[Moncton] Gateway Towers | 2 x 18s | Mixed Residential | Under Construction

[MonctonPerson]

The thread title may need an update based on this news release from the city that discloses at least one of the towers has grown to 18 floors.

The City of Moncton maintained a high level of construction activity through the second quarter of 2026, with 422 building permits issued valued at $135.2 million, up from $112.1 million during the same period in 2025. The downtown area accounted for a significant share of this activity, with $58.1 million in permits issued. The year-to-date total for 2026 is $206.3 million.

Since April 1, residential construction in Moncton has totaled $78.5 million in permit value, representing 404 new housing units. Much of this development was concentrated downtown, where $51 million in residential permits was issued, representing 231 residential units. These figures highlight the continued role residential development plays in supporting growth across Moncton.

Among the larger residential projects this quarter was a revised $41-million, 183-unit building permit for one of the mixed-use towers at 200 Assomption Blvd. The project was first reported in the first quarter and reissued in the second quarter after plans were updated to add an 18th storey.

Also issued this quarter were permits for a $10-million, 48 unit, five-storey mixed-use development with a dental clinic on the ground floor at 16 Cameron St., and a $2.9-million, 24-unit three-storey mixed-use building at 130 Highlandview Rd.

“Moncton continued to see strong development activity in the second quarter,” says Mayor Shawn Crossman. “Residential construction remained strong, while continued commercial and industrial investment reflects confidence in Moncton’s economy and long-term growth.”

Commercial and industrial construction activity also strengthened in the second quarter, with total permit value reaching $46.9 million, up from $25.7 million in the first quarter of 2026. Major projects included a $17.3-million permit for an addition and renovations at Walmart Canada Corporate at 135 Frenette Ave., a $7.3-million foundation permit at 80 Frenette Ave. issued to Comztar Inc. for a one-storey base building, and a $3.6-million permit for exterior renovations to the Crowne Plaza Downtown Moncton Centreville at 1005 Main St.

Institutional building activity amounted to $6.9 million in the second quarter of 2026, which decreased from $37.5 million during the same period in 2025. Among the larger projects were a $2.1-million permit from the Province of New Brunswick for renovations to install a new CT scanner at 135 MacBeath Ave., a $1.1-million permit from the Province of New Brunswick to install four prefabricated classroom buildings at 45 McAuley Dr., and a $909,000 permit for renovations to the chemistry and biology lab at Atlantic Baptist College, located at 333 Gorge Rd.

“Downtown continues to attract strong investment,” says Luc Babineau, Director of Economic Development. “In just the first six months of 2026, downtown permit values reached $74 million, already surpassing the 10-year annual average of $52 million. This momentum reflects continued confidence in Moncton as a place to invest and grow.”

[Leroy321]

I wonder if only one will be 18 or both of them. I was told in the Spring that Lafford could only build as high as the gateway towers were, without jacking up the crane, and that would add an extra cost to construction, but maybe they were able to fit an extra floor in without the need for jacking the crane.

[Taeolas]

Originally Posted by Leroy321

I wonder if only one will be 18 or both of them. I was told in the Spring that Lafford could only build as high as the gateway towers were, without jacking up the crane, and that would add an extra cost to construction, but maybe they were able to fit an extra floor in without the need for jacking the crane.

That or maybe they see a future for taller construction in general in the region, so they're using this project to cover the cost of extending the crane now, so they're better positioned for future projects.

[MonctonRad]

The news of the 18th floor at Gateway is very interesting (and exciting). I too wonder about whether this is for both buildings. I kinda suspect it is,

Also, the $17.3M permit for the Walmart distribution centre expansion pretty much confirms what I had heard (a doubling in the size of the building).

[jonny golden]

Mr. Lafford could be encouraged by the success of the three sisters as well. He sees how strong the market is for this type of product downtown. I think he's getting a lot of baby boomers who are now empty nesters.

It makes me wonder what he'll eventually do with the old Tim Horton's property.

[Leroy321]

“183-unit building permit for one of the mixed-use towers at 200 Assomption” would this be the unit count for one of the buildings or could they of extended the buildings outward along with the height extension?

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by Leroy321

“183-unit building permit for one of the mixed-use towers at 200 Assomption” would this be the unit count for one of the buildings or could they of extended the buildings outward along with the height extension?

Sounds reasonable. The original unit count for the Gateway development was (I believe) 350 units (175 units per tower).

The fact that Lafford is actually increasing the height of this building speaks to the success he is having in creating an entirely new neighbourhood in this section of downtown Moncton. The Third Sister must be filling up quickly.

[MonctonRad]

One thing I like about Gateway now being 18 storeys is that it should be noticeably taller now than the Three Sisters (15 storeys). This will help to negate any possible "tabletop" effect from having such uniformity in height between these five buildings.

[jonny golden]

The Third Sister must be filling up quickly.

My thoughts as well. Why not take advantage by adding another floor, since the demand is so strong.

[Leroy321]

The 3rd floor is now in full swing. This development should start to go quicker now that the podium is done.

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by Leroy321

The 3rd floor is now in full swing. This development should start to go quicker now that the podium is done.

And I think initial site prep for the second tower is now complete.They seems to have put in a gravel base. No more pile driving!

[MonctonRad]

Interesting evening shot of the first Gateway tower with the completed Three Sisters in the background. This nicely demonstrates how this former derelict neighbourhood is being absolutely transformed!

[MonctonRad]

Similar to the previous shot, but taken earlier in the evening.

Work is well underway on the third floor of tower one, but this is not really visible from this perspective. The podium is three levels. Once the work on the tower commences, progress will seem much more rapid.

This photo is good in that it shows just how close the podium will be to the Riverfront Trail (in the foreground). The plans include trail-facing restaurants and services (including a patio).

Again, the Three Sisters are visible in the background, showing just how dramatically this neighbouhood is transforming.

[MonctonRad]

The piles have been driven now for some time. It appears they are starting some foundation work for tower#2

[Leroy321]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

Work is well underway on the third floor of tower one, but this is not really visible from this perspective. The podium is three levels. Once the work on the tower commences, progress will seem much more rapid.

I could be wrong but I think the buildings will only be on a 2 story podium unless plans changed when Lafford added the 18th floor

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by Leroy321

I could be wrong but I think the buildings will only be on a 2 story podium unless plans changed when Lafford added the 18th floor

You are indeed correct. The podiums for the Gateway Towers are only two storeys,



Although a portion of the base at the back end of the second tower will be four storeys.

I guess therefore that the third level activity currently ongoing in the first building must be the first level of the tower section.

[MonctonRad]

They are starting work on the 4th floor of tower one.