[Moncton] Downtown Developments

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by jonny golden

I'll throw my prediction out there: The Crowne Plaza block and/or an Ashford project!

You will know very very soon. Stay tuned.

[David_99]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

You will know very very soon. Stay tuned.

Question: Was there 2 announcements coming at the end of this month? One with political fanfare?

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by David_99

Question: Was there 2 announcements coming at the end of this month? One with political fanfare?

One for sure. One this week. Only a few more sleeps. The other is soon too, but I have no information as to when.

[jonny golden]

What I'd really like to see is something that we're not expecting. The Crowne Plaza block and/or an Ashford project on their Assomption parking lot seem to be a given. But if a major project were announced. i.e. St. Bernard's Square or the land next to Staples etc., now that would be exciting. But I don't see it happening at this time. I'll stick to my prediction.

[BeeTeeOH]

Originally Posted by PEI highway guy

BeeTeeoh I lived at 38 Enterprise until I was 10 years old. Does this lady have the house on the corner of South and Atlantic?

I am not sure.

I do understand the fear. It would be a significant impact on those few houses south of South St. they had a quiet little nook for many years, but that will all change drastically.

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

And on a different topic, stay tuned to the [Moncton] Downtown thread next week. Interesting times. Interesting times indeed............

And so it begins.........

An infrastructure announcement for Downtown Moncton will take place at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 22, in the Shediac Room of the Delta Beausejour, 750 Main St., Moncton.

Local Government and Local Governance Reform Minister Daniel Allain, MLA for Moncton East, and federal Official Languages Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor, MP for Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe will participate.

Given federal and provincial ministerial representation for this downtown infrastructure announcement, it doesn't really take a rocket scientist to deduce what the topic will be.

The only question is whether or not Ashford will make an announcement at the same time. This is not guaranteed, but, it is my understanding that they will........

I promised to keep quiet about this until Tuesday. It is now 0001 hrs.

[MonctonDowntown]

The announcement tomorrow must include a new building reveal as the infrastructure plan including moving the power lines underground and the new sewage pipes has already been made.

[MonctonRad]

Still nothing in the mainstream media (CBC, CTV, T&T) regarding the announcement set for tomorrow at the Delta Beausejour. I'm a little surprised by that.

[Monctoncore]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

Still nothing in the mainstream media (CBC, CTV, T&T) regarding the announcement set for tomorrow at the Delta Beausejour. I'm a little surprised by that.

I find usually they will mention it the day it happens

[jonny golden]

I wonder if we'll see some new renders from Ashford tomorrow. They purchased the land 3 1/2 years ago, so they've had lots of time to plan things. Or will we just get the government funding announcement?

[MonctonRad]

T&T has now noted the upcoming presser tomorrow:

https://tj.news/times-and-transcript/102067745 (paywall)

Nothing really new in the article, although they noted (like MonctonDowntown above) that there had already been an announcement last August regarding funding for infrastructure (water and utilities). As such the federal and provincial funding here will be for something else.

I would assume the government contribution this time will be for completion of Downing Street, and also for the relocation of the Moncton Market. From what I gather, the new market will be quite a step up. Again, I can't be too specific regarding what I know.

Any accompanying Ashford announcement will be for the associated residential tower (rumoured to be 14 storeys), as well as for the enclosed parking structure to replace the lost surface parking behind Assumption Place. There may be other things too, but that is purely speculative.

A notice earlier this year on constructconnect.com indicated an upcoming $50M project for downtown Moncton, which is roughly half the value of the Three Sisters project by Lafford. If these are one and the same, this gives an idea regarding the scale of the project (big).

We will know much more tomorrow, and I sincerely hope there will be renderings available to post here.

[MonctonRad]

I'm going to be very busy at work today, so I might not be quick off the mark regarding the presser today. If anyone else wants to be the lead reporter here, feel free..........

[lirette]

This is the article thats posted on newswire

https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/th...n-moncton-s-downtown-core-874246574.html

"MONCTON, NB, Feb. 22, 2023 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), the Honourable Daniel Allain, Minister of Local Government and Local Governance Reform and Her Worship Dawn Arnold, Mayor of the City of Moncton, announced a joint investment of more than $36.3 million to upgrade Moncton's municipal infrastructure and improve its climate resiliency.

The project includes the installation of a storm sewer and dedicated sanitary sewer on Downing Street and Assomption Boulevard, as well as extending the municipal services to serve Moncton's growing downtown core. Streets will be elevated to offset the expected rise in sea levels, and existing aerial lines will be relocated underground to increase resilience to extreme weather conditions.

These upgrades will increase the City of Moncton's capacity to manage wastewater and stormwater, increase access to potable water, and improve traffic flow and pedestrian access throughout this area of downtown. They will also enhance the City of Moncton's capacity to adapt to climate change and increasingly frequent extreme weather events.

By investing in infrastructure, the Government of Canada is growing our country's economy, increasing the resiliency of our communities, and improving the lives of Canadians."

Quotes
"These upgrades to water management and roads in downtown Moncton improves the city's capacity to manage water, stormwater, and wastewater, as well as protect Moncton and its residents against climate change and extreme weather events. We will continue to work with our partners to invest in these types of projects, which are good for people and the environment."

The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities

"We are investing in infrastructure projects that will have long-term economic and social benefits for residents of New Brunswick. This is an exciting development that will lead to private sector investment to support the growth of the Greater Moncton Region. Investing in critical infrastructure in our communities also mitigates the risk of disastrous flooding."

The Honourable Daniel Allain, Minister of Local Government and Local Governance Reform

"This funding is welcome news. It will support significant improvements that will encourage the overall densification and revitalization of our downtown and help us move forward with the downtown vision and infrastructure renewal detailed in the City's Downtown Core Community Improvement Plan. Thank you to both levels of government for your continued support as we build an economically prosperous, vibrant and sustainable city core."

Her Worship Dawn Arnold, Mayor of the City of Moncton

[MonctonRad]

So, no corresponding Ashford announcement??? That's extremely disappointing. I was really hoping for one.

If nothing is forthcoming soon, I may start spilling the beans about what I know.........

[jonny golden]

Pretty underwhelming. But at least mayor Arnold connected the funding to downtown densification and revitalization. I guess it will all unfold in time. I still would have liked to have seen Ashford's phase one plans though!

[BlackYear]

Moncton Council Receives Petition Opposing Apartment Tower
Moncton, NB, Canada / 91.9 The Bend

It’s already a done deal but that didn’t stop a resident of the Old West End from presenting Moncton City Council with a petition opposing a 10-storey apartment tower at the northwest corner of Main Street and Vaughan Harvey Boulevard.

Lori Barnes collected over 300 signatures from residents who all agreed a 10-storey building will have a negative impact on the neighbourhood.

“We believe this will affect the safety of residents on our streets and will destroy the quality of life through high volumes of traffic and indiscriminate parking.”

Mayor Dawn Arnold pointed out that developer Chad Blakney was still undecided about the number of stories for the proposed building.

“You will also be aware that Council did give permission for the developer to decide whether they wanted to build a six-storey building or a 10-storey building.”



That would be Lori Barnes at the podium. The above last quote says it all.

[lirette]

It is absolutely laughable to me to cite safety concerns. So this 10 storey building would somehow raise crime but the 2 large condo buildings across the street (tannery) didnt?

If anything these large buildings provide ample lighting in an area of town which is very dim if you are walking currently, an increase foot traffic in the area would make you feel more safe. Just look at the difference for example of walking in the area near Avenir center vs walking on say waterloo st just a few blocks away.

[DyAm00394]

The mayor posted this photo on social media indicating the new street.

The projects from the funding include raising Downing Street and Assomption Boulevard; creating a new street; and extending municipal services. New electrical and communications infrastructure will be located underground to increase resilience to extreme weather. https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/news/news_release.2023.02.0079.html

[josh_cat_eyes]

I wonder when they say existing aerial lines if that includes the major power transmission line that goes along assumption. If this is the case, perhaps they could move the substation while they are at it.

[PEI highway guy]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

So, no corresponding Ashford announcement??? That's extremely disappointing. I was really hoping for one.

If nothing is forthcoming soon, I may start spilling the beans about what I know.........

Perhaps Ashford wants a splashy nanouncement of their own, away from the politicians who tend to take the spotlight when funds are handed out..