[Moncton] Centre Avenir Centre | 26.65m |~6 Fl | Completed

[Patapouf26]

Originally Posted by NBNYer

At this point, why is it not possible to make the 2 proposals from EllisDon and Bird construction public? This would certainly further galvanize support among the electorate and possibly apply some political pressure from the city.

I thought this was a great question so I decided to ask counselor at large Dawn Arnold, using word for word (I hope you don't mind). Here's her answer :

The fact is (as you know) this is an enormous project with a lot at stake for each of the proponents. Each of them has spent well over $250,000 each, just preparing the proposals (I've heard guesstimates as high as $500,000+). So, if word gets out before a decision is made, there is a possibility that there could be some "influence peddling" (probably not the right terms, but you get my drift). However, I did confirm yesterday that each of the proponents, as part of their submissions, have created a "virtual tour" of their proposed building. So, as soon as the funding is secured and Council makes a decision on the winning proponent, then everyone will be able to see what the project will look like...which I think will go a long way toward everyone's understanding of what this project can do for our City. Components of each bid we know must include: public plazas, must tie into the existing streetscape, 20,000 sq ft of meeting space, flexible concert space, a master plan (for the interface between the site and the other 11 acres), a gameday restaurant, and the building itself must be LEEDs certified and architecturally significant.

So I think we can all agree that it would be great to see them before funding is secured, but that is not happening as MonctonRad mentionned. The city will need other ways to boost momentum.