The Official Moncton, NB Project Thread [Archive] - Page 84

porchmouse

Feb 28, 2011, 1:45 AM

Here's a few tidbits for tonight:

#1. We were out and about taking some snow pics and grab a few of the new Community Peace Centre in progress. They were busy today clearing some snow from the roof.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5140/5484169576_155879ba51.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5052/5483575689_305aef753d.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5297/5483576209_866ec5d596.jpg

#2. Regarding Moncton North and future developments: there will eventually be a new traffic light at the corner of Mountain Road and Evergreen (at the new RBC entrance). The current light at Mountain Road and Gorge Road will stay in its current location resulting in back to back traffic lights similar to the Moncton Road/Trinity Drive intersection. As well, I've been told that "chicken" is also coming to that corner somewhere in the form of Swiss Chalet, as well that Second Cup is looking for space, so that corner will be very busy once spring/summer arrive.

That's all I know for now.

Happy shovelling,

MonctonRad

Feb 28, 2011, 2:39 AM

:previous:

Nice pics porchmouse, I haven't been downtown in several months and had no idea how this project was progressing. It must be difficult to work with all this snow on the ground.

Regarding the Swiss Chalet and Second Cup rumour, I was under the impression that they were building down by the Northwest Centre but they have cleared off a rather large lot at the southeast corner of the Evergreen/Mountain Road intersection, so you never know......

How good are your sources porchmouse?

porchmouse

Feb 28, 2011, 3:23 AM

The Swiss Chalet source is very reliable. As for the rest, I've heard conflicting rumours. The first was that Irving was building a new service station in the empty lot at the corner of Evergreen and Mountain Road, across from the daycare. Now I have been told that is untrue. I was also told the Swiss Chalet was building in that space, so I guess we will have to wait and see if they come and where they build.

As for Second Cup, I've been told they are looking in that area and that there is some type of "strip mall" or something going in beside the RBC. I'm assuming this location would have other tennants. I would love to see a Quiznos up this way. I predict in 6-9 months we will not recognize that corner. As a resident of Moncton North, I welcome the business but dread the increased traffic and chaos. As for the old RBC location (near McBuns and the liquor store), this was leased so we'll have to wait and see who grabs that spot too.

:previous:

Regarding the Swiss Chalet and Second Cup rumour, I was under the impression that they were building down by the Northwest Centre but they have cleared off a rather large lot at the southeast corner of the Evergreen/Mountain Road intersection, so you never know......

How good are your sources porchmouse?

josh_cat_eyes

Feb 28, 2011, 5:28 AM

This is a good example of the restaurants in Moncton being very spread out. Its nice to see some development in the north end thats not housing or a casino though!

macas539

Feb 28, 2011, 4:59 PM

#2. Regarding Moncton North and future developments: there will eventually be a new traffic light at the corner of Mountain Road and Evergreen (at the new RBC entrance). The current light at Mountain Road and Gorge Road will stay in its current location resulting in back to back traffic lights similar to the Moncton Road/Trinity Drive intersection. As well, I've been told that "chicken" is also coming to that corner somewhere in the form of Swiss Chalet, as well that Second Cup is looking for space, so that corner will be very busy once spring/summer arrive.

That's all I know for now.

Happy shovelling,

It's nice to see all of that development in north Moncton! That almost had a very rural feel to it for quite some time. I think that with the opening of the casino that area is going to change drastically in the next few years. New developments will hopefully become much more common.

Lrdevlop

Feb 28, 2011, 5:00 PM

Maritimers escape to Jamaica
Published Monday February 28th, 2011

Sunwing, Jamaica Tourism and Greater Moncton International Airport celebrate new charter flight to the sun and sand
C2
BY BRENT MAZEROLLE
TIMES & TRANSCRIPT STAFF

The two massive snowblowers shooting giant plumes of snow into the sky above the Greater Moncton International Airport said it all yesterday.

VIKTOR PIVOVAROV/TIMES & TRANSCR
Travellers check in for Sunwing's inaugural flight to Montego Bay, Jamaica at the Greater Moncton International Airport yesterday.
It's time to get out of Dodge and dodge a week or two of incessant winter weather.

While the snowblowers were still clearing taxiways and tarmac some 30 hours after the end of what was just the latest blizzard of 2011, about 180 lucky Maritimers were arriving at the airport to take the inaugural flight of Sunwing, direct from Moncton to Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Ahead lay reggae music, Jamaican patties, jerk chicken, Blue Mountain coffee and lively fruit drinks further livened by Appleton Rum.

And that was before they even boarded their distinctive blue 737 with the orange tail. Sunwing, Jamaica Tourism and the airport threw a great little pre-boarding party in the upstairs departure lounge yesterday to celebrate the launch of the new service.

Yesterday's supper hour departure was just the first for the seasonal sun destination charter.

"There will be nine flights out of Moncton, so you can keep going back again and again," Sandra Scott of Jamaica Tourism suggested to the travellers on the inaugural flight, who cheered heartily.

"We think you'll be smiling even more when you wake up tomorrow," Sunwing vice-president Lawrence Elliott predicted, to which many in the crowd yelled out, "tonight!"

Rob Robichaud, the airport's general manager, told the crowd, "we're constantly striving to convince new airlines to come here and to bring more flights here. We're going to become a key regional hub in Atlantic Canada, so thanks for helping us do that."

The 186 seat aircraft was completely booked.

Among those travelling yesterday were Shediac's Bernie Brun and Yvette Doiron-Brun, their daughter Josée and her boyfriend Miguel Pellerin. Despite the snow and chill yesterday afternoon, they arrived at the airport in shorts, ready to focus on their destination and not their departure point.

While it was their first trip with Sunwing, the Bruns have visited Jamaica several times.

Bernie said they like the people, like the food and like the resorts.

Sunwing will operate weekly departures, for one and two week holidays, through the last departure on April 24.

In Montego Bay, Sunwing offers a total of eight beachfront all-inclusive hotels including popular brands such as Iberostar, Secrets and Superclubs.

Sunwing Airlines is popular for its "more frills" attitude to flying.

Even when Sunwing's not celebrating a special event like yesterday's inaugural flight out of Moncton, all passengers receive a bon-voyage glass of champagne, hot towel service, a choice of hot meals at lunch and dinner - served with wine - and complimentary in-flight entertainment including first run movies.

josh_cat_eyes

Mar 1, 2011, 6:07 AM

I seen that "Fredericton Project' thread and it gave me an idea:
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c337/josh_cat_eyes/Screenshot2011-03-01at120212AM.png

MonctonRad

Mar 1, 2011, 4:16 PM

josh_cat_eyes

Mar 1, 2011, 11:23 PM

Good work Josh.

I see that this map incorporates several ideas that have been tossed around in this forum before.

You have included a third (and a fourth) river crossing, and this along with the southern ring road serving Riverview probably means at least a billion dollars of infrastructure spending. I can see the minister of finance having a stroke right now as I type! :haha:

This plan is well thought out. I particularly like the idea of starting the southern ring road out by Calhoun. This would certainly inprove access to Riverview for traffic coming from Nova Scotia. It would in fact improve access to all of Albert County.

I wonder about turning the southern ring road into a complete southern bypass, connecting back up to the TCH somewhere around Salisbury....

Thoughts anyone?

I was thinking this could be done in phases, but if there was a southern bypass it would eliminate the need to take the TCH around Moncton, something I didn't want to do. I also thought if planning was better, rather than building the Causeway the could have built a bridge where the river is narrower (towards the end of the southern ring road) This could have been done before the MID was built.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c337/josh_cat_eyes/Screenshot2011-03-01at120212AM1.png

Also take notice of the locations of the "Transit Centres" and roundabouts, as well as the overpass on highway 15 in Dieppe and Ryan Road, and new Full Interchanges just past the traffic circle and at the airport.

mylesmalley

Mar 2, 2011, 12:52 AM

I'd be really surprised if we could justify a third crossing near downtown any time soon. The current growth trends are largely pushing southwards in Dieppe, and eastwards in Riverview. A bridge at Dover/Lower Coverdale makes much more sense. Even then, you're talking 20 years at least.

To really justify a southern bypass, there would need to be significant growth in Riverview, but especially industrial/commercial. Otherwise, Riverview will always be a bedroom community. Traffic will always flow across the river with very little inter-urban traffic between Riverview and other cities like Halifax. If, somehow, half of the traffic going to Greater Moncton hopped across the river, then you could make the case that it would improve traffic situation on the Westmoreland Co side.

I think a much more pressing list of priorities has to include highway access on MacLaughlan Road, a full interchange at the airport with connections to Shediac Rd, and at least one more full interchange along the Veterans Hwy between Paul and Dieppe Blvd. It's foolish that we have clogged arterials like Champlain and Mountain, with under-utilized limited-access freeways all over the city.

josh_cat_eyes

Mar 2, 2011, 4:50 AM

The bridge connecting to Dieppe on Champlain, is designed to move traffic off of that road. There is just no place for that traffic to go it seems.
The other bridge, if built, you'd think would help the other side of the river, where there has been a lot of development going on, match the growth of the Dieppe side.

Here is my thinking:
Phase 1: (1-2 years)
Full interchange at the Airport
Full interchange at Lewisville & Botsford
Dieppe Blvd completion
Phase 2: (3-5 years)
Causeway Replacement
Berry Mills 4 lanes; Wheeler - Horsman
Bridgedale Blvd.
McLaughlin Interchange
Ryan Road connection to Mountain (either at trinity or via a new, more costly overpass)
Phase 3: (5-7 years)
Interchange between Paul and Dieppe on Highway 15
Interchange between Mapleton and Morton on Highway 15
Ryan Road 4 Lanes
Berry Mills 4 lanes complete to the Trans-Canada Highway
Riverview West Bypass
New river cossing; Bridgedale to Champlain (Potential Name(s): Gordie Drillon Boulevard, Russ Howard Boulevard)
Riverview & Dieppe expand boundaries
Phase 4: (8-10 years)
Southern Metro Bypass
Extension of "Gordie Drillon Boulevard/Russ Howard Boulevard"

MonctonRad

Mar 3, 2011, 1:18 AM

Dominion building repairs to go ahead
Published Wednesday March 2nd, 2011

Moncton starts off 2011 with strong building permit numbers
Times & Transcript Staff

After years of sitting in a state of disrepair with now familiar scaffolding wrapped around it, the Dominion Public Building on the corner of Main and High streets in downtown Moncton will finally be repaired.

The City of Moncton issued two permits in January for the building, which include interior building upgrades, window repair and replacement and heritage masonry repairs and restoration on the 1933 and 1956 exterior facades as well as dismantling and reconstruction of the fourth floor.

The permit for interior building upgrades is valued at $445,000 while the restoration of the facade is worth $4,778,000.

"I want to commend the federal government, particularly Public Works and Government Services Canada for this conservation project," Moncton Mayor George LeBlanc said in a press release. "This four-storey building is of great historical value to our city."

The City of Moncton started the year 2011 strong in terms of building permit numbers, issuing 28 permits valued at over $6.4 million in January. The number of permits is one less than January 2010, but the total value of them is much greater.

"We're pleased with our building permit numbers for January," says LeBlanc. "The $6.4-million figure is the second best we've seen over the past 10 years. And, January's construction activity was particularly welcomed during what has been a very challenging winter with record high snow accumulation."

The number of residential construction permits issued were down in January; however, Moncton's Building Inspection staff have been busy completing mandatory inspections at the pre-backfill, framing, pre-drywall and pre-occupancy stages in single, two-unit and semi-detached dwellings as a result of permits issued in late 2010.

In January 2011, a total of five permits were issued for institutional and government dwellings valued at $6 million.

Other permits of note include one for interior renovations in the Pavilion Remi Rosignol Conformement Aux Plans in the value of $385,000.

Also, Rogers Communications Inc. had a $100,000 permit approved for interior renovations on the first and second floors valued at $100,000.

Meanwhile, in Dieppe, the city issued 17 building permits worth $786,212 in January. The commercial sector accounted for 12 permits issued totalling more than $662,692.

Two permits were issued for work planned in Champlain Place shopping centre, including the relocation of La Senza and renovations to Tip Top Tailors.

In Riverview, two permits were issued in January, worth a total of $71,000.

porchmouse

Mar 3, 2011, 1:58 AM

mmmatt

Mar 3, 2011, 2:48 AM

So it seems we are learning a little retail news tonight via facebook tonight. This was just posted on the Bath & Body Works Canada facebook page:

BREAKING NEWS!! We are super excited to announce our Summer 2011 Store Openings! New Brunswick here we come!

-Southecentre Mall in Calgary, Alberta
-Polo Park Mall in Winnipeg, Manitoba
-Champlain Place in Dieppe, New Brunswick

Great! nice to know its official now :)

I was talking to a friend of mine that works at wireless wave a week or so ago...he informed me of / reinforced things we already knew:

Victoria Secret will be in the old Peoples/EB Games corner
Tip Top Tailors will move into a brand new location a couple slots down from its current locale
Bath & Body Works will move into old Tip Top Tailors
Gamestop (formerly EB Games) will move into old record store near Urban Planet

Two hugely popular new chain stores in one summer! :D

I must say though the fact that Gamestop will take that corner is my favorite part...that corner has been in transition since the old cd store closed, its nice to see a solid tenant for once...and the mall is once again essentially full (maybe space for a couple more booths, but thats about it)

mmmatt

Mar 3, 2011, 3:05 AM

josh_cat_eyes

Mar 3, 2011, 3:24 AM

Also, speaking of transit centers, I would love the city to make a proper transit hub at Highfield...

Something like this:

http://www.ur.umich.edu/update/img/ru_100219_transit.jpg
http://www.ur.umich.edu/update/archives/100219/transit

Except enclosed and I think the biggest change would be adding a pedway across the street...thus removing the crosswalk lights that snarl the very busses we are trying to service!

Maybe if the new arena is built there this could be tacked on...thus making people want to take the bus to events even more! :)

Thats what my proposal was like. Have small versions of that in a few places like Champlain Place, Trinity Power Centre, Findlay Park, Uptown Dieppe ect, but then have bigger ones downtown, at the airport, by the casino/magnetic hill, in Dieppe and in Riverview.

porchmouse

Mar 3, 2011, 11:48 AM

Good news - Gamestop is already open in that corner and it's a great looking new store. Very bright and a welcome change from the smaller EBGames location.

Great! nice to know its official now :)

I must say though the fact that Gamestop will take that corner is my favorite part...that corner has been in transition since the old cd store closed, its nice to see a solid tenant for once...and the mall is once again essentially full (maybe space for a couple more booths, but thats about it)

gehrhardt

Mar 3, 2011, 2:43 PM

The federal government says none of the cities who have asked for federal money to build arenas are going to get it.

By Laura Payton and Alex Leduc, CBC News
Posted: Mar 2, 2011 5:33 PM ET

There won't be any federal money for a hockey arena in Quebec City — or anywhere else in the country for that matter, the Conservatives said Wednesday. Sort of.

A message sent to Conservative supporters and leaked to reporters says the government has decided not to fund any pro sports facilities.

"Several cities across Canada have requested that the federal government contribute funding to help build new professional sports facilities. Please use the following lines when communicating with your local media and constituents," the email reads.

"The government has no program to fund professional sports facilities. And the government has decided against creating such a program. This decision will be applied consistently across the country."

Jason Kenney, a senior cabinet minister, confirmed the decision on Twitter.

"Delighted with today's announcement that the government will NOT create a program to subsidize professional sports arenas," tweeted Kenney, minister of citizenship and immigration.

Finance Minister Jim Flaherty, speaking on CBC's Power & Politics with Evan Solomon, later said the government had just made the decision.

"The government does not have a program to fund sports arenas for professional sports teams," he told Solomon.

"We're going to stay away from subsidizing professional sports."

... And so on

Well, that's a bit of a hit for Moncton. If only council had gotten off their butts 2 years ago, the funding could have already been in place before this announcement. The feds have gotten such bad press over the Quebec City arena, this was inevitable.

MonctonRad

Mar 3, 2011, 3:23 PM

"We're going to stay away from subsidizing professional sports."

... And so on

Well, that's a bit of a hit for Moncton. If only council had gotten off their butts 2 years ago, the funding could have already been in place before this announcement. The feds have gotten such bad press over the Quebec City arena, this was inevitable.

Well, to be honest, the Wildcats are an amateur sports team and I believe the city was aiming at a federal pot of money aimed at "triple P" projects, so all may not be lost yet.

I do agree with you though, we may have had more success if the application had gone in a couple of years ago........

BlackYear

Mar 3, 2011, 3:49 PM

Agree, Moncton is not seeking a Professional Sports Arena for a NHL team which cost $150 million for the arena.

Moncton is looking for a 10,000 seat multi-purpose arena to revitalize the downtown core and replace a almost 40 year old run down facility.

If I read between the lines, the Government doesn't want to subsidize a NHL franchise.

StormShadow

Mar 4, 2011, 12:04 AM

What do I win?

josh_cat_eyes

Mar 4, 2011, 3:39 AM

What do you win for what?

mylesmalley

Mar 4, 2011, 4:28 AM

A NEW CAR!

G8iOmVd1W_g

MonctonRad

Mar 5, 2011, 5:44 PM

They are beginning to remove the scaffolding from around the Dominion Public Building.

I guess the renovations to the building really are going ahead!

:banana::banana::banana:

mylesmalley

Mar 5, 2011, 8:44 PM

This is a huge relief. With all the talk about Moncton High, I was beginning to worry that the Dominion Building (IMhO a much nicer looking structure) would fall by the wayside.

Lrdevlop

Mar 6, 2011, 6:12 PM

:tup: Good News Everyone! I saw on Continental Airlines website that in March (starting today I think), we have flights to NY twice a day! (And it seems to end April 3rd)

mylesmalley

Mar 6, 2011, 10:13 PM

I'm taking the early one tomorrow!
I thought they were supposed to run both all summer though?

Lrdevlop

Mar 7, 2011, 1:08 AM

From what I know, it ends in April... But I hope your right!!! :tup:

Lrdevlop

Mar 7, 2011, 1:40 PM

IMAX theatre hope lingers in Riverview
Published Monday March 7th, 2011

Empire Theatres says it has no plan to open any cinemas in the town
A1
By Eric Lewis
Times & Transcript Staff

A grassroots campaign that aims to bring an IMAX theatre to Riverview continues to grow.

Despite some public support for a new theatre in Riverview, there appears to be no plans to open one there. Findlay Park, which has expanded over the last year to include a new Sobeys and Canadian Tire, would be the most likely location for a theatre.
Alex Joannides, owner of the new Canadian Tire store in Riverview, started a petition in his store recently that now boasts roughly 8,000 signatures, and other local businesses have shown support for it, now asking for signatures in their own stores.

In about a month's time, Joannides hopes to gather a few town officials and businessfolk for a trip to Empire Theatres' offices in Stellarton, N.S. to present his petition.

Empire operates the only IMAX theatre in the Maritimes, in Halifax, and it operates Metro Moncton's two movie theatres, one on Trinity Drive in Moncton and the other on Paul Street in Dieppe.

Joannides says he isn't detered by the fact that an Empire Theatres spokesperson told the Times & Transcript quite plainly that the company isn't looking to expand into Riverview at this time.

"At present, Empire Theatres has no plan to open nor operate an IMAX Theatre in Riverview," Dean Leland, vice president of studio and media relations, said in an e-mail. When asked if the company is considering any sort of theatre for the growing town, Leland said it is not.

A representative for IMAX Corporation, based in Mississauga, ON, was unavailable Friday, but told the Times & Transcript last fall that there is nothing stopping this region from being a viable candidate as a new IMAX market.

With all that in mind, Joannides has a glass-half-full attitude about the idea.

"I know that any business out there, if they know there is enough of a demand or an interest, they will consider it," he says.

"If you know, as a business, that there is a need or a desire for your product or service, you can't ignore that."

Riverview had its own twin cinemas in Riverview Mall for years, but business declined over time and the theatre closed in 1999. Its space was taken over by a call centre.

One could make the case that Riverview has changed and grown considerably since the old theatre closed.

Joannides says Riverview is growing commercially and there are consistent rumblings about more businesses considering moving in. He feels an IMAX theatre would be a "perfect fit," helping make Riverview's business district a more attractive destination for people from throughout Metro Moncton and the surrounding area.

If nothing else, Joannides says his petition is drumming up discussion and raising awareness that Riverview is open for business.

The Montreal native, who has operated Canadian Tire stores in Nova Scotia and Ontario, is embracing the can-do attitude he sees in New Brunswickers.

Joannides says he loves living in the Maritimes and feels that New Brunswick in particular seems to be a progressive, forward-thinking province.

Joannides' petition to bring an IMAX to Riverview is now available at Steve's Diner, Homestead Restaurant, Rexall Guardian Pharmacy, Shoppers Drug Mart, Canadian Tire gas bar and Pizza Delight.

Paulina McGrath, pharmacist/owner of Shoppers Drug Mart, says that both Moncton and Dieppe have theatres and Riverview should too.

"Riverview is the fastest-growing community in the Greater Moncton area, so it seems to only make sense that we would have a movie theatre come into our community."

Through her business, McGrath sees more young families moving into Riverview, and she feels now is a great time to bring a new attraction to the town.

---
I think this is a great initiative (petition) but I'm pretty sure that if Empire Theatres says yes for an IMAX Theatre, it would be built in Moncton. The result of the petition would show that the Greater Moncton wants one - even if it's aimed at Riverview, which of course is part of the Greater Moncton Area.

MonctonRad

Mar 7, 2011, 10:17 PM

:previous:

I agree, while I have no doubt that an IMAX would be a success in Moncton, I'm sure it would end up getting built on the Moncton side of the river.

My preference would be at Crystal Palace or as part of the proposed dowmtown arena/events centre.

mylesmalley

Mar 8, 2011, 2:00 AM

As I posted a couple weeks ago when this rumour first started, there's really no business case for something like that in Riverview. I don't even know if you could make a great case for one in Greater Moncton. But fundamentally, it's an attraction like any other. Attractions go where the people are. Trinity Drive, downtown, or Champlain Place are really the only logical places to put an IMAX.

Taeolas

Mar 8, 2011, 3:20 AM

Champlain place/Crystal Palace would probably be the best place to put one in, to further cement that as an Attraction Destination. But I'm not sure if the building is shaped (or shapeable) in a way that they could squeeze one in. Maybe they could, as was proposed elsewhere, build a link between the mall and Crystal Palace and have it in that extension, but that would make for a long blank hallway. (Regent Mall is bad enough with that set up, and the theatres are only on one side of that one)

MonctonRad

Mar 8, 2011, 12:20 PM

:previous:

If they did connect Champlain Place and Crystal Palace, I don't think it would be a "long blank hallway". With the strength of the Canadian economy and the appreciation of the Canadian dollar, a lot of American retailers are suddenly looking north of the border for expansion. There however is not much retail space available for them to expand into.

If Cadillac Fairview were smart, I think they should consider the "final mall expansion" and connect their two properties together, lining the corridor with new shops and services.

Champlain Place is essentially full. The current renovations are for American retailers like Bath & Body Works and Victoria's Secret. If additional American retailers want in, they will need to expand.

Throw a new IMAX into the equation (as an expansion to the Crystal Palace Cinemas) and you would have a killer mall!

josh_cat_eyes

Mar 9, 2011, 3:54 AM

I think if it was in Riverview it would bring a lot of traffic to Riverview. That is a smart thing for them to do. I do however agree that Champlain or Downtown are the only real places.

riverviewer

Mar 9, 2011, 11:30 PM

As much I welcome development in Riverview, I have to concur that the only logical place for an IMAX is on the highway.

Riverview is connected by Wheeler/Findlay so there could be argument for placement, but not enough tourist traffic flows in that direction yet. Perhaps if a Lower Coverdale bride was built to direct Nova Scotia traffic under Riverview, but not with current patterns. Without traffic, you don't have people, without people you don't have a business case.

mylesmalley

Mar 10, 2011, 2:23 AM

How much of an attraction is an IMAX, anyway? I've been to the one in Halifax, but only because I was at that end of town and was looking for something to do anyway.

MonctonRad

Mar 10, 2011, 4:03 PM

How much of an attraction is an IMAX, anyway? I've been to the one in Halifax, but only because I was at that end of town and was looking for something to do anyway.

There are some movies that absolutely demand to be seen in IMAX, for example Avatar. I find that with the immersive experience that the giant screen provides that IMAX is particularly good for 3D films.

I personally check to see what's playing at the IMAX every time I go to Halifax. I'm sure that some people in NB and PEI who routinely come to Moncton would do the same. It would be an attraction.

God it's quiet recently........

Just to keep things active - the Jitter Bean Cafe is now open at the Shops at Hastings Ridge (the small strip mall on Mountain Road, just across from Lounsbury's).

curious

Mar 10, 2011, 9:49 PM

How come cafe cognito and cheers restaurant closed? is it just for renos?

I have been straining my brain trying to think of what business to open up and have been hitting a wall. I emailed MEC and LuLulemon but they do not franchise. I was thinking a great outdoor enthusiast store?
Cafe with decadent deserts and coffee/tea (all organic)
Clothing store from different designers like "seven" (not the typical stuff in champlain place)

any ideas

MonctonRad

Mar 10, 2011, 11:22 PM

Cafe Cognito was forced out at end of lease. The space is being renovated for a new tenant but I can't quite remember what's going in there. The space won't be vacant for long. :)

MonctonRad

Mar 11, 2011, 2:37 PM

Excellent opinion piece from today's T&T

Let's make Metro (Moncton) the Atlantic centre of logistics excellence
Published Friday March 11th, 2011
By NANCY WHIPP
GREATER MONCTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

With the recent news that Greater Moncton International Airport (GMIA) will be extending one of its runways to 10,000 feet to attract larger aircraft and thus strengthen its position as an international air cargo hub, it is time our region fully capitalizes on its favourable geography and infrastructure.

Metro Moncton may have long been referred to as 'The Hub of the Maritimes,' but we in the business community have an even more exciting vision for our tri-city - that of 'Atlantic Canada's Centre of Logistics Excellence.'

Our region already has many attributes it can build upon to become a true centre of logistics excellence.

These include:

* centrality (Metro Moncton is the nexus of all major trade routes emanating from Atlantic Canada into the northeastern U.S. and all points west in Canada);

* the best all-weather air cargo airport and second busiest in the region;

* the greatest number of warehousing and distribution facilities in Atlantic Canada;

* the largest two-hour customer catchment area in Atlantic Canada;

* a location directly on the flight path between northern Europe and the northeastern seaboard of the U.S.;

* rail service to the rest of Canada and the northeastern U.S.;

* a bilingual workforce; and

* the headquarters of three of Canada's top 10 nationally known trucking firms.

With the new 10,000 foot runway, large cargo flights from Europe and the U.S. now have the opportunity to land at the Greater Moncton International Airport, offload their inbound cargo and place it in bond while loading bonded goods destined for their home markets.

If we were to develop an air cargo village infrastructure (including cold storage facilities, seafood holding tanks, packing facilities and warehouse distribution buildings), the airport would have the capability to service this additional cargo traffic.

There are approximately 800 flights that occur daily between Europe and the northeastern U.S.

The advantages to landing in Moncton instead of New York City include saving hours of flight time and being able to deliver goods faster (goods landing in either of New York City's major airports are often held in customs for up to 72 hours whereas these same goods could be delivered by truck or rail from Metro Moncton to most northeastern U.S. warehouses within 15-20 hours).

More cargo flights landing in Moncton means not only faster goods arriving in and shipping out of Moncton, which is good for businesses, but also a positive impact on our local trucking industry.

Trucks would be able to provide full loads to the northeastern U.S. without having to stop in Toronto and Montreal. This should result in a reduction in expenses, the creation of additional business and a more effective schedule for drivers.

Expected economic spinoffs to the Metro Moncton Area, the region and the province from establishing our region as a centre of logistic excellence serving the Maritimes, Eastern Canada and the northeastern U.S. would be profound in job generation, economic development and sources of revenue for business and government.

One study commissioned by the GMIA found that the proposed runway extension alone would have, at a minimum, a $53 million economic impact for our region.

The time is now.

Let's capitalize on our geography, infrastructure and industry know-how and give a whole new dimension to our reputation as a hub city.

* Nancy Whipp is the Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Moncton Chamber of Commerce.

C_Boy

Mar 11, 2011, 11:01 PM

Traffic up at Greater Moncton International Airport

Cathy LeBreton - Staff Mar 11, 2011 13:42:36 PM

MONCTON, N.B. - Traffic in and out of the Greater Moncton International Airport was up significantly last year.

The airport saw a 7.2 per cent increase in passengers and a 5.2 per cent increase in cargo in 2010.

Last year also saw the addition of Porter Airlines, and increased service from Continental Airlines.

Airport officials say so far, 2011 is also looking up with Sunwing Vacations now offering a Jamaican destination from Moncton, and WestJet beginning a seasonal Orlando service.

Porter Airlines also recently announced it was increasing the frequency of flights from Moncton to Ottawa.

David_99

Mar 12, 2011, 1:39 AM

So... Some good news (for me) from my end of town. The Rockin' Rodeo is no more. It has a new owner and is now called the iRock. With the demise of Cody's last year, there's no more country-based clubs :)

Down side: I heard the new owner is the same owner as Angie's, as has been rumored for the last couple years. Hopefully nothing bad will come of this. Especially with the NB Liquor moving this year, which will be leaving an empty space in the lot...

mylesmalley

Mar 12, 2011, 3:10 AM

Same guy who owns the iRock in Fredericton?

David_99

Mar 12, 2011, 2:19 PM

Same guy who owns the iRock in Fredericton?

Oh I'm not sure. Hopefully. My wife just heard a rumour that it was the Angie's owner.

Lrdevlop

Mar 13, 2011, 11:32 PM

It's kind of quiet lately... Well wouldn't this be cool?

http://i56.tinypic.com/14ux1km.png

The Moncton Market would be twice the size that it is now. Both the Dieppe and Moncton Market are full (they both have together about 600 (300 each) vendors/restaurant on a waiting list. I think we need a bigger Market ;). The building that I attatched is a Hotel (preferably a Courtyard by Marriott).

I hope we are going to see some building rise in the next years (like the proposed Verdiroc Multi-use/condos). This area is a sea of parking!

josh_cat_eyes

Mar 14, 2011, 2:31 AM

There needs to be parking garages in Moncton! I have no idea, but I'm going to guess its the biggest city in Canada without practical parking garages.

NBNYer

Mar 14, 2011, 3:07 AM

It's kind of quiet lately... Well wouldn't this be cool?

The Moncton Market would be twice the size that it is now. Both the Dieppe and Moncton Market are full (they both have together about 600 (300 each) vendors/restaurant on a waiting list. I think we need a bigger Market ;). The building that I attatched is a Hotel (preferably a Courtyard by Marriott).

I hope we are going to see some building rise in the next years (like the proposed Verdiroc Multi-use/condos). This area is a sea of parking!

Given the design of your proposed building, I guess "courtyard" by Marriott is the ideal choice:haha: Didn't the Verdiroc proposal have some kind of large pedestrian space is that area as well? Or was that across the street?

MonctonRad

Mar 14, 2011, 3:19 AM

Verdiroc has done nothing for the development of the downtown core for over a decade now (except for the Roger's customer contact centre). :hell:

I don't believe they are even active in the market anymore.........

JasonL-Moncton

Mar 14, 2011, 12:34 PM

acrew79

Mar 14, 2011, 3:44 PM

MonctonRad

Mar 14, 2011, 7:45 PM

:previous:

I am pretty sure that the new Sobey's development off Elmwood will include the NBLC as well as a Lawton's. The site plan for this development was posted here about 80 pages or so back.

If so, I presume the Lawton's already existing on Elmwood will close.

Lrdevlop

Mar 14, 2011, 8:21 PM

Finally! We got numbers!

– The year 2010 ended in a healthy 7.2% increase resulting in a total of 552,629 passengers at the Greater Moncton International Airport (GMIA) in comparison to 515,460 in 2009. On the cargo front, the year ended at a 5.2% increase. Volumes finished at 22,789 metric tonnes in comparison to 21,730 metric tonnes in 2009.

From the GMIA Website

lukepaa

Mar 15, 2011, 12:19 AM

so I was extremely disappointed with the Starbucks in the Delta...its not a full service cafe, just a automated machine with recipes on laminated cards for the existing cafe staff to remember what the drinks are. DT Moncton Needs a Sbux.
However Jitter Bean Cafe looks like it is almost ready to open...should be a great cafe for the North End. Does anyone have a date when it should be ready to open?

JasonL-Moncton

Mar 15, 2011, 1:42 PM

MonctonRad

Mar 15, 2011, 3:49 PM

Jitter Bean Cafe? North End? Where is that going?

The Shoppes at Hastings Ridge. (the little strip mall basically across the street from Ferguson Knowles Funeral Home. :)

mylesmalley

Mar 15, 2011, 4:18 PM

If that counts as a ridge, I'm going to start referring to Lutz mountain as Everest.

MonctonRad

Mar 16, 2011, 12:15 AM

Somewhat abridged from today's T&T

New eateries open in Metro
Published Tuesday March 15th, 2011

By Eric Lewis
Times & Transcript Staff

M.I.C. Canadian Eatery & Whisky Pub is now open in Place 1604 on Champlain Street in Dieppe. The eatery is decorated with images of great Canadians of all walks of life and serves quintessential Canadian dishes and Canadian whiskies. The first opened in Sudbury, Ont., a little more than a year ago when the owner of the local Don Cherry's sports bar decided to drop the franchise and open a new pub with a distinctly Canadian flavour.

M.I.C., after all, stands for Made In Canada.

Just last week, Tom Betts and Greg Mitton did the same thing. The owners of the Dieppe Don Cherry's decided to rebrand their own restaurant to M.I.C.

So, how Canadian is it?

In addition to artwork depicting Canadian actors, actresses, musicians, philanthropists and more, the pub plays only Canadian music and offers only Canadian whisky, wine and beer.

There's a sample tray of some high-end Wiser whisky products and rare bottlings like Forty Creek's Confederation Oak whisky. (Betts is careful to note that's "whisky" without the "ey" at the end, which is reserved for American and Irish whiskies. Canadian and Scottish products simply use the "y".)

Typical Canadian beers are offered and Betts is hoping to offer New Brunswick-microbrewed products soon.

The menu is loaded with Canadian and Acadian dishes, with smoked meats, poutines, chicken fricot, sugar pie, apple crisp, bread pudding, spinach salad with smoked salmon and products made with premium Alberta beef offered.

"All the people that we've had for our first opening week have been very receptive and really liked the menu," Betts says.

The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day, with the pub side staying open until 2 a.m. Live entertainment will be appearing in the future, Betts reports.

Meanwhile on the restaurant beat, Catch 22 Lobster Bar in the old Bogarts location on Main Street in Moncton opened recently and Tide & Boar Gastropub, which has replaced Kramer's Corner on Main, is set for its grand opening on April 1 and 2. Nova Scotia band Signal Hill is performing both nights, which are already sold out.

A Relish Gourmet Burgers location is set to open in the old location of Jagoe's Jewelry, but a date for opening hasn't been set yet, its owners told the Times & Transcript yesterday.

On the other side of the Petitcodiac River in Riverview, a small restaurant seems to be leaving a big impression on those who have tried it out.

Alto Express Restaurant opened with little fanfare in December on Pinewood Road in the strip mall across from Home Hardware, but the restaurant has earned rave reviews thus far, offering a lengthy menu with Greek and Mediterranean dishes along with some German food.

Owner Adam Tabet says the response to Alto has been great.

"Riverview, I think, is a market that hasn't been explored yet," he says. "And now, after four months of business, I can tell that it's a great place to do business and the community here is wonderful. We're really happy here."

The Algeria native moved to Canada roughly 15 years ago, settling in Montreal before moving his family to New Brunswick about four years ago. The family moved here as they felt it was a nicer place to raise children.

Tabet has been in the restaurant business for most of his life, and he brought to New Brunswick a Quebec restaurant tradition that is fairly new to this area.

Alto doesn't serve liquor, however it has a licence that allows its patrons to bring their own wine. The only catches are that the wines must be purchased from NB Liquor stores (homemade wines aren't allowed), and there is a $5 corking fee one must pay at the restaurant.

Tabet says his patrons have enjoyed this unique feature Alto offers.

Initially, it took patrons, and even health inspectors not used to the idea, by surprise, he says with a laugh.

The restaurant owner says he is in the process of adding new seafood and Greek items to Alto's menu.

Currently, Alto is open from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. during the week. They stay open a little later on weekends, and Tabet hopes to start a breakfast menu once he adds some staff in the future.

Personal note - curious, a couple of pages back was wondering what had happened to Cafe Cognito. I knew at the time that it had been forced out at the end of it's lease. I remember now what is happening to that space. The Tide & Boar, which is taking over the old Kramers space, is going to put in a small market and takeout service next door where Cafe Cognito used to be. I believe Cafe Cognito is looking for other space elsewhere on Main Street to reopen. :)

mylesmalley

Mar 16, 2011, 12:59 AM

Had lunch at M.I.C. yesterday. Solid menu and the food was very good.

porchmouse

Mar 16, 2011, 8:29 PM

A few quick pics to tempt your tastebuds.

Looking forward to trying M.I.C. in the next week or so. Lots of talk of it on this forum. They are located at Place 1604 on Champlain Street in Dieppe. I wonder if they will start a wing night to try and lure some business away from Moosers.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5137/5532967574_4d5a1a4043.jpg

Here's a shot of Catch 22 Lobster Bar on Main Street in the old Bogarts location. I sure do miss Bogarts creme brulee...sigh...

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5291/5532385579_6f20e4476e.jpg

One last shot of construction happening at the Dominion Public Building on Main Street across from Highfield Square.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5056/5532967694_98917f7e54.jpg

I must say that I am most excited about Relish Burgers opening soon in Moncton. I haven't tried their stuff yet but I have only heard positive reviews. As well, these guys are fantastic at using social networking to promote their business. I tweeted them a week or so and received a response within an hour or so, and now they are following me. Moncton is a great city to form this type of following. The Relish sign is up but opening date is available yet. I will try and grab a photo the next time I am down on Main Street.

One last note, if you see a girl running around town in the middle of traffic with a camera every now and then, it's probably me. :)

Cheers,

theshark

Mar 16, 2011, 9:20 PM

Thx for the pictures, its nice to see color on the page!! And with all that melting snow, construction season soon!!

What are the major projects this summer for the metro Moncton???

josh_cat_eyes

Mar 17, 2011, 1:58 AM

gehrhardt

Mar 17, 2011, 11:52 AM

Thx for the pictures, its nice to see color on the page!! And with all that melting snow, construction season soon!!

What are the major projects this summer for the metro Moncton???

Hopefully fixing the d@#n roads. :haha:

David_99

Mar 17, 2011, 10:55 PM

I can't find it. Could you post it again?

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/5537/sobeys.jpg

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showpost.php?p=4925587&postcount=7256

Building B is the Liquor Store and C is the Lawton's.

Architype

Mar 17, 2011, 11:55 PM

The before picture is better than the after picture.

MonctonRad

Mar 18, 2011, 12:22 AM

The before picture is better than the after picture.

Many people here in Moncton were sad to see the old convent torn down. :(

and in other news.........

Building permits indicate busy year in Metro
Published Thursday March 17th, 2011

Projects at Champlain Place and downtown federal building kick off 2011
Times & transcript staff

Building permit figures from Moncton and Dieppe indicate a busy year for construction and development.

http://harvest.canadaeast.com/image.php?id=671271&size=800x0
RON WARD/TIMES & TRANSCRIPT
A new residential complex is under construction in Dieppe.

The City of Dieppe this week reported that its building permit numbers so far this year have doubled, while the City of Moncton reports that its value of permits has also increased from the same period last year.

In its report for February, Dieppe said it granted 12 permits in February, worth $691,163.

The Dieppe residential sector leads with seven permits worth over $374,564, followed by the commercial sector with five permits worth over $316,599.

As of the end of February, a total of 29 permits have been granted, counting one unit worth $1,477,375.

"This time last year, the city had granted 19 permits worth $724,188 for five units," said Dieppe Mayor Jean LeBlanc. "Our numbers have doubled, making this a very good start to the year."

Two major permits worth nearly $300,000 were granted to Cadillac Fairview for renovations to the SportChek store and the Bath & Body Works store, both in Champlain Place.

The City of Moncton said it issued 28 permits valued at over $6.4 million in January 2011. The number of permits is one less than January 2010; however, the total value of permits has increased by 160 per cent compared to the same time last year.

"We're pleased with our building permit numbers for January," said Moncton Mayor George LeBlanc. "The $6.4-million figure is the second best we've seen over the past 10 years. And January's construction activity was particularly welcomed during what has been a very challenging winter with record-high snow accumulation."

The number of residential construction permits in Moncton were down in January; however, Moncton's Building Inspection staff have been busy completing mandatory inspections at the pre-backfill, framing, pre-drywall and pre-occupancy stages in single, two-unit and semi-detached dwellings as a result of permits issued in late 2010.

In January 2011, a total of five permits were issued for institutional and government dwellings valued at $6 million. This was an increase of 828 per cent from January 2010. There were five commercial and industrial permits issued in January, which represents a decrease from last year.

Two permits of particular note were at the Dominion Public Building located at 1045 Main Street, which include interior building upgrades, window repair and replacement and heritage masonry repairs and restoration on the 1933 and 1956 exterior façades, as well as dismantling and reconstruction of the 4th floor.

"I want to commend the federal government, particularly Public Works and Government Services Canada for this conservation project," Mayor George LeBlanc said. "This four-storey building is of great historical value to our city."

Highlights from Moncton's January report include:

* Two permits were issued for interior building upgrades in the value of $445,000 and restoration of façade in the value of $4,778,000 to the Public Works and Government Services Canada building located at 1045 Main Street.

* A permit was approved for interior renovations in the Pavilion Rémi-Rossignol at l'Université de Moncton in the value of $385,000.

* Rogers Communications Inc. had a $100,000 permit approved for interior renovations on the first and second floors valued at $100,000.

The Town of Riverview's building permit report for February includes some repairs to institutional and commercial buildings for a total value of $104,000. In Hillsborough, there was one permit for repairs worth $20,000. In Salisbury, there was one permit worth $10,000 for building repairs.

Personal note: While the city will no doubt continue to demonstrate impressive growth this year, I fear that the upcoming year will be relatively uninspiring. In particular, there are no real "signature" projects on the horizon and I fear for the future of the proposed downtown arena/events centre. The window of opportunity for that project may have passed. :(

mylesmalley

Mar 18, 2011, 2:38 AM

This year will be a good test of how sustainable the local construction market is. With the exception of a few upgrades to institutional buildings, we probably won't see much by way of provincial or federal government spending. With big projects like the casino, hospital expansion, courthouse, north end school, etc all wrapping up or completed, this year will undoubtedly be dominated by private sector investment. Hopefully we'll see that office building on Assumption materialize, but other than that, I expect it'll mostly be residential and industrial. But that's all stuff that's more sustainable and better for the economy anyway.

Long story short, we may not have any marquee projects, but I'm not too worried either.

curious

Mar 18, 2011, 8:27 PM

Thank you..I guess there are more places to eat at now. Too bad the shopping downtown is not great. I would be nice to dine and shop downtown. I don't think we are the only city having this issue. I was in Halifax and Barrington St is ghostly.

I would love to open up a store downtown but what is the question

Somewhat abridged from today's T&T

New eateries open in Metro
Published Tuesday March 15th, 2011

By Eric Lewis
Times & Transcript Staff

M.I.C. Canadian Eatery & Whisky Pub is now open in Place 1604 on Champlain Street in Dieppe. The eatery is decorated with images of great Canadians of all walks of life and serves quintessential Canadian dishes and Canadian whiskies. The first opened in Sudbury, Ont., a little more than a year ago when the owner of the local Don Cherry's sports bar decided to drop the franchise and open a new pub with a distinctly Canadian flavour.

M.I.C., after all, stands for Made In Canada.

Just last week, Tom Betts and Greg Mitton did the same thing. The owners of the Dieppe Don Cherry's decided to rebrand their own restaurant to M.I.C.

So, how Canadian is it?

In addition to artwork depicting Canadian actors, actresses, musicians, philanthropists and more, the pub plays only Canadian music and offers only Canadian whisky, wine and beer.

There's a sample tray of some high-end Wiser whisky products and rare bottlings like Forty Creek's Confederation Oak whisky. (Betts is careful to note that's "whisky" without the "ey" at the end, which is reserved for American and Irish whiskies. Canadian and Scottish products simply use the "y".)

Typical Canadian beers are offered and Betts is hoping to offer New Brunswick-microbrewed products soon.

The menu is loaded with Canadian and Acadian dishes, with smoked meats, poutines, chicken fricot, sugar pie, apple crisp, bread pudding, spinach salad with smoked salmon and products made with premium Alberta beef offered.

"All the people that we've had for our first opening week have been very receptive and really liked the menu," Betts says.

The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day, with the pub side staying open until 2 a.m. Live entertainment will be appearing in the future, Betts reports.

Meanwhile on the restaurant beat, Catch 22 Lobster Bar in the old Bogarts location on Main Street in Moncton opened recently and Tide & Boar Gastropub, which has replaced Kramer's Corner on Main, is set for its grand opening on April 1 and 2. Nova Scotia band Signal Hill is performing both nights, which are already sold out.

A Relish Gourmet Burgers location is set to open in the old location of Jagoe's Jewelry, but a date for opening hasn't been set yet, its owners told the Times & Transcript yesterday.

On the other side of the Petitcodiac River in Riverview, a small restaurant seems to be leaving a big impression on those who have tried it out.

Alto Express Restaurant opened with little fanfare in December on Pinewood Road in the strip mall across from Home Hardware, but the restaurant has earned rave reviews thus far, offering a lengthy menu with Greek and Mediterranean dishes along with some German food.

Owner Adam Tabet says the response to Alto has been great.

"Riverview, I think, is a market that hasn't been explored yet," he says. "And now, after four months of business, I can tell that it's a great place to do business and the community here is wonderful. We're really happy here."

The Algeria native moved to Canada roughly 15 years ago, settling in Montreal before moving his family to New Brunswick about four years ago. The family moved here as they felt it was a nicer place to raise children.

Tabet has been in the restaurant business for most of his life, and he brought to New Brunswick a Quebec restaurant tradition that is fairly new to this area.

Alto doesn't serve liquor, however it has a licence that allows its patrons to bring their own wine. The only catches are that the wines must be purchased from NB Liquor stores (homemade wines aren't allowed), and there is a $5 corking fee one must pay at the restaurant.

Tabet says his patrons have enjoyed this unique feature Alto offers.

Initially, it took patrons, and even health inspectors not used to the idea, by surprise, he says with a laugh.

The restaurant owner says he is in the process of adding new seafood and Greek items to Alto's menu.

Currently, Alto is open from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. during the week. They stay open a little later on weekends, and Tabet hopes to start a breakfast menu once he adds some staff in the future.

Personal note - curious, a couple of pages back was wondering what had happened to Cafe Cognito. I knew at the time that it had been forced out at the end of it's lease. I remember now what is happening to that space. The Tide & Boar, which is taking over the old Kramers space, is going to put in a small market and takeout service next door where Cafe Cognito used to be. I believe Cafe Cognito is looking for other space elsewhere on Main Street to reopen. :)

josh_cat_eyes

Mar 19, 2011, 7:02 AM

As long as Highfield Square remains empty, and the Coliseum remains the way it is, I don' think the window of opportunity will ever pass. What I fear is that they aren't going to let it reach its potential. I fear its going to be a 9,000 seat arena and thats it. I also have a feeling the City is working on a back door deal with a big corporate company to buy Highfield and the surrounding properties, but keep hitting road blocks and hence can't confirm or deny any "potential locations" of the new arena.

On another half-related note, I read something the other day saying that Target would be doing quick renos to select stores before relocating them. Do you think that could happen in Moncton? Maybe in Mapleton, that should be done by 2012 (I'd hope anyway). Then could The Bay potentially move into one of the old Zellers locations in time for work to begin on a new arena?

MonctonRad

Mar 19, 2011, 11:47 AM

:previous:

The need for a new arena is absolute.

I was at the Wildcats game last night. It was a near sellout with about 6,000 people in attendance. Meanwhile, the Moncton Home Show was in progress in the adjacent Agrena.

Needless to say, there was traffic chaos! :hell: it took me about 15 minutes to get off Killam into the Coliseum parking lot and then there were no parking spots to be had. I had to end up parking on a residential strret over half a km away.

It's like this every Spring with the trade show and hockey seasons bumping into one another. The Wildcats frequently get bounced out of their own building and if they happen to make a deep playoff run, it can be damn near impossible for them to come up with appropriate playoff dates. Last year when we won the Q League championship, the "Battle of NB" (with SJ) for the Q League championship was damn near played in Halifax because the Coliseum was unavailable! :hell:

Enough is enough. The QMJHL, the Moncton Wildcats and Robert Irving are fed up, and so am I. :shrug:

MonctonRad

Mar 19, 2011, 2:07 PM

Moncton sits on pro basketball radar
Published Saturday March 19th, 2011

Halifax Rainmen owner feels Metro would be a great place for Premier Basketball League
by neil hodge
Times & transcript staff

Halifax Rainmen owner Andre Levingston has a vision for the Premier Basketball League.

"I've said all along that Moncton is a very attractive city for a professional basketball team," he said yesterday. "I think it has a lot to offer and I think in the future there could possibly be a professional basketball team there.

"There's a lot of excitement brewing out of Moncton and rightly so. That city is growing. It's attracting a lot of new businesses. I just think professional sports adds a lot to the fabric of a city."

The Canadian Football League's first ever regular season game in Atlantic Canada took place last September in Moncton. A capacity crowd of 20,725 showed up at the city's new stadium to watch the Toronto Argonauts and Edmonton Eskimos do battle.

The CFL is coming back to Moncton for another regular season game this September with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats facing the Calgary Stampeders.

"Moncton has had success with professional football coming to town," said Levingston. "You have a very successful hockey franchise there (with the Moncton Wildcats of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League).

"Professional basketball would just make Moncton even more attractive. I don't see why the city wouldn't just be overjoyed with the possibility of a professional basketball team there."

The PBL has seven teams - Halifax, the Saint John Mill Rats, Quebec Kebs, Kentucky's Blue Grass Stallions, Dayton Air Strikers of Ohio, Rochester RazorSharks of New York and Lawton-Fort Sill Cavalry of Oklahoma.

This is Saint John's first season and it's averaging 3,400 fans per game after seven outings at Harbour Station. The Mill Rats need 2,000 fans per game to be financially viable and hoped to average 2,500 this season. They have 1,700 season tickets.

The Mill Rats have three home games remaining, facing Quebec on March 24 at 7 p.m., Lawton-Fort Sill on March 27 at 4 p.m. and Halifax on March 29 at 7 p.m.

Teams have a $150,000 salary cap and they're allowed to have a maximum 10-man roster. Player salaries range from $1,500 to $5,000 per month.

Teams play a 20-game regular season and playoffs. The regular season began on Dec. 31 and it ends on March 31.

Halifax is in its fourth season in the league. Levingston, who's also the president and CEO of the Rainmen, wouldn't say his club's annual operating budget or be specific about an average annual budget to run a team in the league.

"It's different for every franchise," he said. "Everybody runs their organization differently. You can run your organization for $1 million or less per year. It just depends on what kind of market you're in, what it takes to market and promote your team, the staff you have, a lot of different variables.

"We need 2,700 to 3,000 fans per game to make it viable in Halifax. We average about 4,000 fans per game and that definitely takes care of our bottom line. We're having a great year and looking forward to many, many more.

"Saint John is getting a lot of fan support also. I'm really excited about what's happening there in their first season. One team's success is everybody's success. We're all working together to grow the league."

Ian Fowler is the general manager of economic development, tourism and culture for the City of Moncton. He said earlier this month the possibility of a Moncton professional basketball team is "a file that's still alive."

Halifax held part of its training camp at the Moncton Coliseum last November.

"I've known Ian over the years and he and I have chatted quite a bit," said Levingston. "It would mean a lot to Halifax and Saint John for travel purposes and rivalry purposes to have a team in Moncton. Ian and two of his business partners were in Halifax for the Rainmen game (on Thursday night)."

Fowler couldn't be reached for comment yesterday. He said earlier this month that Moncton has done most of its work through Levingston when it comes to investigating the possibility of a PBL franchise here.

"With teams in Saint John and Halifax, we would like to be able to find a way to get a team here," said Fowler at the time. "We're continuing to work the file and some meetings are scheduled in the next few weeks to continue to explore it."

Yet another reason why we need a new downtown arena/events centre. :tup:

Just think. with the Wildcats of the QMJHL and the Moncton Mudskippers of the PBL, that would mean that the venue would automatically be busy for 45 nights a year (excluding playoffs). Throw in at least a dozen concerts a year and a few other special events and the Arena would be busy about 25% of the time. Just think what this would do for downtown!

My only concern is with the long term viability of the PBL itself. I know nothing about the league. The Rainmen and the Mill Rats are doing well. How about the other franchises?

MonctonRad

Mar 19, 2011, 7:37 PM

gehrhardt

Mar 21, 2011, 2:57 PM

It would appear that the days are numbered for the dental offices on Mountain Road at the Wheeler Blvd. interchange.

There is now a large sign erected out front of the building, facing the street showing a "big box" type store front, stating "for lease" and "occupancy Fall 2011".

I am not surprised. The writing was on the wall as soon as we heard about the new medical/dental building being built on Mapleton Road. This lot was begging for retail development, located as it is adjacent to Old Navy and at the entry to the Wheeler Park Power Centre.

I'd like to see an L.L. Bean store or outlet at that location. I know they don't currently have any Canadian retail stores, but Moncton would be ideal. They're based in Maine and the amount of Canadians that go to the Freeport stores is crazy. It'd be nice if a company based in Maine would throw a bone NB's way. :)

It's not that crazy of an idea. A few years ago, L.L. Bean was considering expanding to Canada. I wonder if the recession is what stopped those plans.

porchmouse

Mar 21, 2011, 10:21 PM

Happy Monday...here's some pics to kick off the week.

The new Jitter Bean Cafe on Mountain Road in the Lighting Design Center location. I haven't visited yet as I am not a huge coffee drinker (don't hate me) but I have been told they have various hot beverages and sandwiches. Has anyone been in yet?

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5295/5547686535_7ca17b374c.jpg

The new medical building under construction on Mapleton Road

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5135/5547686799_e839349394.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5293/5548269716_25903ed50e.jpg

Future location of Relish Gourmet Burgers (in the 800 Main Street block next to the Paramount and Cut Throat Pizza). Looking forward to this one as I believe Moncton needs a good burger destination.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5254/5548314312_8633eb6029.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5251/5547686917_fcc058f708.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5253/5547687245_fec2504ea4.jpg

Work happening on the Bell Aliant Tower

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5140/5547687005_87cc3bc434.jpg

Progress on the Community Peace Centre, 150 Queen Street (corner of Queen and Church)

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5014/5547687157_9f6c55d1ec.jpg

Stay tuned for pics of Dieppe.

Cheers,

-porchmouse :)

porchmouse

Mar 21, 2011, 10:25 PM

Here's some pics of a few things we spotted in Dieppe over the weekend.

New mini mall location off of Champlain Street across from Mathieu Martin. Tenants include Ed's Subs (not yet opened), Blossoms Fresh Fruit Arrangements, and a veterinary clinic.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5137/5548270412_5fee8417bf.jpg

The new residential development off Dieppe Blvd between the Co-op and the Aquatic Centre.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5255/5547687857_5a946ee5f2.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5255/5548270586_b0abf94447.jpg

That's all I have for now. Always have my camera on hand as I'm in the hunt for new pics. Have a great night!

-porchmouse

Lrdevlop

Mar 21, 2011, 10:49 PM

:previous:

Wow! Nice pics! Thanks a lot!

MonctonRad

Mar 22, 2011, 1:50 AM

:previous:

Yes, nice pictures porchmouse :tup:

I think we should appoint you the forum's new official photo documentarian!

porchmouse

Mar 22, 2011, 2:23 AM

Thanks so much MonctonRad and Lrdevlop! I love this forum and am happy I have found a way to contribute. :)

curious

Mar 22, 2011, 4:26 PM

Do you think an outdoor adventure store would do well in Moncton. I contacted MEC and Cabela's and neither stores are willing to open in Moncton. I tried to franchise it. I wonder if something independent would work? :)

I'd like to see an L.L. Bean store or outlet at that location. I know they don't currently have any Canadian retail stores, but Moncton would be ideal. They're based in Maine and the amount of Canadians that go to the Freeport stores is crazy. It'd be nice if a company based in Maine would throw a bone NB's way. :)

It's not that crazy of an idea. A few years ago, L.L. Bean was considering expanding to Canada. I wonder if the recession is what stopped those plans.

MonctonRad

Mar 22, 2011, 9:24 PM

They are moving a construction trailer onto the site of the (now) vacant lot at the southeast corner of Evergreen/Mountain Rd.

Something is definitely afoot here. I think it was porchmouse who thought this is where the rumoured north end Swiss Chalet was going to be built.

It appears that the springtime construction season is beginning to get into gear. :tup:

theshark

Mar 22, 2011, 10:42 PM

Ok you got me confused, are they opening a second swiss chalet?? I was under the impression it was just moving??

josh_cat_eyes

Mar 22, 2011, 10:55 PM

Moncton sits on pro basketball radar

Yet another reason why we need a new downtown arena/events centre. :tup:

Just think. with the Wildcats of the QMJHL and the Moncton Mudskippers of the PBL, that would mean that the venue would automatically be busy for 45 nights a year (excluding playoffs). Throw in at least a dozen concerts a year and a few other special events and the Arena would be busy about 25% of the time. Just think what this would do for downtown!

My only concern is with the long term viability of the PBL itself. I know nothing about the league. The Rainmen and the Mill Rats are doing well. How about the other franchises?

The league is viable. The Saint John, Halifax and Quebec teams are fine. There was a team added for this season, the Lawton-Fort Sill Cavalry that has been playing in other leagues since from 1990-1997 and then the franchise was brought back in 2007 and it transferred to the PBL this year.
There is also teams in the ABA that don't like the way that league is run that transfer into the PBL, IBL, NBADL, so if there is ever a problem, there would more than likely be teams come over from other leagues.

josh_cat_eyes

Mar 22, 2011, 11:02 PM

Sorry, Double Post

mmmatt

Mar 22, 2011, 11:39 PM

Ok you got me confused, are they opening a second swiss chalet?? I was under the impression it was just moving??

Nope they are opening a second one as far as I have heard...they will be at opposite ends of town so it makes sense :)

Other development news from the booming Dieppe Blvd/Acadie Ave area...home to many new apts...the U/C Uptown Dieppe...new Co-op...new Aquatic Center...Goodlife/Papa Johns etc etc...There are two new signs up...one is this:

http://img806.imageshack.us/img806/563/88617166.jpg

For a new operations center of the City of Dieppe...another is for a mini mall beside it

Also this is the rumoured future local of Rona if Im not mistaken...

This area is growing like wildfire right now! :)

mmmatt

Mar 23, 2011, 12:43 AM

Personal note: While the city will no doubt continue to demonstrate impressive growth this year, I fear that the upcoming year will be relatively uninspiring. In particular, there are no real "signature" projects on the horizon and I fear for the future of the proposed downtown arena/events centre. The window of opportunity for that project may have passed. :(

In the paper today DMCI announced they have set aside 2.5 million over the next 10 years toward the project, so hopefully that will help keep the ball rolling on this long overdue project

MonctonRad

Mar 23, 2011, 12:59 AM

In the paper today DMCI announced they have set aside 2.5 million over the next 10 years toward the project, so hopefully that will help keep the ball rolling on this long overdue project

I admire DMCI's spirit but $2.5M is a veritable drop in the bucket for a project estimated to cost $75-100M.

We need federal and provincial money to make this happen. The former is unwilling and the latter is bankrupt so I am currently pessimistic on this file.

On the other hand, I believe that the Conservatives think Moncton/Riverview/Dieppe can be taken from the Liberals. If Bernard Lord runs in our riding, then I could see Harper dangling federal funding for an events centre as a big carrot to sway the electorate.

The next couple of weeks should be quite interesting. :)

MonctonRad

Mar 23, 2011, 3:04 PM

:previous:

And hot on the heels of this announcement from DMCI, the Moncton Hotelier's Group has come out in favour of an occupancy tax, a portion of which would go to operational costs of the arena/events centre............

I wonder if something is afoot.

josh_cat_eyes

Mar 24, 2011, 4:57 AM

I admire DMCI's spirit but $2.5M is a veritable drop in the bucket for a project estimated to cost $75-100M.

We need federal and provincial money to make this happen. The former is unwilling and the latter is bankrupt so I am currently pessimistic on this file.

On the other hand, I believe that the Conservatives think Moncton/Riverview/Dieppe can be taken from the Liberals. If Bernard Lord runs in our riding, then I could see Harper dangling federal funding for an events centre as a big carrot to sway the electorate.

The next couple of weeks should be quite interesting. :)

You have to remember that DMCI's commitment is not 2.5 million dollars but 25 million dollars spread over ten years. Thats a pretty decent commitment IMO.

MonctonRad

Mar 24, 2011, 11:02 AM

You have to remember that DMCI's commitment is not 2.5 million dollars but 25 million dollars spread over ten years. Thats a pretty decent commitment IMO.

I'm pretty sure this is $250k x10 years, not $2.5M. DMCI isn't that rich! :)

porchmouse

Mar 24, 2011, 3:08 PM

A new Norm's Pizza location will be opening this spring in Shediac. It will be located in the former Shediac Pizza location at 537 Main Street. The Shediac Pizza location closed their doors on Tuesday this week.

MonctonRad

Mar 25, 2011, 12:49 AM

acrew79

Mar 25, 2011, 12:26 PM

Abridged from today's T&T

Planning commission allows building variance
Published Thursday March 24th, 2011
By Yvon Gauvin
Times & Transcript staff

The commission approved a request for a variance and terms and conditions for construction of a second main building on a large lot at the intersection of Mountain Road and Gorge Road to build a coffee shop and drive-through. The applications were on behalf of Cordova Realty Ltd. No information was given regarding a construction timetable or costs, but the application did mention "a Second Cup coffee shop."

Concerns from the commission included possible additional congestion problems at the busy intersection and left turns from Gorge Road onto the property.

The commission also approved a variance request and terms and conditions to allow construction of an automobile repair shop at Mountain Road and Oakland Avenue, once the site of a gas bar. The applications were by the Montreal Construction Company.

The variance was to reduce the landscaping area between the parking area of the property and public road.

Personal note: So, it would appear that the rumours regarding a stand alone Second Cup cafe and drive-thru in Moncton North are true. It will be built on the same lot as the new Royal Bank branch that opened last month. They are absolutely going to have to put in traffic lights at the Evergreen/Mountain Rd. intersection. Now that the bank has opened, left turning traffic there is already problematic. This will only be compounded by the Second Cup (and possibly the rumoured Swiss Chalet across the road).

I can foresee many traffic accidents there until the situation is addressed :yes:

You know... i wish the city planners or engineers or whoever decides traffic patters will take a city map.. and look at it for you know 1/2 a second... As was mentioned before, the city missed the boat on this one.. the property on the NE side of mountain where the RBC branch is.. has been vacant for a million years ( ok... 5-7).. why didnt they simply just change the gorge road intersection line it up with evergreen and build RBC on one side. they would still have a plot of land on the adjacent side of teh intersection ( second cup). Oh well.. i guess thinking that the city learned their lesson with the Trinity mess.. was being too optomistic.. ( i know this was prolly all mentioned in previous posts) ..
IMO :hell:

MonctonRad

Mar 25, 2011, 3:20 PM

( i know this was prolly all mentioned in previous posts) ..
IMO :hell:

Yes, this has been pointed out before but it certainly doesn't hurt to repeat it for emphasis. :haha:

It's all water under the bridge though, they certainly won't tear down the new RBC branch to allign Gorge to Evergreen!!

On further reflection, they really need to do more to the Evergreen/Mountain intersection than just add traffic lights. There is enough left turning traffic at that intersection that they really should look at adding dedicated left turning lanes, just like they did at Hildegarde/Mountain.

This should be an urgent priority for the city, especially if the Swiss Chalet gets built here as well...........:yes:

JasonL-Moncton

Mar 25, 2011, 6:36 PM

Abridged from today's T&T

Planning commission allows building variance
Published Thursday March 24th, 2011
By Yvon Gauvin
Times & Transcript staff

The commission approved a request for a variance and terms and conditions for construction of a second main building on a large lot at the intersection of Mountain Road and Gorge Road to build a coffee shop and drive-through. The applications were on behalf of Cordova Realty Ltd. No information was given regarding a construction timetable or costs, but the application did mention "a Second Cup coffee shop."

Concerns from the commission included possible additional congestion problems at the busy intersection and left turns from Gorge Road onto the property.

The commission also approved a variance request and terms and conditions to allow construction of an automobile repair shop at Mountain Road and Oakland Avenue, once the site of a gas bar. The applications were by the Montreal Construction Company.

The variance was to reduce the landscaping area between the parking area of the property and public road.

Personal note: So, it would appear that the rumours regarding a stand alone Second Cup cafe and drive-thru in Moncton North are true. It will be built on the same lot as the new Royal Bank branch that opened last month. They are absolutely going to have to put in traffic lights at the Evergreen/Mountain Rd. intersection. Now that the bank has opened, left turning traffic there is already problematic. This will only be compounded by the Second Cup (and possibly the rumoured Swiss Chalet across the road).

I can foresee many traffic accidents there until the situation is addressed :yes:

I've heard from a very good source that there will be a set of lights at Mountain/Evergreen and that Cordova had to forfeit land along Mountain for widening, creating a dedicated left turn lane, and the company has to pay half the cost of the lights in addition to giving away the strip of land to the city. Apparently this was all discussed at the commission meeting and is in their plan for this year but for some reason didn't make it into the T&T article.

JL

Sony500

Mar 27, 2011, 2:06 PM

JimiThing

Mar 27, 2011, 4:08 PM

Speaking of traffic lights, it would be nice if they would remove the advance green light at Lutz and Main St. and extend the green light for Lutz St. There is no traffic going through that advance green anymore since Assomptioin Blvd. has opened.

100% Agreed, The timing of that intersection is way off...I would like to think that someone at city hall works on traffic patterns and looks into these problems. However, the more I think about it, the more problematic intersections I can think of. And a great percentage of these problems are only related to synchronization. Someone is asleep at the wheel here... IMO

BlackYear

Mar 27, 2011, 9:50 PM

100% Agreed, The timing of that intersection is way off...I would like to think that someone at city hall works on traffic patterns and looks into these problems. However, the more I think about it, the more problematic intersections I can think of. And a great percentage of these problems are only related to synchronization. Someone is asleep at the wheel here... IMO

I agree 1000%. That intersection drives me nuts. Why does it take so long to fix something so small. :hell:

MonctonRad

Mar 28, 2011, 2:46 AM

To make up for a lack of recent news, here's a little update on renovation projects at The Moncton Hospital.

1 - Work continues on relocating/modernizing the Medical/Surgical ICU, which will be moving to the space formerly occupied by the ER/Trauma Unit (which itself has moved to the new Ambulatory Care Centre)
2 - A minor expansion to Medical Imaging which will have both CT scanners situated side by side, and a recovery room area built for Interventional Radiology is nearly complete.
3 - Teaching space and expanded on call room facilities for 3rd & 4th year medical students with the Dalhousie Medicine NB Program are complete. The quality of the AV equipment used for distance learning is truly exceptional.
4 - A Ronald McDonald Family Room Centre is being built on the second floor, off of the main lobby, close to the pediatrics wing.
5 - Renovations to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit will begin shortly.
6 - While I am not at liberty to say anything definitive, there are rumours of a possible private project next to the hospital which may be announced in the next year which, amongst other things, may provide us with a more definitive solution to our chronic parking problems at the facility - stay tuned. :)

Edit - I don't want to give the impression that The Moncton Hospital is swimming in cash. It most certainly is not (especially in the current climate of fiscal austerity). The projects above were either previously approved and/or funded by the Graham government (eg - MSICU as part of the overall ACC project), funded by the Friends of The Moncton Hospital Foundation (eg - NNICU) or privately funded (Ronald McDonald House).

By and large, The Moncton Hospital tends to get diddly squat from the provincial government.

mmmatt

Mar 28, 2011, 8:32 PM

^Awesome

I knew about a few of those renovations, glad to hear there is lots going on...And cant wait to find out more about this private investment...hopefully a parking garage of some sort because the parking issue is crazy at TMH!

At the Dumont there is continued work on an expansion on the rear of the building...they have a hole dug out now so deep you cant see the bottom unless you stand right on the edge haha...Also there is some kind of work going on with a crane or two near the old school next door...not sure if that is part of the reno of that building or what.

The parking issue at GDH is also nuts sometimes, at some points of the day traffic will be backed up on University Ave quite a ways due to people trying to park in and around the area.

MonctonRad

Mar 29, 2011, 6:50 PM

Here are a couple of links to .pdf's on the GMPDC website detailing plans for the Moncton Industrial Park West project, and the lands off of Berry Mills Road.

http://www.gmpdc.ca/webcura/files/717.pdf
http://www.gmpdc.ca/webcura/files/718.pdf
http://www.gmpdc.ca/webcura/files/720.pdf

In a nutshell, the planning commission is hoping to simplify and streamline the number of planning zones available for industrial development. The current system has developed over time and has become somewhat labyrithine. This will apply to all industrially zoned lands in the city (although existing businesses will be grandfathered).

With relation to MID West, they plan to:

(1) - Have industrial lands on both sides of Berry Mills Road to the west of Horsman.
(2) - They plan to seperate the industrially zoned lands from adjacent residential subdivisions via a green belt. The south branch of Jonathan Creek would serve as part of the boundary.
(3) - They would like to have highway commercial businesses and industrial services businesses along Berry Mills, but keep Berry Mills as a limited access highway. Access to these businesses would be via collector streets that would connect to Berry Mills by a limited number of intersections.

Most of this is in Appendix "B" of the first document. The actual proposed amendments dealing with this are in the second document. The zoning map is the third document.

It's also interesting to read to comments made about the other industrial parks in the city. I generally agree with their analysis.

MonctonRad

Mar 30, 2011, 1:57 PM

from CBC.ca

Moncton to push for more sports events

Officials say hosting Olympic gala April 16 could be catalyst
CBC News Last Updated: Mar 30, 2011 8:27 AM AT

http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/images/news/topstories/2010/07/16/tp-nb-moncton-iaaf-stadium.jpg
Representatives from 60 amateur sports federations will tour the University of Moncton stadium in April as officials try to convince groups to hold future competitions in Moncton. (CBC)

Officials in Moncton are hoping that hosting an Olympic event next month will lead to many other sporting events in the future.

Five Canadian champions, including bobsledder David MacEachern and figure skater Elvis Stojko, will be inducted into the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame at a ceremony April 16 at Casino New Brunswick.

Louis Léger, chair of the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame Gala and Induction Committee, believes the event is a golden opportunity for the city and the region.

Representatives from the 60 Canadian sports federations that participate in the Olympics will be in Moncton April 14 to 17.

During those four days, the federations will hold business meetings, and tour Moncton sports venues and the surrounding area. Léger said it's a chance to woo the officials and convine them to hold future national championships in the city.

"These people are decision-makers. They will be making decisions for the next 10 plus years because of the lead time that's required for national events."

Members of the sports federations will tour the new Moncton stadium and local soccer fields and arenas, as well as the marina in Shediac and the shooting ranges in Albert county.

Léger believes the whole region will benefit.

Moncton is the smallest city to ever host the Hall of Fame Gala in 63 years, said Léger. He believes the success of last summer's world junior track and field championships has been a great calling card for the city.

"We have demonstrated that we are comfortable and we are very good at organizing large events and large events have been very successful in Moncton," he said.

"We have a great volunteer network, we have a city that is very aggressive in terms of promotion. So all of those things together make Moncton this magnet and success breeds success."

Fifty-two Olympians are expected to attend the gala, including 38 medallists.

Personal note: Apparently the gala is already a sell out with more than 1000 tickets sold. Attendance may be higher than at last years event in Montreal. :)