they can find a local franchisee, this would be a good location for them.

- Randy River is closing out.

Nothing else to report for now.............

[someone123]

The Herald is a terrible paper.

There is some truth to the article where Donald Savoie talks about Dalhousie or the IWK. Like it or not, Halifax is by far the biggest city in the region and so there is a whole tier of institutions and economic activity that it is uniquely positioned to support within the Maritimes. Often investment in Halifax is actually very good for places like Moncton - it's better to have something like a high-quality children's hospital 3 hours away than to have one in Toronto.

Unfortunately there is a tendency to get caught up in the idea of "competition", which in the Maritimes means tax and spend provincial governments that fall over each other in a race to the bottom to attract businesses. The only ones who are well-served by this system are companies from other regions.

I don't think it will happen but a much better system would be to have one province that heavily invests in building Halifax into a major city. This would produce a cash cow similar to Vancouver or Toronto, or it would have had it happened long ago (this time to do this was around 1860 or so, when the Maritimes were still wealthy and competitive). It also would have worked out just fine for a city like Moncton. As for Saint John or Sydney, well, I don't think anybody can say that the current system has been kind to those places to begin with...

[StormShadow]

The big question is, What makes either Halifax or Moncton unique?

If the answer is somewhere in the Chronicle-Herald's series, then it is...

Absolutely nothing...

or, maybe- that they live in bubbles.

[Haliguy]

Sometimes I think that the Herald is a good paper but then they come out with crap like this and a realize how horrible they really are.

[kirjtc2]

Believe me...the C-H is still a hundred times better than any paper we have in NB.

[MonctonRad]

Best Deals in Real estate (MoneySense Magazine)

Where do you want to live? Where can you afford to live? Every major Canadian city scoured for bargains!

It’s a crazy time for real estate in Canada. Prices are sky-high, people are feeling pressured into selling into a hot market and buyers fear purchasing an overpriced home only to see the bubble burst.

But MoneySense magazine has come to the rescue and crunched the numbers to identify the best real estate deals in the best cities.

Using hard data on 35 major housing markets, the magazine has awarded a letter grade based on how reasonable the house prices are, whether home prices are likely to rise and how prosperous the local economy is. Surprisingly, none of the winning cities are Canada’s largest, but instead reflect medium-sized cities with affordable house prices that have the ability to grow strongly with local economic conditions.

The best deals in real estate in Canada are to be found in Moncton and Regina, both of whom received an A-, while Fredericton, St. John’s, Ottawa, Gatineau, Winnipeg, Guelph and Saint John all received a B+.

The criteria for the study was strict and comprehensive. MoneySense compared average rents to average home prices, which gives a great indicator of how valuable a home is. Next it compared local wages as to average home prices to see how long it would take for a family to purchase a home. The magazine also evaluated how quickly homes sold and prices increased over the years.

Last, the economic environment of the city was also analyzed. The magazine looked at how fast a community grew, what the unemployment rate was and what kind of discretionary income the citizens had.

This method avoided identifying cheap real estate in communities where prices were unlikely to increase due to a poor local economy or widespread unemployment.

The analysis gives a comprehensive overview of where to get the best real estate deals in Canada. The study is also useful for identifying which real estate markets to avoid. For example, Abbotsford and Montreal both only rated Cs.

MoneySense’s study also identified overpriced markets. For instance, Kelowna, B.C., scored well in the category of growth potential and has a great local economy. But the average house price makes it hard for the typical family to buy into the market. With this aspect in mind, Kelowna rated a D+ in the value category and a C+ overall.

Windsor, Ont., where house prices are among the best values in Canada, is in the opposite situation. It rated an A for affordability, but since the city is slowly recovering from deep layoffs in the car industry, it only rates a C in the momentum category and a C+ for local economy, giving it a B+ overall.

In concrete terms, what the best cities for real estate like Regina and Moncton have going for them is big-city growth and opportunities without big-city prices. While the affordability and growth value of a home are not always the prime reasons to buy in a particular location, knowing that your home is a sound investment in an economically vibrant city offers great peace of mind.

Top 5 cities:

1. Moncton A-
2. Regina A-
3. Fredericton B+
4. St. John's B+
5. Ottawa B+

Take that Chronically Horrid!!!!!!
:banana: :banana: :banana:

[Haliguy]

Best Deals in Real estate (MoneySense Magazine)

Where do you want to live? Where can you afford to live? Every major Canadian city scoured for bargains!

It’s a crazy time for real estate in Canada. Prices are sky-high, people are feeling pressured into selling into a hot market and buyers fear purchasing an overpriced home only to see the bubble burst.

But MoneySense magazine has come to the rescue and crunched the numbers to identify the best real estate deals in the best cities.

Using hard data on 35 major housing markets, the magazine has awarded a letter grade based on how reasonable the house prices are, whether home prices are likely to rise and how prosperous the local economy is. Surprisingly, none of the winning cities are Canada’s largest, but instead reflect medium-sized cities with affordable house prices that have the ability to grow strongly with local economic conditions.

The best deals in real estate in Canada are to be found in Moncton and Regina, both of whom received an A-, while Fredericton, St. John’s, Ottawa, Gatineau, Winnipeg, Guelph and Saint John all received a B+.

The criteria for the study was strict and comprehensive. MoneySense compared average rents to average home prices, which gives a great indicator of how valuable a home is. Next it compared local wages as to average home prices to see how long it would take for a family to purchase a home. The magazine also evaluated how quickly homes sold and prices increased over the years.

Last, the economic environment of the city was also analyzed. The magazine looked at how fast a community grew, what the unemployment rate was and what kind of discretionary income the citizens had.

This method avoided identifying cheap real estate in communities where prices were unlikely to increase due to a poor local economy or widespread unemployment.

The analysis gives a comprehensive overview of where to get the best real estate deals in Canada. The study is also useful for identifying which real estate markets to avoid. For example, Abbotsford and Montreal both only rated Cs.

MoneySense’s study also identified overpriced markets. For instance, Kelowna, B.C., scored well in the category of growth potential and has a great local economy. But the average house price makes it hard for the typical family to buy into the market. With this aspect in mind, Kelowna rated a D+ in the value category and a C+ overall.

Windsor, Ont., where house prices are among the best values in Canada, is in the opposite situation. It rated an A for affordability, but since the city is slowly recovering from deep layoffs in the car industry, it only rates a C in the momentum category and a C+ for local economy, giving it a B+ overall.

In concrete terms, what the best cities for real estate like Regina and Moncton have going for them is big-city growth and opportunities without big-city prices. While the affordability and growth value of a home are not always the prime reasons to buy in a particular location, knowing that your home is a sound investment in an economically vibrant city offers great peace of mind.

Top 5 cities:

1. Moncton A-
2. Regina A-
3. Fredericton B+
4. St. John's B+
5. Ottawa B+

Take that Chronically Horrid!!!!!!
:banana: :banana: :banana:

Doesn't low housing prices represent a bad economy

[MonctonRad]

Doesn't low housing prices represent a bad economy

Haliguy, if you read the article, you would see that they factored in the economic health of the community in their rankings. In short, they picked the cities that gave you the greatest bang for your buck.

To quote directly from the article:

What the best cities for real estate like Regina and Moncton have going for them is big-city growth and opportunities without big-city prices.

Knowing that your home is a sound investment in an economically vibrant city offers great peace of mind.

[mylesmalley]

Low housing prices can be a reflection of a bad economy, but not necessarily. In the case of Moncton, it's a combination of very low land prices, no limitation on growth, and population increase making it a buyer's market.

[pierremoncton]

Doesn't low housing prices represent a bad economy

Has "higher" become a synonym of "better"? Perhaps if your cholesterol level is higher, your health is better too.

I'm not judging Moncton nor Halifax, but you need an insane rat race to increase house prices beyond reason, and you need that same insanity to think that this type of "economy" (where big shiny numbers are exciting) trumps everything else.

[pierremoncton]

Moncton, Irving escalate arena lease fight: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/new-brunswick/story/2010/06/17/nb-moncton-wildcats-lease-fight-947.html

Irving has threatened to sell the Wildcats if a lease deal cannot be hammered out with the city.

The city should tell them that they don't negotiate with terrorists. Let Irving go to hell, then call Balsillie to move the Coyotes here.

[David_99]

I like it because what it's driving at in the end is, 'hey if I'm going to have to pay more, then build a new arena.'

Come on Moncton, build the arena (which you wanted to do anyway) then we can stop subsidizing them!

It's a win-win for everyone.

[MonctonGoldenFlames]

Moncton, Irving escalate arena lease fight: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/new-brunswick/story/2010/06/17/nb-moncton-wildcats-lease-fight-947.html



The city should tell them that they don't negotiate with terrorists. Let Irving go to hell, then call Balsillie to move the Coyotes here.

would irving really sell a cash cow? i doubt it.

[monctonian]

Read the portion of the MoneySense Magazine article that applies to Moncton. (http://www.moneysense.ca/2010/06/16/best-deals-in-real-estate-moncton/) It's not only the affordable housing, it's the quality of life that's attractive.

[MonctonRad]

Well the negotiations for the new lease agreement between the Wildcats and the City of Moncton must be down to crunch time........

The debate has moved into the court of public opinion.

The public posturing is moving into high gear, fully designed to elevate the anxiety level amongst the citizenry (at least those who are rabid hockey fans).

- Gilles Courteau states that the QMJHL will no longer tolerate any modifications to the playoff schedule and that from now on, if the game can not be played on the specified date, it will be moved to another city.

- Robert Irving muses about the conflicts over the availability of the coliseum at playoff time, stating that this incurs additional costs and interferes with team psychology at playoff time. He openly wonders about selling the team.

- The city states that they subsidize the team by over $100,000 per year and that the current lease agreement is completely unfair and out of keeping with the agreements elsewhere in the league.

The thing is, everyone is right and everyone has valid point to make.

The bottom line is that the Wildcats need the coliseum and the city needs a major tenant for the coliseum (such as the Wildcats). Neither side wants to disappoint the fans and this is a very important point. Moncton is a hockey town. If city council pisses Irving off and the team moves, there will be hell to pay.......Nobody wants this.

Ultimately an acommodation will be reached. There will have to be. In the meantime there will be a lot of grunting, screaming and complaining and the public angst level will be tested.

I would suggest leaving the existing lease agreement stand as long as the team has to play in the coliseum but a more equitable agreement should be reached once the team moves into the downtown arena.

That would seem fair to me!!

[someone123]

Housing prices are a function of two variables: supply and demand. You can have high demand but low prices because there is lots of supply. Lots of houses are being sold in Moncton.

In parts of Canada housing prices are much, much too high. People in Vancouver for example do not make enough money to be able to reasonably afford housing. I know people working multiple jobs and borrowing money from their parents so they can buy a cheap house way out in the suburbs for $400,000. Housing prices here have a tangible negative effect on quality of life for many people. They're not a sign of a wonderful economy, they're a sign of a broken economy that's not producing adequate quantities of what people want.

[MonctonRad]

dangerous game
(Times & Transcript editorial)
Published Saturday June 19th, 2010

More is at stake in negotiations between the city's major junior hockey franchise and its government than use of the crumbling old Moncton Coliseum for two or three years until a new Moncton Events Centre is built. In fact what is actually at stake is the events centre itself. If the team leaves there will be no tenant for the events centre and the idea will collapse.

Therefore it is inadvisable for the municipal government to employ misleading rhetoric now that the negotiations have gone public.

The city's representatives have in the past couple of days suggested taxpayers are somehow subsidizing' the Moncton Wildcats under the current agreement. This is simply inaccurate. The city is suggesting is that somehow, taxpayers are giving $175,000 a year to the team because it says it costs $675,000 a year to prepare the venue for major hockey when the team pays the city only $500,000 for that service.

This is a silly costing because it is made up of two things: money that the city pays to run the Coliseum and revenue the city could be earning if it controlled the concessions.

In fact the shortfall' is derived from what the city council apparently feels is an insufficient cut' - 20 per cent - of profits on beer sales and other concessions during Wildcats' games.

What's unfair about the rhetoric is that it somehow casts team owner Robert Irving, as being unfair to local taxpayers. Indeed he is a businessman but his charitable activities in his home city suggests quite the opposite.

It seems unlikely that Mr. Irving makes a lot off this arrangement in any event. His tendency would seem to be to invest most of the profit right back into the franchise if the opinion of other franchise owners and players in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League is any indication.

They say no team treats its young charges better than the Wildcats. Attendance records also show no other franchise can rival the Wildcats in terms of consistent high attendance.

A breakdown in negotiations could threaten 40 guaranteed nights, every year, where 4,000 to 6,500 people gather at the Coliseum to enjoy a game and perhaps enjoy some of the city's other amenities before and after. And that's excluding playoffs.

If you drive away the source of entertainment for all these people and now have an empty building that still costs taxpayers money, who are you going to rent it to? A debate about concessions is moot if there's nobody in the building to buy your beer or food.

All I can say to this is "Amen". This is the best editorial I've read all year.

[fenwick16]

Well, the Chronically Horrid isn't done with us yet........

Here's a couple of new articles from today's paper:
http://thechronicleherald.ca/News/1187142.html
http://thechronicleherald.ca/News/1187149.html
http://thechronicleherald.ca/Front/1187216.html

I would have to agree with Myles, the mere fact that the paper is running this series of articles says something about latent insecurity amongst the leadership of our larger sister city down the road.

Halifax doesn't really need to fear Moncton but Moncton is an agressive entrepreneurial city that will occasionally win one away from the big guys. They should get used to it and celebrate the success of this rivalry. Competition only makes everyone better. :tup:

BTW, do you think the Horrid came up with the idea for this series of articles because they have been surfing SSP? :haha: We already know that both the Horrid and the T&T sometimes troll our forum for story ideas.......;)

Some interesting debate going on here. Could somebody tell me if the Moncton Stadium was mentioned in these articles (I am too lazy to read through all of them - most of my development news now comes from this SSP forum)? Maybe a bit of insecurity will eventually spur Halifax to build an outdoor stadium.

[mylesmalley]

I don't believe so, but it's been a week since I've read them. I have neither the time nor desire to read them again though.

[gehrhardt]

Published Monday June 21st, 2010
A9

It appears a new Sobeys store is in the works for Elmwood Drive.

The Times & Transcript first reported last December that the retail giant was expected to buy the property housing the Les Filles de Jésus convent. Since then the land was sold to Sobeys and wrecking crews have moved in to clear the site.

The agenda for tonight's public meeting of Moncton Council includes an application from Sobeys Land Holdings for a plan amendment redesignating part of 553/569 Elmwood Drive from Residential C' and Residential B' to Suburban Commercial, as well as for a rezoning of part of 553/569 Elmwood Drive from MU-2 (Multiple Unit-2) and R-2 (Residential-2)to SC-1.

Ugh, most of us groaned about this a few months ago. Now it looks like it's happening after all.