[Moncton] Sackville Developments

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by Josh73

How come?

RCI only "broadcasts" on the internet now. The actual shortwave service shut down last year. The feds were shopping around to see if another (European) shortwave service wanted to use the facility as a rebroadcaster but there were no takers.

With internet radio services so ubiquitous, the era of international shortwave broadcasting is almost over. Major broadcasters like the BBC and VOA will likely continue to target markets like Africa and south Asia with conventional shortwave, but aside from that, it's all over and done with......

[MonctonRad]

There is an application before Sackville town council to allow construction of a three storey 19 unit residential development at the rear of 131 Main Street. This property is at the corner of Main St and Rectory Lane, across from the Avard Dixon Bldg at Mount Allison University.......

[MonctonRad]

from Sackville Tribune Post:

United Church repairs, renovations expected to total over $1.5 million
Katie Tower
Published on October 02, 2013



SACKVILLE, N.B. – With a $1.5 million pricetag attached to fix up and renovate Sackville’s United Church, it looks as if the historic building may not be able to be saved from the wrecking ball after all.

Virgil Hammock, who is heading the community committee that has been looking at ways to save the 135-year-old church, said estimates to repair the structure have come in at about $800,000 while the reconfiguration costs to convert the building for other uses total more than $650,000.

“And those are conservative estimates . . . so it’s going to cost a whole lot more money that what people expected to fix it up,” he said.

The figures – which include structural repairs, roof repairs, window and window sill replacement, electrical and plumbing updates, fire safety upgrades, mold remediation, installing a new heating system, painting, and more – were provided by local contractors as part of an economic feasibility study that was done this summer to determine whether operating the United Church as a community centre would be a viable option.

The feasibility study, conducted by community development consultants Gwen Zwicker and Amanda Marlin and funded by Renaissance Sackville, examined the cost of exterior and interior repairs, costs associated with reconfiguring the 10,000-square-foot building to house multiple uses and different organizations, as well as ongoing operational costs.

The study’s authors write that the repairs are doable, “but at a very high cost.”

“If the committee examining the potential to convert the church to a community centre were to go ahead with this project, significant funds would be required from federal, provincial and municipal governments, as well as private donors and foundations,” stated Zwicker and Marlin.

“There is support for saving the church building but there may not be widespread support for spending a lot of money to do so.”

And, of course, the more time that passes, the more the repair bills would go up.

“The time it takes to raise or find the money may be too long, the damage will get worse and the costs will increase again,” they pointed out in their report.

As well, the study also indicated that, if the building were to be successfully renovated, monthly operational and maintenance costs would be in the vicinity of $4,500 – a bill that would be hard to cover with the potential rental income that would be expected to come from the users of a community centre.

Zwicker and Marlin noted that, of the dozen or so groups that said they were interested in possibly renting space within a community centre, many of those were non-profit groups or arts/cultural enterprises that either couldn’t afford much for rent or would only be renting the space on a daily/weekly basis.

Based on the findings in their study, they recommended that “converting the United Church into a community centre does not make good or feasible sense.”

Hammock said unfortunately, he has to agree – unless the town of Sackville, as well as the other two levels of government, is able to come through with a pledge of support to preserve the building.

“Even if we got it fixed, there’s no way to run the building without being subsidized,” he said. “There just isn’t a revenue stream to operate the building without a sizeable subsidy from the different levels of government.”

So unless the town steps in, said Hammock, he conceded that it’s neither feasible nor does it make business sense to go ahead with converting the church.

He said Sackville is certainly in need of a community centre like the one being discussed and isn’t giving up on the idea of such a project; but it doesn’t look like it will happen at the church.

Hammock said the feasibility study was a well-done report, which “really identified that there’s a large cost to refurbish the building and a bigger challenge in maintaining and operating it.”

The report, which is available online on Renaissance Sackville’s webite at www.renaissancesackville.ca, will now be handed over to town council for their review.

A public meeting to discuss the findings of the feasibility study is also set for this Thursday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. in town council chambers.

[MonctonRad]

The new four storey residential/commercial building on Bridge street immediately behind Convocation Hall is moving along expeditiously.







Some of the third and fourth floor units at the rear of the building will have a very nice view over the Swan Pond at Mount Allison University........

Also, I have found out that one of the first floor commercial tenants in this building will be Joey's Pizza. They are one of the better restaurants in Sackville, and will be moving across the street from their current location. The current restaurant is in an older building and has character. I presume they are swapping character for a larger and more functional space. They also promise that their new restaurant will have a "twist". I presume they mean a surprise of some kind. I don't know what they mean by this, but they promise to be open in their new location in early 2014......

[MonctonRad]

Regarding the former Sackville United Church on Main Street:



A new citizens group is forming in order to rally support behind getting some short term necessary repairs done to stabilize the building. In particular, roof repairs need to be urgently performed to combat some dangerous leaks.

The idea is to spend only what money is absolutely necessary in the short term while a more permanent funding solution is found so that the building can be transformed into a community space of some kind.

This sounds reasonable. If these urgent repairs are not undertaken, then there will be nothing left to save in the future.......

[MonctonRad]

from Sackville Tribune-Post

Boardwalk re-opens in Sackville Waterfowl Park
Katie Tower
Published on October 23, 2013


A jogger enjoys a run on the section of boardwalk in the Sackville Waterfowl Park that has been replaced over the past few months and is now open to the public.
DOHERTY PHOTO

SACKVILLE, N.B. – Walkers in the community had much to be thankful for over the Thanksgiving weekend.

After a summer-long closure, a key section of the Sackville Waterfowl Park was re-opened to the public on Friday, Oct. 11, welcome news for those that had been anticipating completion of the project.

The boardwalk section that was replaced was a 250-metre stretch from the Main Street/Anglican Church entrance to the first walking trail. One of the main elements of the new, sturdier walkway is that it has been stabilized with helical coils to prevent it from settling in the future.

Still yet to be completed as part of the project, however, is the reconstruction of the Doncaster covered bridge at the end of Clarence Street. Cole said work is under way on this phase of the project, with the bridge recently lifted off its footholds and a new supporting structure being constructed underneath. The work on the bridge, which is anticipated to be completed within the next week or so, will also include roof repairs.

read more:
http://www.sackvilletribunepost.com/...terfowl-Park/1

[MonctonRad]

from Sackville Tribune Post:

New downtown building to feature commercial, residential space
KatieKatie Tower
Published on November 20, 2013

SACKVILLE, N.B. – Construction is progressing well on a new downtown commercial and residential development in Sackville that will feature 7,500 square feet of business space on the main floor with an additional three storeys of one-and-two-bedroom apartments.



“We’re happy with where we’re at,” said local developer John Lafford of JN Lafford Realty Inc. “We’re about where we want to be right now so everything’s going pretty good.”

Lafford said workers recently installed the roof and will be putting in windows over the next few weeks as they make it “weather-tight” before the cold and snow hits.

He said fortunately the weather has been cooperating nicely this fall, which helps a large project like this one move along much smoother. “So far, so good.”

The 44,000 square foot will include four storeys, with the first floor mainly taken up with commercial space, with a couple residential units at the rear of the building. Joey’s Pizza and Pasta restaurant, which is currently located across the street, will be moving to the new location when construction is complete, as well as Soper Physiotherapy.

As for the residential, Lafford said about half of the units are already rented, which he attributes to the prime location of the building, situated on the edge of the university campus and in the downtown core.

Lafford said he anticipates construction to be completed in early spring and hopes to open up the building by April 1.

Personal note - This is of course previously reported, but the news item shows the current status of the project and mentions the completion date - April 1st……..

[MonctonRad]

From Sackville Tribune Post:

New fine arts centre progressing on time, budget
Tribune-Post Staff
Published on November 13, 2013Share 1 0 Comment

SACKVILLE, N.B. – Mount Allison University’s new fine arts centre is still on track to open next fall.

“Everything is pretty well on time and on budget,” said David Stewart, vice-president of finance and administration for the university.

Construction of the new $30-million facility, which will house the university’s fine arts and drama programs all under one roof when completed, has been under way since last summer. It is scheduled to open in Sept. 2014.

“We will start to move in probably in early summer . . . and by the end of August, we expect to have everyone moved in and be fully operational, ready for the fall term,” said Stewart.

He said much of the exterior work has been completed, with the windows set to arrive this week and installed over the next few weeks so that workers can start finishing up details inside throughout the winter.

“Everything’s going pretty well . . . we’re very pleased with how things are progressing.”

Featuring a large atrium that will provide area for exhibitions and receptions as well as a gathering space for students, the 50,000-square-foot centre will be home to contemporary art studios with facilities for painting, printmaking, sculpture, photography, and other media; a studio hall with reinforced floors, heightened ceilings, and controlled lighting; and a 100-seat black box theatre with cutting-edge sound and lighting. The facility will also have office and seminar spaces.

Stewart said a construction manager (EllisDon) was hired to manage the project on behalf of the university, which is typically done for larger infrastructure projects.

The new building is located on the north-west edge of campus at the intersection of Main and Salem Streets.

The arts centre, which will be the first new academic building on campus since 1979, is a part of the university’s long-term strategic plan, with several pieces already in place including construction of the new Campbell Hall residence and renovation of Trueman into a new student centre.

Of the $30 million required to fund this project, $20 million will be brought in through fundraising and alumni support. The remaining $10 million will come from the university itself.

[MonctonRad]

from Sackville Tribune-Post:

Revitalization of Bridge Street downtown hopefully to proceed in 2014.

Sackville’s downtown revitalization committee was hoping 2014 would be the year funding would come through for a much-needed and long-awaited makeover on Bridge Street.

“I am feeling optimistic it will happen in 2014,” said Robert Lyon, chair of the downtown committee and a local business owner.

Lyon said the downtown improvement project had already gained support from the town, with a funding commitment through to 2015 for one-third of the cost. And the committee was in the midst of re-applying for federal ACOA grants for a second year, with last year’s application receiving favourable reviews. The project also hinges on getting backing from the provincial government, which wasn’t able to fund the project in 2013.

“If the province comes on board with it this year, I think it’ll be a go.”

The proposed project, which would essentially be a makeover of downtown Bridge Street, includes a total reconstruction of the roadway – including installing new water and sewer mains that would replace the aging infrastructure that was put in in the 1930s and a much-needed re-paving. The project also includes removing the power poles along that street and burying the lines underground

The upgrades are expected to cost an estimated $1 million, with $350,000 of that amount anticipated to come from both the town and ACOA and $300,000 from the province.



Downtown park ready for next step in makeover project

Work had been completed on the underground infrastructure upgrades at the Bill Johnstone Memorial Park.

George Woodburn, Sackville’s director of public works and engineering, said his crews has recently finished work on replacing the aging storm and sanitary sewer lines underneath the park, as well as installing a new water line for the proposed splash pad, in preparation for an expansive park makeover in 2014.

“It’s now ready for a tender to be called early next year,” said Woodburn during council’s monthly meeting Nov. 12.

Plans for the park include a new field house building, a new band shell, a splash pad, and a facelift of the basketball and tennis court areas.

[MonctonRad]

I heard that there is some rampant NIMBYism developing in Sackville over the recent construction of several student apartment buildings in the town.

Apparently some of the burgers are none too impressed with the uninspired nature of the architecture and are referring to these new apartment buildings as "Aldershot barracks" or such. They are afraid the town will soon take on the air of a WWII military base.

Obviously it isn't nearly as bad as that, but there is no question that most of the new apartment buildings in town are pretty bland looking four storey structures with vinyl siding. I'm not sure what they want the town to do about it though…...

[mylesmalley]

Let's be honest here. Students aren't swimming in cash but need to live somewhere. Therefore the market demands lower quality buildings. Also, students are transient so developers can get away with lower quality buildings. Architects, nice building materials, and landscaping are all expensive. What do they expect to get?

[MonctonRad]

The demolition work on the RCI broadcasting towers just outside town has apparently begun. These beacons at the entry into NB from NS will be gone within six months.....

[MonctonRad]

I guess Joey's Pizza is going to stay put. They apparently aren't moving across the street after all…….

[JasonL-Moncton]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

from Sackville Tribune Post:

New downtown building to feature commercial, residential space
KatieKatie Tower
Published on November 20, 2013

SACKVILLE, N.B. – Construction is progressing well on a new downtown commercial and residential development in Sackville that will feature 7,500 square feet of business space on the main floor with an additional three storeys of one-and-two-bedroom apartments.



“We’re happy with where we’re at,” said local developer John Lafford of JN Lafford Realty Inc. “We’re about where we want to be right now so everything’s going pretty good.”

Lafford said workers recently installed the roof and will be putting in windows over the next few weeks as they make it “weather-tight” before the cold and snow hits.

He said fortunately the weather has been cooperating nicely this fall, which helps a large project like this one move along much smoother. “So far, so good.”

The 44,000 square foot will include four storeys, with the first floor mainly taken up with commercial space, with a couple residential units at the rear of the building. Joey’s Pizza and Pasta restaurant, which is currently located across the street, will be moving to the new location when construction is complete, as well as Soper Physiotherapy.

As for the residential, Lafford said about half of the units are already rented, which he attributes to the prime location of the building, situated on the edge of the university campus and in the downtown core.

Lafford said he anticipates construction to be completed in early spring and hopes to open up the building by April 1.

Personal note - This is of course previously reported, but the news item shows the current status of the project and mentions the completion date - April 1st……..

That building is hideous...right beside Mt. A and backing onto the Swan pond...uugh sometimes progress wears blinders.

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

The demolition work on the RCI broadcasting towers just outside town has apparently begun. These beacons at the entry into NB from NS will be gone within six months.....

Apparently the towers themselves will be taken down this week………

[FarmerTom]

I was by there last night and there was at least 2 towers already removed.

[MonctonRad]

Sackville at risk from rising sea levels

New Mount Allison research helps town plan for flooding in event dykes fail to protect it
CBC News Posted: Mar 11, 2014 12:34 PM AT
Last Updated: Mar 11, 2014 12:34 PM AT

A professor at Mount Allison University says it's time for the Town of Sackville to move forward with flood planning due to rising sea levels from climate change.

For decades, Sackville's homes, roads and business have been protected by dykes that hold back water in the Bay of Fundy.

However, there is now concern about erosion of the dykes from rising sea levels brought on by climate change.

The Geospatial Modelling Lab at Mount Allison has developed new software that identifies the areas of town that would be under water should the system of dykes fail to hold back the rising levels.

"[You] can see these red zones," says Prof. David Lieske, who is leading the research. "These are locations quite close to town where those dykes need investment."

Lieske says another important part of flood planning includes encouraging development outside of flood-prone areas.

"With a town like Sackville, I would think about commercial development high up, out of the flood plain, and think of projecting a future downtown Sackville that's in a different location."

Lieske says it's not about shutting down the downtown core, but taking a new approach to development in Sackville.

“Through this research, custom software was developed to allow various aspects of vulnerable infrastructure, neighbourhoods, and sections of dyke to be overlapped with different projected sea-level rise scenarios,” says Lieske.

The federal government installed the dykes in the 1950s. The last big flood in the town happened in 1962 after three days of heavy rain.

Without the dykes in place, the town would flood twice a day, according to Claude Robichaud, an engineer and manager of marshland maintenance for the Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries.

​The provincial government hopes to convince the federal government to reinvest in the dykes at a cost likely to run into the milllions

Nic McLellan of Ducks Unlimited says topping up the dykes should be a top priority.

"I think it's not a question of if something is going to happen, but when," said McLellan. "So letting everybody be aware of potential risks and being prepared for them, I think is key."

Lieske says the work of the research group could be adapted to other communities in New Brunswick that are at risk for flooding related to climate change.

[MonctonRad]

from Sackville Tribune-Post

Earth store now open in Sackville
Published on April 02, 2014

It’s always a nice compliment to our town when people from away set up roots in Sackville because it was the most appealing place to live compared to other communities in the Maritimes.

Like many people who come to Sackville but are not attached to Mount Allison, the family of Darin Bavis, Michelle Beaulieu, and Oliver Forest looked to set up a business in downtown Sackville. Their new art and gift shop, Earth, on 10 York Street (by Pridham’s Studio and Joey’s) is the latest addition to the streets cape.

read more:
http://www.sackvilletribunepost.com/...in-Sackville/1

[MonctonRad]

Cobalt Properties (Irving) has a plan to add a drive-thru pad to their Irving/Circle K location on Main St near the TCH overpass.

[MonctonRad]

Sackville United Church welcomes community to new location
Tribune-Post Staff
Published on June 04, 2014

SACKVILLE, N.B. – The Sackville United Church congregation is set to open the doors to their new location and the public had a chance to take a look at their new space during an open house event last Saturday.

full article:
http://www.sackvilletribunepost.com/...new-location/1



personal note- I wonder if they could add a small steeple to the side of the old town hall building. I'm a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to church architecture…...