[Moncton] Centre Avenir Centre | 26.65m |~6 Fl | Completed

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by UptownJeff

I do believe that this will help not only Moncton but the region as well. I'm not quite sure if this is the official "go" or are they still waiting for federal commitment?

The final decision is city council's, but provincial funding is the one thing the city was waiting for. There will be no direct federal commitment. The federal funding will be "in kind" for other worthwhile projects, thus freeing up city funds for the events centre.

Provided the city is satisfied with the level of provincial support (and knowing that they are unlikely to get more than what the province is willing to commit), I assume the events centre is now a go.

Next, the announcement of the winning bidder and the release of the renderings.

[UptownJeff]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

The final decision is city council's, but provincial funding is the one thing the city was waiting for. There will be no direct federal commitment. The federal funding will be "in kind" for other worthwhile projects, thus freeing up city funds for the events centre.

Provided the city is satisfied with the level of provincial support (and knowing that they are unlikely to get more than what the province is willing to commit), I assume the events centre is now a go.

Next, the announcement of the winning bidder and the release of the renderings.

Thanks for the clarification! Congrats to all of us - this WILL benefit the Province as a whole - especially the SJ/Moncton/Fredericton areas - Being from SJ, I am sure there will be alot of naysayers but like on the CBC Forums....just the vocal minority!

[Mattyyy]

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

The final decision is city council's, but provincial funding is the one thing the city was waiting for. There will be no direct federal commitment. The federal funding will be "in kind" for other worthwhile projects, thus freeing up city funds for the events centre.

Provided the city is satisfied with the level of provincial support (and knowing that they are unlikely to get more than what the province is willing to commit), I assume the events centre is now a go.

Next, the announcement of the winning bidder and the release of the renderings.

Hopefully this doesn't take long - very excited for this!

[NBNYer]

Great news!

Hopefully the city will move fast to finalize the details and make an announcement. Hope to see some renders soon!

[tmacdougall]

I will be at this presentation! Look forward to see what the renderings will entail.

Originally Posted by MonctonRad

The final decision is city council's, but provincial funding is the one thing the city was waiting for. There will be no direct federal commitment. The federal funding will be "in kind" for other worthwhile projects, thus freeing up city funds for the events centre.

Provided the city is satisfied with the level of provincial support (and knowing that they are unlikely to get more than what the province is willing to commit), I assume the events centre is now a go.

Next, the announcement of the winning bidder and the release of the renderings.

[benvui]

I thought I read earlier this week that the Federal government has already committed 18 million to projects, can someone confirm this?

[Nashe]

Originally Posted by benvui

I thought I read earlier this week that the Federal government has already committed 18 million to projects, can someone confirm this?

If not, they're getting close... they've announced several that would contribute towards the "peter to paul" scenario the mayor is banking on.

[benvui]

Found it
"Goguen said the four projects that have been approved would free up about $18 million of $23 million the city is counting on from the federal government." Full article found HERE

[Nashe]

The vitriol on the CBC site is... incredible. Probably not the word I should use.

One laughable one was about "Saint John getting nothing, but nobody cares". Crikey. (No offense to SJ'ers on here... the CBC discussions are never positive, as far as I've seen, and posters should never be assumed to represent any geographic area)

[Sunnybrae]

Originally Posted by Vorkuta

The vitriol on the CBC site is... incredible. Probably not the word I should use.

One laughable one was about "Saint John getting nothing, but nobody cares". Crikey. (No offense to SJ'ers on here... the CBC discussions are never positive, as far as I've seen, and posters should never be assumed to represent any geographic area)

And because of this negativity, I will not totally believe the province until the money is "in the bank" so to speak. Remember, it's still politics and games are still being played. I don't mean to be negative and I support the project.

[Nashe]

Originally Posted by Sunnybrae

And because of this negativity, I will not totally believe the province until the money is "in the bank" so to speak. Remember, it's still politics and games are still being played. I don't mean to be negative and I support the project.

A very good point. For most projects it would be a slam-dunk, but given the history of this one, we'll all breathe a sigh of relief when shovels hit the ground.

[Scarface]

Originally Posted by Sunnybrae

And because of this negativity, I will not totally believe the province until the money is "in the bank" so to speak. Remember, it's still politics and games are still being played. I don't mean to be negative and I support the project.

I do agree with you there... It's hard to believe anyone specially that the Attack adds are starting already. Means a new election is on the way, and when that's the case people will promise anything to be elected or re-elected...

[MonctonRad]

The politics around this decision is now finished (except for federal and provincial officials showing up for the "in kind" funding announcements).

The only drama left will be at Moncton city council with the loyal (?) opposition of Hicks and Bourgeois railing against the fact that the city has only gotten $21M form the province and ~$18M from the feds for a total of $39M rather than the $48M they were looking for.

Will this be enough, especially given that the risk of cost overruns has gone up with the year long delay? Certainly the risk to city tax payers will likely be greater than it should otherwise have been. As a city tax payer (with an inordinately high tax bill), I am concerned - but in this particular case, I think the "greater good" prevails. If the ancillary developments (the Aquillini block, the Junction, the condos on the old Bay parking lot) happen, then this project will truly be transformational for the city. We can't allow this project not to happen.

It would be nice however if Dieppe and Riverview could kick in a little cash, especially since the residents of those two municipalities stand to gain nearly as much as Moncton residents. Since the shortfall from the feds and the province is likely around $9M, how about $6M from Dieppe and $3M from Riverview to make up the difference.......

[L'homard]

Oh MonctonRad, love your sense of humour!

[KnoxfordGuy]

Fantastic news! A great day for Moncton! 😃

[Monctoncore]

I am the happiest man alive today!!

[MonctonRad]

Originally Posted by L'homard

Oh MonctonRad, love your sense of humour!

It was a (semi) serious suggestion.

[pierremoncton]

I propose that the first event at the new centre be a tennis match between the premier and Dr. Rad.

[Scarface]

Originally Posted by pierremoncton

I propose that the first event at the new centre be a tennis match between the premier and Dr. Rad.

I second this motion

[nwalbert]

Will be interesting to see how this plays out...... I think Mr Gallant kisses his political career goodbye if he in fact announces this funding.

The city has a BIG decision to make since the signs are that the feds will NOT contribute or allow the redirection of funds towards this project. Does the city take the risk of going without Federal funds? Will the provincial funding be tied to confirmed federal funds they know wont come?

Should be interesting to see this play out.