The Official Moncton, NB Project Thread

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by habs33

NB Gov just posted to tune in Wednesday, April 2 at 10 a.m. for a special Canada Games announcement! ⚽️⚾️🏐🎾

https://t.co/WrDYH3fG21

I'm not expecting much in the way of new infrastructure announcements. I think they are going to maximize the current strengths of both Moncton and Saint John. Saint John will get the aquatic events, and Moncton will get the track and field (Moncton Stadium).

Of course there could be some upgrades...............

[jonny golden]

Originally Posted by jonny golden

I didn't realize there was still such a shortage of construction workers in the province. An interesting story from CTV regarding a recent one day summit held in Dieppe where construction industry leaders, government officials and employment experts discussed the issue of labour shortages in the construction industry. Immigration was mentioned as one solution.






https://www.ctvnews.ca/atlantic/new-brun...utm_medium=trueAnthem&utm_source=twitter

Another factor with regards to labour shortages in the construction industry:

CTV News:
New Brunswick construction industry facing high retirement numbers over next decade

https://www.ctvnews.ca/atlantic/new-brun...utm_medium=trueAnthem&utm_source=twitter

[MonctonRad]

Millions for Moncton infrastructure hinge on council's 4-unit housing vote
Federal program requires zoning change to qualify to get money for planned roads, utility lines
Shane Magee · CBC News · Posted: Apr 07, 2025 6:00 AM ADT | Last Updated: April 7
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-bruns...frastructure-four-unit-housing-1.7499793

A pending Moncton council vote to loosen residential zoning rules will determine whether the municipality qualifies for millions in infrastructure money it hopes to use to boost housing development.

City council is considering allowing four-unit housing in any residential zone in the city, which would allow higher density in areas currently restricted to one- or two-unit buildings.

The change is a key condition for the city to receive $15.5 million through the Housing Accelerator Fund. It's also a condition to qualify for funding from the Canadian Housing Infrastructure Fund.

The city plans to apply for tens of millions through that second program for new roads, bridges, and underground utility lines expected to allow denser downtown development and construction of new neighbourhoods.

"We do have a lot of land," Josh Davies, Moncton's manager of long-range policy planning, said in an interview.

"It's the infrastructure, and the cost associated with that infrastructure, that's been a deterrent."

While the city won't provide specific costs or a full list of projects at this point, as many still require further council approvals to proceed, Davies said value of the infrastructure could easily exceed $100 million.

The federal program could cover up to 40 per cent of project costs.

Three projects that the city hopes to use federal funds to help build have already been mentioned publicly. The single most expensive is a new east-west road through the Vision Lands estimated at more than $60 million.

The second potential project already named the city hopes will get federal funding is a new road branching off Harrisville Boulevard near the Humphreys Brook trail.

This will likely also include planned widening and upgrades to Harrisville Blvd to bring it up to the same standards as Dieppe Blvd.

A third project is the reconstruction of St. George Street and replacement of underground utility lines under the road through downtown. Those pipes need to be replaced to allow higher density development along the street, Davies said.

I personally have some reservations to the blamket policy to allow four-plexes in all residential zones, but, if the carrot being offered is coverage of 40% of the costs of these infrastructure projects (all very necessary), it is going to be extremely difficult for city council to vote against this amendment.

I am conflicted.

[Monctoncore]

I think the fear of four-plexes is a bit overblown. Personally, most neighborhood's will probably remain untouched. The occasionally home may be changed, but I would say most will be new developments in areas that are already zoned for that.

[lirette]

What is the argument against fourplexes?

I'm genuinely curious. I don't see how a fourplex is any different overall from semi-detached homes throughout the north end.

[sailor734]

Correct me if i am wrong but I don't see this 4plex zoning overriding a restrictive covenant placed on a piece of land. If a developer wanted to build a subdivision of single family homes I suspect he could still do so using this method each time he sold a lot.

[Monctoncore]

Originally Posted by lirette

What is the argument against fourplexes?

I'm genuinely curious. I don't see how a fourplex is any different overall from semi-detached homes throughout the north end.

I’m not fully sure, but I can use Charlottetown residents as an example. Recent my they had a few large developments proposed that would build a mixture of apartments, four plexes etc. and those who were against it all similar views. There is a misconception that these sorts of developments bring crime, noise, “low income people” and unsightly buildings to their neighborhoods. There needs to be an educational push to inform people that most of these people renting are paying more than some of these people ever paid for a mortgage, that they are the doctors, nurses, police, accountants, bankers and so much more.

[OliverD]

Originally Posted by sailor734

Correct me if i am wrong but I don't see this 4plex zoning overriding a restrictive covenant placed on a piece of land. If a developer wanted to build a subdivision of single family homes I suspect he could still do so using this method each time he sold a lot.

Yes. It's debatable how much teeth restrictive covenants actually have though. The city does not consider restrictive covenants when issuing building permits so in theory someone could building something that is allowed via zoning but is in contravention to covenants, and to resolve that the developer would have to take legal action against the property owner.

[mylesmalley]

The idea isn't to replace existing neighbourhoods with 4-plexes; it's to make it feasible to subdivide existing properties to allow up to four units on an existing lot. Basement apartments, in-law suites, apartments above garages and the like.

I really encourage everyone to read what the city has put up on their website. It's well thought-out.

https://letschatmoncton.ca/neighbourhoods-housing

[Taeolas]

Yeah Freddy is having similar resistance (lead by some of the big realtors in the city) and the reasoning is pure NIMBYism.

The detractors are basically saying it's a goal to fill the cities with fourplexes and to remove SFH's or some garbage like that; when in reality the clear intent is to make it easier to have Basement/Attic apartments or Grandma suites in backyards and such without as much red tape to make it happen. So the overall feel for many neighbourhoods wouldn't actually change much.

[Nashe]

I'd rather see a fourplex than a mid-century SFH crumbling while jammed full of roomers with 5 cars in the yard.

[MonctonRad]

The Exxon/Mobil global support centre in the Emmerson Business Park is apparently going to close by the end of the year, with the loss of about 250 jobs.

Apparently they plan to rationalize work done at this location to other support centres in the world (probably in Bangalore or some such).

There has not been too much good economic news around the city in the last few months. Hopefully we aren't witnessing the beginning of a trend.

[jonny golden]

They should re-purpose the Emmerson Business Park. The office building ship has sailed. There's still a lot of vacant land that could be developed.

[MonctonRad]

CTV just announced that governmental funding has been made available for design and planning for new university residences at UdeM and UNB.

[MonctonGoldenTri]

I was informed by homeowners on Steadman Street that they were recently approached by a developer seeking to purchase their properties, with the majority of homeowners opting to participate. The proposed timeline for the construction of new apartment complexes is approximately five years. Sewage and infrastructure work is set to begin this year

This area has been needing a refresh for a while now, so it's great to finally see some progress.

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by MonctonGoldenTri

I was informed by homeowners on Steadman Street that they were recently approached by a developer seeking to purchase their properties, with the majority of homeowners opting to participate. The proposed timeline for the construction of new apartment complexes is approximately five years. Sewage and infrastructure work is set to begin this year

This area has been needing a refresh for a while now, so it's great to finally see some progress.

Good news! Do you know know which block on Steadman? Any idea of the height?

This likely ties in with the infrastructure upgrade on Main Street this year.

[Riberview]

Regarding Steadman St:
I mightve forgot to report this.. but someone had plans for the block surrounded by Steadman/Lewis/Main/Queen

Possibly double the height of 55 Queen. Possibly the same developer.

I know you don't necessarily like fanciful reporting such as this.. just saying I heard it.

I wonder if the post above is related...

While on the topic of Steadman St, why on earth are there STILL two giant vacant properties on either side of
Rabbi Lippa Medjuck St?? Build already!

[MonctonianSentinel01]

Originally Posted by Riberview

Regarding Steadman St:
I mightve forgot to report this.. but someone had plans for the block surrounded by Steadman/Lewis/Main/Queen

Possibly double the height of 55 Queen. Possibly the same developer.

I know you don't necessarily like fanciful reporting such as this.. just saying I heard it.

I wonder if the post above is related...

While on the topic of Steadman St, why on earth are there STILL two giant vacant properties on either side of
Rabbi Lippa Medjuck St?? Build already!

Might be why Board Miniatures relocated to Granite Drive, maybe those business might have to find a new location?

[jonny golden]

Directly across the street from the (soon to be vacant) RCMP station! A few years from now, east Main Street could look a lot different.

[Monctoncore]

I sometimes think, will most of these empty lots be filled in my life time? It’s hard to say. When you look at the maps, Moncton has so much empty land downtown.