The Official Moncton, NB Project Thread

[jonny golden]

Originally Posted by new kid in town

Happy new year everyone! Hopefully this year, we hear and see some movement on projects like St. Bernard's Place and Infinity.



Ah, happy coincidence then!

And maybe/hopefully The Junction and Ashford.

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by new kid in town

Happy new year everyone! Hopefully this year, we hear and see some movement on projects like St. Bernard's Place and Infinity.

Yes, Happy New Year!

I have high hopes that Infinity will start by this summer. ICON seems like an aggressive and efficient builder (based on their current project in Riverview). The main question is whether or not the building will remain 30 storeys. I have heard nothing to suggest that it will be any less than 30 storeys, but, such things remain in flux until shovels are in the ground.

I am a little less confident about St. Bernard Place, but, I think things will be underway by the fall (unless the economy craters or Trump invades Canada).

We will see ongoing work at the Gateway Towers, and I suspect the tower crane will be moved over to the new site from the Three Sisters by late this fall.

I expect no work on Ashford/Downing this year, as they continue with the necessary infrastructure work. I do however have some hope we will see renders sometime this year.

In the meantime, we are firmly in the winter doldrums, so SSP will remain quiet as current projects are relatively dormant, and, there will be a paucity on new project announcements for some time. Things will pick up again in February. It's like this every year.

[KnoxfordGuy]

Dieppe, N.B., has record year for housing permits:

https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/more/dieppe-n-b-has-record-year-for-housing-permits-1.7167892

[MonctonRad]

First PAC agenda for the year is now out for Moncton.'

https://www.moncton.ca/planning-advisory-committee

Nothing of interest.

[DyAm00394]

Telegraph Journal is reporting that JessEm Tools owner says he is looking into moving their plant to the United States because of the threat of tariffs. Their 85,000sf facility is located in Moncton. https://tj.news/new-brunswick/threat-of-...b-business-owner-to-look-at-moving-plant

[MonctonRad]

This is alarming. They should wait and see. I'm willing to bet that if Trump institutes the tariffs that they will be gone in six months.

His plant has 65 employees, so it's loss would not be catastrophic, but, multiplied hundred of times over, the effect on Canada would be devastating. His business is primarily export based to the US, so you can see why he would be concerned.

[KnoxfordGuy]

Originally Posted by DyAm00394

Telegraph Journal is reporting that JessEm Tools owner says he is looking into moving their plant to the United States because of the threat of tariffs. Their 85,000sf facility is located in Moncton. https://tj.news/new-brunswick/threat-of-...b-business-owner-to-look-at-moving-plant

This seems very drastic for tariffs that will hopefully only last a few months or a bit longer.

[new kid in town]

With Moncton adding almost another 10k to its population, I hope conversations to increase UNB presence here gains traction.

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by new kid in town

With Moncton adding almost another 10k to its population, I hope conversations to increase UNB presence here gains traction.

+1.

Especially after next year when the CMA population will crest 200,000.

The time has come.

[new kid in town]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

+1.

Especially after next year when the CMA population will crest 200,000.

The time has come.

I left comments on UNB Moncton Nursing to remind them we need locally trained NPs. Not sure if it got through anyone important though

[new kid in town]

Forgot to respond to this

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

I have high hopes that Infinity will start by this summer. ICON seems like an aggressive and efficient builder (based on their current project in Riverview). The main question is whether or not the building will remain 30 storeys. I have heard nothing to suggest that it will be any less than 30 storeys, but, such things remain in flux until shovels are in the ground.

It would really be a landmark and significant milestone to have this, so if I were to pick one project that goes full steam with no further changes, this would be it.

I am a little less confident about St. Bernard Place, but, I think things will be underway by the fall (unless the economy craters or Trump invades Canada).

I was at Tide & Boar Gastropub last night for Burger Fest and staring down Botsford, I can't help but imagine the 18-storey building behind the church. Granted it's not as impressive as Infinity but its proximity to Main street and other cluster of buildings would really be a welcome addition. Plus, it would be halfway to St. George and would really help improve the urban atmosphere in the corridors between Main and St. George. Something that is sorely needed.

We will see ongoing work at the Gateway Towers, and I suspect the tower crane will be moved over to the new site from the Three Sisters by late this fall.

I'm so glad they're keeping momentum on this project. When the Gateway Towers are complete, they will be their own cluster of buildings. The fact they're not on Main street is a big bonus, since that helps dispel the idea our downtown is just one street. The 5 towers will be prominent driving from Champlain street, Dieppe or west Main street.

[SevenSquared]

Originally Posted by new kid in town

With Moncton adding almost another 10k to its population, I hope conversations to increase UNB presence here gains traction.

Absolutely - the current setup seems increasingly egregious. Fredericton has grown to the point where it should have absolutely no difficulty sustaining its UNB campus on their own.

The fact that establishing a public university in the city core isn't a priority is just baffling to me. The population growth numbers are great, but we're still hemorrhaging young people.

[Bishop2047]

Originally Posted by SevenSquared

Absolutely - the current setup seems increasingly egregious. Fredericton has grown to the point where it should have absolutely no difficulty sustaining its UNB campus on their own.

The fact that establishing a public university in the city core isn't a priority is just baffling to me. The population growth numbers are great, but we're still hemorrhaging young people.

SANB would hate it, but maybe U d M should expand it's offerings and start an English school. The market is there. I would love to see UNB expand it's presence in Moncton, but U d M already has plenty of infrastructure, staff, faculty, etc, in the city.

Even if this was a separate campus downtown it would do so well. University of Regina would be a model to follow as it exists because U of S did not have a presence in the city.

[jonny golden]

The fact that establishing a public university in the city core isn't a priority is just baffling to me. The population growth numbers are great, but we're still hemorrhaging young people.

1222 Main Street, which has sat vacant for years, would make a nice UNB facility. Lots of room for dorms on the upper floors, and it would free up a good piece of land in a great location for development. (Current nursing building)

[DyAm00394]

New CTV article:

Moncton issued $270M worth of building permits in 2024, down from previous years

"Moncton, N.B., issued $270 million worth of building permits in 2024, which was lower than the last three years.

In 2023, the City of Moncton spent $341 million on building permits, according to a previous news release. 2022 set an all-time record with $366 million on permits while 2021 saw $296.5 million.

In 2024, Moncton invested $150.7 million across 449 permits for residential developments, which resulted in the construction of 987 new residential units. 2023 saw 1,177 new residential units and 2022 had 1,285.

Moncton also spent $87.2 million on 164 commercial and industrial sector permits, which represented a 15 per cent increase over 2023’s $76 million.
“This is the second-highest outcome on record for the City of Moncton, bested only by the $102 million achieved in 2021,” a news release reads.

Moncton invested $26 million on 65 other permits.

Major projects in 2024 included:

$17.3 million for a 135-unit apartment building on Millenium Boulevard
$15.9 million for a 129-unit complex on McLaughlin Drive
$14.7 million for the construction of a warehouse on Desbrisay Avenue
$4.4 million for excavation, ground works and site preparation for the Atlantic Science Centre project
$1.2 million for the renovation of the kitchen at the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre."

https://www.ctvnews.ca/atlantic/new-brun...ermits-in-2024-down-from-previous-years/

[Monctoncore]

Originally Posted by DyAm00394

New CTV article:

Moncton issued $270M worth of building permits in 2024, down from previous years



https://www.ctvnews.ca/atlantic/new-brun...ermits-in-2024-down-from-previous-years/

Never something you want to hear, but I think the high cost to borrow and the announcement of rates drops played a role in the lack of announcements.

[EnvisionSaintJohn]

I remember MonctonRad saying there was a rumour of a project even higher than the 30 storey infinity tower proposal？

Anyone have any details on how tall it would be or where it would be?

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by EnvisionSaintJohn

I remember MonctonRad saying there was a rumour of a project even higher than the 30 storey infinity tower proposal？

Anyone have any details on how tall it would be or where it would be?

This is the Ashford/Downing project. There is no solid evidence regarding the ultimate height of this building, only that Ashford wants a "signature tower", and, that he may want it to be the tallest building in town. There are some pretty fantastical rumours out there which I take with a grain of salt. These plans also change all the time. I have heard more recent rumours he might be planning multiple buildings of similar height to the Three Sisters and Gateway Towers.

We won't know the truth until the renders are released.

[sailor734]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

This is the Ashford/Downing project. There is no solid evidence regarding the ultimate height of this building, only that Ashford wants a "signature tower", and, that he may want it to be the tallest building in town. There are some pretty fantastical rumours out there which I take with a grain of salt. These plans also change all the time. I have heard more recent rumours he might be planning multiple buildings of similar height to the Three Sisters and Gateway Towers.

We won't know the truth until the renders are released.

It would be interesting to know some of the financial considerations involved. Is the cost per unit lower, higher or about the same in a 30 story project vs 2 15 story buildings containing the same total number of apartments?

Are there any advantages to going higher or would they only apply in major cities where land is scarce and hugely expensive?

[tmacdougall]

Asked ChatGPT about the economic impact of rumoured Amazon Fullfilment Centre here in Greater Moncton.

Estimated Benefits to Greater Moncton Economy
Estimates based on similar Amazon fulfillment center projects in North America. Actual figures will depend on the final scale of the center and local economic conditions.

1. Job Creation
• Direct Employment:
• Estimated 800–1,500 jobs, with salaries ranging from $18/hour for entry-level workers to $70,000+ for managerial roles.
• Annual wages contribution: $40–$60 million.
• Indirect Employment:
• 500–800 additional jobs in logistics, transportation, and local services.
• Annual wages contribution: $20–$30 million.

2. Economic Growth
• Increased Spending Power:
• Assuming $50 million in annual wages, 80% ($40 million) could circulate in the local economy.
• Multiplier effect: Total impact could exceed $80 million annually.
• Boost to Local Supply Chains:
• Local suppliers for construction, utilities, and operations could see revenues grow by $10–$20 million annually.

3. Real Estate Development
• Increased Demand for Housing:
• Estimated demand for 300–600 housing units, with $50–$100 million in new residential construction over 3–5 years.
• Industrial Growth:
• Ancillary facilities and warehouses could add $20–$30 million in commercial real estate investment.

4. Infrastructure Improvements
• Road, utility, and transportation upgrades could require $10–$20 million in initial investment, potentially co-funded by Amazon and local government.
• Long-term benefits from improved infrastructure: $5–$10 million annually in reduced transportation and logistics costs.

5. Tax Revenue
• Property Taxes: Estimated $1.5–$3 million annually.
• Corporate and Payroll Taxes: Could contribute an additional $3–$5 million annually to provincial and federal revenues.

6. Branding & Business Attraction
• Increased Profile: Likely to attract at least 5–10 new businesses over 5 years, generating $20–$50 million in cumulative investment.
• Economic Diversification: Logistics and distribution could expand Moncton’s role in Atlantic Canada, adding $10–$15 million annually to the economy.

7. Support for Small Businesses
• Local businesses leveraging Amazon’s fulfillment network could see revenue growth of $5–$10 million annually.
Total Estimated Annual Economic Impact - $150–$250 million (including direct, indirect, and induced effects).

These estimates are broad approximations and would require further validation through feasibility studies, local market analysis, and discussions with stakeholders.