Metro centre gets key support
Published Friday October 10th, 2008
Metro candidates say federal parties back drive for downtown entertainment and convention centre complex
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BY ALAN COCHRANE
TIMES & TRANSCRIPT STAFF
With all the jostling for position in the final stretch of this federal election race, the big winners could be the citizens of Metro Moncton who want a new downtown convention and entertainment centre.
Earlier this week, Premier Shawn Graham told the Times & Transcript he was firmly committed to a metro centre and would do whatever it takes to get the project done. The centre is one of the priorities for the new council under Mayor George LeBlanc, and now both the Liberal and Conservative candidates in Tuesday's federal election claim to have their party's support for the project.
Yesterday, Conservative candidate Daniel Allain continued his campaign by waving a letter from Greg Thompson, Regional Minister for New Brunswick indicating that a new government under Stephen Harper would support a metro centre for Moncton.
In the letter, Thompson said the government understands "that a multi-use
Metro Centre in Moncton is key to the continued growth of the downtown business area and that it has the potential to produce substantial job growth and new revenue for the entire riding."
Minister Thompson said in his letter that Allain proved to be a strong, persuasive voice in lobbying the Conservative government to support the project.
"You kept us well informed on the importance of this project for the Moncton region, and its economic benefits for that area," stated Thompson.
According to the City Think exercise conducted by the Times & Transcript and Omnifacts Bristol, 89 per cent of people surveyed indicated that they are in favour of building an arena complex in downtown Moncton. In a meeting with the Times & Transcript editorial board this week, Premier Shawn Graham said the provincial government wants to help Moncton become the entertainment and cultural centre of Atlantic Canada and providing assistance for the metro centre would be part of that plan.
Moncton Liberal MP Brian Murphy said it is nice the Conservatives finally woke up to the convention centre idea with only a few days left in the campaign.
Murphy said he has already consulted with Graham and LeBlanc and on Saturday received a commitment from federal Liberal leader Stéphane Dion that money from a $90-billion infrastructure fund could be used to help fund the Moncton metro centre.
Murphy said the Tories are simply playing catch-up.
"I'm happy that we had that kind of effect on the Conservatives. Until we get a Liberal government, this is the way we'll have to get things done."
Ian Fowler, the city's general manager of recreation, parks, tourism and culture, is delighted to see both the federal and provincial governments so dedicated to the project. The city will soon put out a Request for Proposals for the basic plans and scope of a proposed metro centre. It will likely be a 15,000 to 20,000-seat facility with at least one ice surface and space for retail shops and services, and possibly be linked to a convention centre. The location has not been finalized, but there are several areas downtown that would be suitable. The centre would not replace the existing Moncton Coliseum and Agrena complex, which has a seating capacity of 5,000 to 7,000 for hockey games and concerts, plus extensive convention and trade show space.
Fowler said the city would have to meet with potential clients to hear their concerns, hopes and dreams for a stadium. Several concert promoters have already discussed the idea with the city, saying that another venue would help Metro Moncton draw in more shows.
Meanwhile, Allain announced that within 90 days of being elected he would convene a Community Development Summit, in an effort to develop a prioritized community development plan for the region.
He said the three communities of Moncton, Riverview and Dieppe all have their own priorities for development and he feels bringing all involved parties to the table will help make sure the money pie is evenly divided.
Allain said the economic development summit would follow up on a similar exercise held in 2004 during which priorities included a new bridge across the Petitcodiac, a new terminal for the Greater Moncton International Airport and the metro centre for downtown.
Some other future capital projects include the trunk sewer for Riverview, an arts and culture centre for Dieppe, road work, help for the ballet and a third crossing for the Petitcodiac River from the traffic circle near Champlain Place across the marsh to the Point Park area of Riverview.
Allain wants to work with former Progressive Conservative Premier Bernard Lord and former federal Liberal cabinet minister, Claudette Bradshaw, who have previously co-chaired similar meetings in the region.
"I want to bring our three mayors to the table along with community leaders, non-profits, economic development agencies and of course the provincial government," said Allain. "By coming together we can develop a prioritized community development plan that will address the Petitcodiac River, RCMP costs, the Peace and Justice Centre, as well as other community projects on the region's agenda," Allain said.
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"When you go home tonight, there's gonna be another story on your house! "
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